On 27 November 2008, the first barge deployed to the new "Zhongshan-Yantian Express Service" left Zhongshan for Yantian. This is the first shuttle barge service that was launched following the agreement signed by YICT and Sinotrans Guangdong on 25 September 2008 for the provision of logistics services. The barge carried 120 TEU of containers to Yantian for export.
The new service will provide daily services between Zhongshan and Yantian, a single journey taking 13-16 hours. As soon as the containers arrive at Yantian Port, shippers can track the shipping and customs clearance status of their containers via YICT's Easyport system.
Compared with the container trucking service, the shuttle barge service is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative of transporting cargo for factories around Zhongshan Port. Moreover, the shuttle barge service allows for batch transport and batch customs clearance of containers, which is more convenient and efficient, thus saving freight and manpower costs substantially.
YICT's competitive advantages, including its world-leading operation rate, frequent international shipping services and efficient customs clearance processes, will ensure that the best possible terminal services are provided to barges calling at Yantian.