At National Shipping of America (NSA), we began our journey in 2007 with the delivery of the National Glory, and we’ve since grown into a key player in the domestic maritime industry. The National Glory, a US-flagged, Jones Act-compliant vessel with a capacity of 570 TEUs, represents our dedication to providing reliable ocean transportation services within the United States. Our founder, Dr. CC Chen, brought a wealth of experience to NSA from his successful career in short-sea trades across Asia, having founded Wan Hai Lines in 1965. Leveraging this expertise, we quickly became an integral part of the American Marine Highway program, working closely with the Maritime Administration to promote ocean-based solutions for domestic trade.
From 2007 to 2012, we played a significant role in supporting the U.S. military’s operations in the Middle East and South Asia. During this time, the National Glory operated in key regions like the Arabian Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Baltic. This experience solidified our operational strength in both global and domestic shipping lanes.
In 2013, we expanded our services to meet the growing demand for ocean freight between Houston, Texas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. When Horizon Lines left the Puerto Rico trade, we stepped in to fill the gap, introducing a bi-weekly service between these two ports. This service quickly became a lifeline for goods moving between Texas and Puerto Rico, especially for businesses west of the Mississippi River. By reducing inland transportation by over 900 miles, our Houston-to-Puerto Rico route not only offers significant economic savings but also provides a more environmentally friendly option for our customers.
In 2021, we further enhanced our service by adding Port Everglades, Florida, to our rotation, establishing the M-10 marine highway. This addition allowed us to create a fast, direct service from Port Everglades to San Juan, while still maintaining our connection with Houston. As the only carrier serving Puerto Rico directly from Houston, our service offers a unique value proposition. By reducing inland transit costs and optimizing our sea routes, we’ve carved out an important niche in the maritime industry, delivering efficiency and environmental benefits while meeting the needs of our shippers on this critical trade route.
For over a decade, we’ve proudly served the Puerto Rico trade, offering reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions. Our Houston-to-Puerto Rico service remains unmatched, making us the preferred choice for businesses looking to streamline their logistics and minimize their environmental impact. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, we’re committed to maintaining our leadership in this vital trade route, constantly innovating and striving for excellence in U.S. domestic shipping.
