Global shipping line APL is entering the local market to give Guam and Saipan customers a choice to ship goods to and from the U.S. mainland via Japan beginning on Nov. 24.

Apart from facilitating cargo shipments from the U.S. mainland, where about 75 percent of Guam’s inbound freight originates, the Guam-Saipan Express connection in Yokohama allows Guam and Saipan shippers to tap into APL’s global service network for freight to and from many parts of the world, APL stated in a press release.

Matson and a company that operates a roll-on, roll-off ship for transporting vehicles were left as the two main shippers to Guam from the U.S. mainland after Horizon Lines pulled out of the Guam market several years ago.

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