Dive Brief:
- A.P. Moller-Maersk recently opened a 123,000-square-foot air cargo gateway near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) as it looks to strengthen its end-to-end logistics solutions, according to a July 19 press release.
- The new facility is equipped with 39 dock doors and two oversized, drive-up ramps. It also operates as a Transportation Security Administration-certified cargo screening facility, enabling Maersk to offer priority handling of import and export airline unit load devices.
- The gateway aims to provide local and regional distribution and is in close proximity to commercial carrier capacity and has access to interstates 75 and 285, per the release.
Dive Insight:
Maersk’s new Atlanta gateway is part of the company’s larger push to bolster its air freight services in North America.
The site will “act as a forward staging facility for our Greenville, South Carolina own controlled flight operations,” according to the press release. At Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), the carrier has five Amerijet International-operated freighter services to Germany and two weekly flights to China, with an onward connection to Korea.
Located in Atlanta Tradeport's Foreign Trade Zone, two miles from ATL, the new air freight facility has lower duties, reduced processing fees and quicker transport from the port of Savannah, according to a release.
“Maersk is strengthening our promise to customers of integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions by growing our air freight services in a strategic transportation hub,” John Wetherell, regional head of air freight, North America, said in a statement. “Our Atlanta facility enhances our offering, providing customers with superior supply chain flexibility supported by our expanded regional capabilities in warehousing and transportation.”
Maersk also aims to leverage the connectivity to strengthen its air cargo network across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and other parts of the globe, he added.
The company also recently opened a new air freight gateway facility for customers using Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), which will “add more supply chain integration opportunities,” according to the release.
Maersk’s ocean carrier competitors are also building out their end-to-end supply chain capabilities. Last week, Atlas Air welcomed the delivery of a second 777-200F which the company will operate on behalf of MSC, according to a July 20 release from the operator. An additional two 777 aircraft are expected to be delivered in Q4. MSC initially launched commercial operations in December.
