APS Stevedoring LLC, a new auto and general/breakbulk cargo stevedoring company headquartered in Long Beach, CA, began its first operations at the end of October in the Port of Richmond, Calif.

Current customers in Richmond include Subaru, Honda, MOL, Act Maritime, K Line and NYK. The company plans to expand throughout the U.S. West Coast as opportunities present themselves. APS has appointed John Gibson as its manager for the Richmond operations.

APS President John Hering, who has more than 23 years experience working for stevedoring companies such as Ports America, commented on the APS' services.

"We see great opportunity with the synergy of all aspects of the logistics chain, including stevedoring, terminal handling and auto processing," Hering said.

Executive Director Port of Richmond Jim Matzorkis added his comments of the new operator.

"The Port of Richmond is pleased that APS Stevedoring has chosen the Port of Richmond as its initial port for stevedoring operations," Matzorkis said. "This is a very exciting time for the Port of Richmond with the arrival of Subaru and APS stevedoring unloading the Green Point, the first vessel carrying Subaru cars to call the port."

APS has extended capabilities and services though its relationship with AWC, North America's largest auto processing company with operations at 22 port, plant and rail locations in the U.S. and Canada.