About Us

The National Shipping of America Story

In 2007, National Shipping of America was founded by Dr. CC Chen for the purpose of promoting ocean transportation services for the domestic USA trades. Built on his success with the founding of WanHai Lines in 1965, Dr. CC Chen formed a team of industry experts to explore opportunities in the contiguous and noncontiguous trades of the USA that would lend itself to a cleaner, safer, and more fuel efficient mode of transportation. The management team is led by Torey Presti, a 35-year veteran of the ocean liner and container industry with senior executive positions at US Lines, APL, and Gulf Pacific Lines has managed NSA since inception. Arlene Heeneman, with over 25 years in the industry holding senior positions with Madrigal-WanHai, Transpacific Lines, and Gulf Pacific Lines, manages the sales and marketing and “backroom functions” of NSA. The new venture is supported by a national team of executives with more than 150 years of collective industry experience.

As a member of the Maritime Administration’s American Marine Highway coalition, National Shipping of America remains a strong advocate of the American Merchant Marine and the development of domestic trades. In September 2007, National Shipping launched the MV National Glory; a ‘coastwise endorsed’ American Flag, 570 teu container ship. She is powered by a slow speed diesel main engine that consumes low sulfur fuel making her environmentally friendly. The National Glory has 96 refrigerated plugs plus the capability of loading 20’/40’/45’ containers. After five years on charter supporting the USA efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan, NSA established a fortnightly service between Houston, Texas and San Juan, Puerto Rico which was established in May of 2013. NSA’s general agent is Norton Lilly International for both the US mainland and Puerto Rico.

SCAC Code: NSHA

The Natship Advantage

Fully Cellular

U.S. Flag container ship with Jones Act trading rights dedicated to the Houston/Puerto Rico trade

Modern

Slow speed diesel capable of burning 0.1% Sulfur for lowest environmental impact and compliant with IMO2020 regulations

Efficient

Congestion-free terminals in Houston and San Juan provide quick turn times and value-added cargo handling services

Flexible

Wide variety of new container availability: D20’ / D40’HC / D45’HC / Reefer / 40’ Flat Racks for OOG

Dynamic

Ability to carry oversize, out-of-gauge and project cargo

Reefer Ready

96 reefer plugs for temperature control products and perishables

Transparent

24/7 shipment visibility

Unique & Certified

Only Houston vessel caller serving Puerto Rico – A certified minority small business enterprise (USPAACC)

Excellent Customer Service

Small, flat organization facilitating fast responses to our customers’ needs

Rate Request Form

At National Shipping Agencies, we pride ourselves in providing fast and accurate rate quotes to our customers. We typically can get you a response withing 5 hours or less. Fill out our online rate request form and we will be in touch with you shortly.

Request Form

Track Your Shipments

NSA provides real-time shipment tracking to our customers. You can eliminate time on the phone by simply entering your booking or container number to see exactly where your shipment is and when it is scheduled to arrive at its destination.

Track shipment