MSC: Fastest to Respond for Container Bookings from U.S.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world's largest shipping lines serving 380 ports worldwide on six continents, topped the ratings in speed of response for container bookings from the United States, according to INTTRA's Ocean Carrier Booking Responsiveness Analysis. INTTRA's analysis on booking responsiveness provides an exclusive benchmark measuring the amount of time it takes to make a booking for container shipments with ocean carriers. This analysis highlights an important element of automated shipping -- the speed in which a carrier responds to an electronic booking request made by a shipper.

"MSC is delighted to be recognized as the leader in INTTRA's e-booking responsiveness analysis. We know that fast response time to online booking is critical to our customers. It is at the core of MSC's business strategy," said Claudio Bozzo, Chief Operating Officer of MSC. "We are known for delivering outstanding service to our customers and online services enable us to continue what we've always done -- only better."

The U.S. is the second largest exporter of goods in the world, delivering more than $1.6 trillion in exports(1) last year. MSC achieved a response time for goods shipping from the U.S. that is 32 percent faster than the industry average in this region.

Even though e-shipping offers the most efficient, customer service-enhancing alternative to manual processes (i.e. phone, fax), many ocean carriers still take longer to respond to electronic booking requests when compared to manual methods. As a result, those who offer e- booking with the greatest responsiveness can gain a significant advantage for themselves and their customers in efficiencies, cost-savings and customer service overall. INTTRA launched its Ocean Carrier Booking Responsiveness Analysis in October 2014, providing the first benchmark of carrier responsiveness across global trade lanes.

"As the e-shipping evolution accelerates, and we move further away from the inefficiencies of manual processes, those ocean carriers achieving excellence in key areas like e-booking responsiveness will lead industry transformation and bring new benefits to shippers that need to organize the transport of goods globally," said Sandra Moran, Chief Marketing Officer, INTTRA. "We congratulate MSC for leading the way in e-booking responsiveness for the U.S. market."