Horizon Lines Inc., a provider of U.S. domestic ocean shipping and logistics services, is readying a new Five Star Express (FSX) trans-Pacific liner service. The maiden voyage is scheduled to depart Ningbo, China on Dec. 14, 2010, call Shanghai on Dec. 15 and arriving in Los Angeles on Dec. 26. Approximately 60 percent of the initial voyage is already subscribed, the carrier claimed, adding that it is aiming for a goal of 75-percent booking for the first sailing. Horizon said it plans 15-day availability in Kansas City, MO from Shanghai and 16-day availability in Dallas, TX, relying on weekly intermodal rail service from Los Angeles. The carrier will also offer express inland service to Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta and Charlotte, using on-dock rail connections in order to avoid West Coast drayage fees. Horizon said it plans to expand the inland express network to other locations throughout the U.S. next year. Five of Horizon Lines' vessels currently call ports in China under a transportation services agreement with Maersk Line. Once that agreement expires on Dec. 10, Horizon will begin transporting general cargo from Ningbo and Shanghai on behalf of direct commercial customers.

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