Due to commence in late April, the service initially will offer fortnightly sailings. It will cut existing transit times by up to five days, according to the company. All general cargoes will be accepted in the service, although hazardous goods are excluded. Rates will represent a "substantial reduction" from current liner groupage prices, FPS Hong Kong claimed, and will include operational costs in Hong Kong, as well as charges associated with the Automated Manifest System of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for goods transshipped via Hong Kong. Rates will not include destination terminal handling charges. FPS Hong Kong director Benny Ling said he expected additional demand from points outside Hong Kong, including mainland China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the rest of southeast Asia and the western Pacific. Arrival alerts will be provided by FPS's handling agent in Honolulu. FPS Hong Kong provides ocean consolidation and full-containerload services to China, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas. It also offers airfreight services globally.
