Dive Brief:
- Crowley is launching a direct weekly service connecting Guatemala and Honduras to Port Houston in Texas, according to an Aug. 19 press release.
- The shipping and logistics company aims to meet growing cargo demand in sectors such as fresh produce, retail, apparel and industrial goods, Claudia Kattan, VP for Central America, Mexico and Panama, told Supply Chain Dive.
- The route aims to provide faster transit times for shippers, help with inventory planning and flexibility for various time-sensitive goods without transshipment delays, Kattan said. The first voyage is scheduled to arrive in Houston Sept. 10.
Dive Insight:
Central American exports to the U.S. grew 5.1% in value in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. An increase in fresh produce exports from Central America has been a major demand driver, per the release.
The Central America-to-Houston connection seeks to be a reliable and efficient logistics solution for shippers, Kattan said in the press release. Crowley has been serving the market for years, with Port Houston being a major part of its broader ocean network strategy, Kattan said in the email.
The company’s new Port Houston service has Thursday departures and will carry dry and refrigerated containers to transport consumer goods from sea to land, according to a press release. The company also offers 53-foot containers for intermodal efficiency.
“We designed this route to support current market demand while creating room for future growth,” Kattan said. “As with any new service, we will continue to evaluate customer demand and market conditions and make decisions based on what delivers the greatest value for our customers.”
