Global logistics company CEVA Logistics and French container company CMA CGM are launching a cross-border service for ocean freight containers used by customers across Thailand and Laos. The new service provides solutions for both import and export customers and helps them reduce their carbon footprint — as empty containers no longer have to be returned to their origin.

The combined ocean freight and cross-border trucking service enables importers to drop off their empty containers at a newly expanded CMA CGM container depot, operated by CEVA, outside the Laos capital, Vientiane. This means there is no need for an empty return leg where equipment would be previously unused and would have been sent back to the Thai port of Laem Chabang where it entered the country. Exporters from both Laos and Northeastern Thailand benefit from no delay in accessing containers in their region, which means they can swiftly and easily expedite their freight on its journey to the port.

Effective immediately, the container depot in Vientiane will support all CMA CGM Group carriers and will additionally provide storage, repacking and assembly services within the Free Trade Zone from which it operates.