APL Logistics has begun to deploy its own fleet of 53-foot containers in the North American domestic intermodal market. The third party logistics operator’s first boxes hit highways and railroads in the region at the end of May. The fleet is expected to reach 1,000 units by end August, and in excess of that before the year is up.
APL Logistics’ move to launch its own fleet of containers comes at a time when an industry-wide equipment crunch introduces greater uncertainty into supply chains of manufacturers and retailers across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Fifty-three footers are the most commonly-sized containers in North America. The new additions supplement containers provided by APL Logistics’ rail partners, thereby giving it access to an overall bigger pool of equipment for reliable freight deployment within the region.