Nippon Express operates 32 Bonded Container Freight Stations (CFS) located at major import markets across the U.S. These locations are the operations end of Nippon Express’s Arrow International GNS NVOCC consolidation service for both full containerloads (FCL) and less than containerload (LCL) shipments.

CFS service is especially important to importers and exporters of LCL. Outbound LCL shipments are consolidated at the CFS locations and forwarded by Nippon Express’s ocean cargo division in full containerloads (FCLs) to outbound vessels, providing shippers with the benefit of more attractive pricing.

Inbound containerloads of LCL shipments are moved directly from port areas to the CFS facility that can provide the expeditious delivery. Full containers loaded with shipments destined for inland points near a CFS will usually move in bond directly from the ship via rail or truck to the CFS. The containers are deconsolidated, individual shipments cleared through customs and then delivered to their ultimate destination by the fastest means possible, all under the control of Nippon Express USA and its subsidiaries.

For exporters, the CFS network extends volume-shipping advantages to even the most modest-sized shipper by consolidating that shipper’s freight LCL freight with that of other LCL shippers to create a full containerload that moves on ocean carriers at far more attractive volume pricing.

For importers, the Nippon Express network of CFS allows shipments to move as rapidly as possible through congested port areas with no need for devanning, immediate customs clearance or other delay. Manufacturers and retailers can shorten the lead times for their imports, so inventories can be reduced and customer service increased.

This shipment handling reliability can translate into significant savings as manufacturers and retailers redirect their limited capital investment funds from holding excess inventories of goods and materials to other marketing or production functions designed to increase sales and corporate profitability. With the full visibility of freight in transit and reliable shipping performance available from Arrow International GNS, manufacturing and retail planners can see in advance any potential shortfalls either of materials needed for production operations or finished goods to sell and can turn to Arrow International GNS for expedited service options such as air freight to ward off stock-outs or production line downtime.

A wide menu of services is available at each Nippon Express CFS, including cross-dock operations, export packing services, flexible warehousing options, tracking and tracing capabilities and a range of additional value-added logistics services.