APL joins INTTRA platform

APL joins INTTRA platform    Singapore-based container shipping line APL said Wednesday it is joining the INTTRA e-commerce portal.
   It's an interesting move for APL, which was a founding member of the rival GT Nexus platform.
   APL said in a statement that joining INTTRA 'complements (its) existing relationship with GT Nexus.' A full-scale electronic interface between INTTRA and APL is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010, the company said. The company told American Shipper the agreement is “simply about increasing options for customers to transact electronically with APL. We’re a founding member (of GT Nexus) and continue to be a very active member.”
   'Joining INTTRA enables APL to meet market demand for proven e-commerce solutions that streamline processes, optimize freight flows and manage costs,' APL President Eng Aik Meng said in a statement.
   INTTRA works with more than 30 leading ocean carriers and shippers to streamline and standardize processes such as bookings, bills of lading and invoicing. More than 300,000 container orders are initiated via INTTRA each week, representing more than 10 percent of global liner shipping trade. ' Eric Johnson