FPS adds New Zealand/Pacific Islands link

FPS adds New Zealand/Pacific Islands link    Asia-based Famous Pacific Shipping said Tuesday it is starting a new less-than-containerload service from New Zealand to Micronesia, Guam, and the Marshall Islands.
   The ocean freight consolidation service will draw on the dearth of direct shipping options from New Zealand to the South Pacific destinations, according to FPS.
   'Importers in the region are looking to source growing volumes of material from New Zealand — from building products through to New Zealand wines,' said Marcus Goldsworthy, FPS (NZ) managing director. 'We expect that as a reliable service now exists, trade will follow.
   'We are working with Reef Shipping, which operates scheduled services from New Zealand and Australia to the majority of the Pacific Island nations and is the sole service provider to some key ports, including Niue, Aitutaki and Vavau. Reef also offers an (full containerload) transshipment service from Asia into the Pacific Islands.'
   All LCL cargo will be consolidated at FPS's facility in Auckland, the company said. FPS NZ's new service will operate every 18 days from Auckland, with a three-week transit time to Majuro, Micronesia, and four weeks to Guam.
   The Famous Pacific Shipping Group is an international freight network with 70 member companies in 54 countries worldwide, operating under the FPS banner. The network formed a joint venture with New Zealand-based Royal International Couriers earlier this spring.