APL to develop new intermodal container terminal in US

APL, the world’s seventh largest container shipping carrier, last week confirmed a land purchase in the city of Joliet, Illinois, to develop its latest intermodal container terminal in the United States.

The 43 acres of space was acquired from CenterPoint Properties within the CenterPoint Intermodal Centre, the largest inland port in the US.

 “The purchase of this land is in line with APL’s long term strategic objectives. APL has a strong trans-continental intermodal network in the US and we want to build on that strength,” said APL Americas President Gene Seroka.

APL’s new container yard will be advantageously located close to the Union Pacific and BNSF Intermodal Rail Terminals, as well as numerous customer warehouse and distribution centres.  Due for completion by December 2011, the container yard will function as APL’s Chicago Global Gateway, serving customers in Chicago and the surrounding areas.

It will feature automated gate technology, an equipment maintenance facility as well as reefer servicing capabilities. It will also house APL’s regional operations team.

The new terminal will eventually replace APL’s container terminal in Chicago, Illinois, which has been operational since 1985.

APL is a global container shipping business offering more than 80 weekly services and more than 500 calls at more than 140 ports worldwide. It combines world-class intermodal operations with leading-edge IT and e-commerce. APL is a unit of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), global shipping and logistics company.