OAKLAND, Calif., Sep 16, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Matson launched its expanded China - Long Beach Express service this week, with the first departures from Hong Kong and Yantian and a new second weekly call at Shanghai. The new weekly service allows Matson to extend its geographic reach to the South China region, including Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, and build on its well established reputation for providing service features that are the best in the Transpacific trade. With the second string of vessels, Matson will now offer twice weekly service from Shanghai and weekly service from Hong Kong, Yantian, Xiamen and Ningbo to Long Beach. The expanded service also features a new direct westbound service to China that links Southern California and the U.S. interior to Hong Kong, Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta.

"Matson's China - Long Beach Express is recognized for industry leading on-time arrivals, next day cargo availability, and seamless intermodal connections using Matson's logistics unit, Matson Integrated Logistics," said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services. "Matson has also distinguished itself in the trade by our fast transit times from China to Southern California and exceptional levels of customer service. Equally important, our service commitment to providing reliable fixed day arrivals and next day cargo availability is extended to all of our customers, not just for the cargo of a select few. Our smaller vessels allow faster loading and unloading of cargo. In addition, a conveniently located off-dock facility in Long Beach provides faster truck turn times and container pick up. And Matson's online technology provides customers with total in-transit visibility."

Hoppes added: "Matson's expanded service is a direct response to the exceptionally positive support we've received from customers who have benefited from the numerous advantages of our China service over the past four years. We look forward to working with these customers as we expand our presence China and welcome new customers who are seeking to improve their supply chain, whether through fast transits, dependable vessel schedules, responsive customer service, or online shipment management capabilities."

Matson provides ocean transportation services to Hawaii, Guam, China and Micronesia, as well as logistics services through its subsidiary, Matson Integrated Logistics.

Matson is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu (NYSE: ALEX). Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements," and should be read in conjunction with Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.'s Form 10-K and its other filings with the SEC, which identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Matson

Matson
Jeff Hull, 510-628-4534
jhull@matson.com