Ocean transportation and logistics services firm Matson Inc. has partnered with BNSF and lock manufacturer War–Lok on what it describes as “an enhanced cargo security program that will add two layers of protection to the majority of its international intermodal cargo at no cost to customers.” The program is slated to begin in second-quarter 2026.
The move is in response “to the rise of theft from intermodal cargo industrywide,” Matson reported March 2.
According to the Honolulu-based firm, the first layer of protection is deploying War–Lok security devices on every international container moving from Los Angeles to all BNSF network destinations, including Chicago, Memphis, and Dallas. The second layer of protection: Under a new agreement with BNSF, Matson containers will be positioned in the lower well of international intermodal railcars from Los Angeles to Chicago. The same protection will apply to cargo moving through the Chicago gateway to select Eastern U.S. destinations up to the BNSF interchange point, according to Matson.
“We’re raising the bar with what we believe to be the most comprehensive carrier-led intermodal security program in the market—setting a new standard for cargo protection,” said John Lauer, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Matson. “For key destinations encompassing the majority of our inland intermodal markets, Matson customers will receive these enhanced security measures at no additional charge. While no security system can eliminate all risk, these added measures significantly reduce exposure to theft and reinforce Matson’s commitment to protecting customer cargo throughout the inland journey.”
Matson noted that it operates two expedited services in the Transpacific trade lane. Its China-Long Beach Express (CLX) and Matson Asia Express (MAX) services each provide weekly departures with what it said are “industry leading ocean transit times from China and key Southeast Asia origins, as well as unmatched destination services with same or next-day freight availability including 100% wheeled operations at its off-dock container yards.”
Additionally, Matson subsidiary Matson Logistics works with all Class I railroads to “design and execute efficient and flexible programs for a broad base of shippers,” according to Matson. It said that partnerships with Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Ferromex, CSX, and CN provide direct service into, out of, and within Mexico (download Matson Logistics company profile below).
