PD Ports has clinched the UK Container Carrier Award 2011 at the ASDA Carrier Awards for the combination of its "logical link" and logistics services.

Contestants of the award were expected to demonstrate improvements in the seven areas of colleagues, service, compliance, empty miles/positioning, equipment, fuel efficiency and innovation.

Frank Antropik, PD Logistics general manager (north), said: "We greatly value this accolade. We invest in training, in equipment, and in developing the best IT systems in order to continue improving service to all our customers."

The recognition comes after the company launched a shortsea shipping service between its own facilities at Teesport and Felixstowe, which it said saved the British supermarket chain GBP12 million (US$19.5 million) and three million road miles annually by transporting containers from the quay at Teesport to its client's import centre at the port and to external sites within the area.

The company added that "it also devans distressed or out-of-spec cargo, provides flexible warehousing space and handles overflow road trailers as needed" for its customers.