F.S. MACKENZIE ADDS DIRECT VIETNAM/U.K. LCL SERVICE

F.S. MACKENZIE ADDS DIRECT VIETNAM/U.K. LCL SERVICE

   F.S. Mackenzie, the U.K.-based non-vessel-operating common carrier, is offering direct container groupage services from Vietnam to the United Kingdom, in cooperation with Everich Ltd., a forwarders based in Ho Chi Minh City.

   'Vietnam groupage containers tend to include cargo that's destined for various markets. Normally, this is unloaded and reloaded at the transshipment port, leading to considerable delays and possible damage,' said John Smith-Allen, F.S. Mackenzie's import manager. 'With our service ' the container is just reloaded to a mother ship operating into either Felixstowe or Southampton, according to consignee preference.'

   Everich offers collection service from throughout Vietnam, while F.S. Mackenzie will handle distribution in the United Kingdom through its domestic network.

   The service is fortnightly initially, but F.S. Mackenzie intends to upgrade to weekly departures when volumes warrant. Clothing and footwear are expected to be the dominant products, though groupage services will be offered on a freight all kinds basis, the company said.