Horizon Logistics aims for smaller shippers

Horizon Logistics aims for smaller shippers    Horizon Logistics, the third-party logistics management subsidiary of Horizon Lines, said Friday it is targeting business from small and medium-sized retailers and manufacturers from Asia to the United States by offering the same types of service usually offered to larger importers.
   The company is calling the offering 3V Distribution Services (velocity, visibility and value-added distribution).
   “Small and medium-sized retailers and manufacturers traditionally have struggled to receive the same quality of logistics services that larger shippers receive,” said Brian Taylor, president of Horizon Logistics. “Our vision is to change that. We are seeing a real demand to service this market and the U.S. is still a hotbed for innovation and new product distribution.”
   The service includes consolidation and ocean freight between Asia and U.S. ports, and inland transportation and delivery via rail, truckload and less-than-truckload. For visibility, Horizon said it has developed a Web portal for booking ocean transportation and monitoring international shipment information.
   'Customers can track shipments by P.O., SKU, part number, container number or bill of lading to view details and delivery status against pro forma schedule expectations,' the company said.
   For value-added services, Horizon will rely on a warehouse and cross-docking facility in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with storage, pick, pack, kitting and assembly options. Horizon operates similar facilities in San Francisco, Oakland, Tacoma, Laredo, New Jersey and North Carolina for shippers using those points of entry.
   'Horizon Logistics initially will target e-commerce and catalogue retailers for 3V Distribution Services to meet their need for rapid fulfillment and delivery,' the company said.