The National Shipping of America Story
National Shipping of America was formed in 2007 with the delivery of the National Glory, a US Flag, Jones Act, 570 TEU container ship. The owner of National Shipping of America, Dr. CC Chen was well experienced in the short sea trades of Asia as founder of Wan Hai Lines in 1965. Coinciding with the establishment of the American Marine Highway program, National Shipping joined the Maritime Administration’s cooperative to promote ocean transportation in the domestic trade of the USA.
From 2007 – 2012 the National Glory supported the US military presence in the Middle East and South Asia. The National Glory traded in the Arabian Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Baltic during this period.
In 2013 with the departure of Horizon Lines from the Puerto Rico trade, NSA commenced a fortnightly service between Houston and San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2021 NSA added Port Everglades to their rotation which created a marine highway (M-10) between Houston and south Florida in addition to providing a fast direct service from Port Everglades to San Juan.
For the past 10 years, National Shipping has filled an important niche for the Puerto Rico trade. For cargoes originating and destined for Texas and West of the Mississippi, National Shipping reduces the inland mileage in the USA by 900 miles – clearly a value proposition both economically and environmentally.
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
Green Driven Transportation Solutions
The impacts of climate change impact everyone on Earth. The National Climate Assessment reports the average global temperatures have increased by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 100 years. The need to decarbonize is now critical.
National Shipping has answered that call and is doing its part to reduce greenhouse gases. To this end, we utilize the highest-grade fuel oil with the least amount of sulfur content. Additionally, we participate in the annual Carbon Disclosure Project. This project measures our annual Scope 1 emissions and sets baselines and goals for future years.
National Shipping of America is the only Puerto Rico carrier that calls Houston. For cargoes that originate or are destined for Texas and points west of Texas, National Shipping eliminates approximately 900 truck miles from the journey that typically moves via Jacksonville. The ocean/rail combination is approximately 6 times more fuel efficient than the longer truck route.
National Shipping provides the ‘greenest’ mode of transport when the overall journey is measured.
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.
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.