Australian agency nets P&O

Australian Internet agency Red Square has clinched a major deal to supply one of the world's largest shipping companies with an innovative online product that is set to be a boon for sea freight users.

P & O Nedlloyd approached Red Square to develop an online product that would offer businesses competitive sea-freight rates significantly below the normal P&O "tariff" rates.

The resulting youship.com website, which is only available at present to businesses shipping goods between Australia and New Zealand, allows businesses that are shipping goods to view prices and space availability online, as well as book their shipment online, after which they are issued with an e-ticket confirming the booking and charges to be paid.

"Through youship.com, booking shipping is now as easy as booking an airline ticket," according to youship.com's manager, David Stevens. "For the first time in the world, our online presence now gives potential and existing customers an easier and often more cost effective sea-freight offering, to reflect the online service being provided."

Bookings can be made by customers on both sides of the Tasman, as well as on P&O Nedlloyd services, including ships of partner companies where P&O has a space allocation.