High all-water costs
The customer faced a high ocean quote for the Shanghai–Houston all-water route.
Auto Parts
Ocean–Rail Routing for a Texas Auto Parts Importer
ANL combined supplier consolidation in Shanghai with an ocean–rail routing via Los Angeles to address cost and timing pressures on a Texas-bound shipment.
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Project at a glance
- Client profile
- Texas-based auto parts business
- Cargo
- Containerized auto parts, approximately 10 tonnes per container
- Origin handling
- Cargo from two suppliers consolidated in Shanghai
- Routing
- Ocean freight to Los Angeles, followed by rail
- Destination
- Houston, Texas
- Delivery model
- DDP to the customer’s door
The challenge
Canal-related delays
The Panama routing added uncertainty during low-water conditions.
Limited vessel space
Booking and cargo-ready dates needed early coordination with both suppliers.
How ANL managed the project
- 01Two Shanghai suppliers
- 02Warehouse consolidation
- 03Ocean freight to LA
- 04Rail to Texas
- 05Door delivery
Consolidate supplier cargo
The two suppliers delivered cargo to the Shanghai warehouse for container loading.
Compare transport options
ANL compared carrier options and developed an ocean–rail alternative to the all-water route.
Book ahead of cargo movement
The team worked on booking approximately one month ahead and coordinated cargo readiness with the shippers.
Connect rail and final delivery
The selected route transferred to rail in Los Angeles and continued toward the customer’s Texas delivery requirement.
Project outcome
A lower-cost routing solution
The project record reports improved transport cost through the ocean–rail option.
Timing considered alongside price
The route addressed the customer’s delivery needs as well as the all-water cost pressure.
Repeat business
The relationship continued with further orders.
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