New Crowley weekly container service connects Port Houston to Central America
Crowley is introducing a new weekly container service connecting Port Houston to Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala, and Puerto Cortés, Honduras – two of Central America’s largest and fastest-growing trade gateways.
The Gulf-Central America Express Service makes its first Houston call on Sept. 10 with Thursday departures. Crowley’s vessels will carry dry and refrigerated containers that can transport a range of fresh produce, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods from sea to land. The range of sizes includes 53-foot containers that maximize intermodal efficiency in the markets.
Central American exports to the United States grew 15.7% in year-over-year shipments in early 2026, driven largely by demand for fresh produce, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.
“A direct Houston connection provides a reliable, efficient logistics solution for U.S.-Central American supply chains,” said Claudia Kattan, vice president for Central America, Mexico and Panama at Crowley. “Shippers get faster transits, improved inventory planning and the flexibility to move fresh produce, consumer goods and other time-sensitive cargo without the delays of transshipments.”
Port Houston accounts for approximately 75% of U.S. Gulf container volume. The port’s scale and inland connectivity give Central American exporters direct access to Texas, Midwest and West Coast markets, strengthening supply chain reliability for U.S. retailers.
“We are proud to welcome Crowley’s Gulf-Central America Express Service to Port Houston,” said John Moseley, chief commercial officer for Port Houston. “This new weekly call gives shippers a direct, reliable connection to Houston and two important Central American gateways, expanding choice for customers moving refrigerated and dry cargo through Houston.”
