Founded as a branch of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), MSC (USA) Inc.—officially known as MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc.—operates as a significant logistics and transportation hub within the United States. Headquartered at 420 Fifth Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10018 (MSC, Maritime Informed, Msc Track), it serves as the central node in MSC’s vast network of American operations.
Global Parentage and Industry Standing
The parent company, MSC SA, is a Swiss-based powerhouse in the container shipping industry. Founded in Italy in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte, MSC SA is privately held and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland (Wikipedia). As of March 2025, MSC SA dominates the global shipping landscape with around 900 cargo vessels, a fleet capacity that captures over 20% of the world’s container shipping market (Wikipedia).
MSC USA Network & Services
Comprehensive Geographic Footprint
MSC USA is deeply embedded in the American logistics scene. It maintains 675 offices globally, supports 300 trade routes, and serves 520 ports across more than 155 countries—promising seamless integration for imports and exports involving the United States (MSC).
Inland Logistics & Intermodal Operations
Beyond ocean transport, MSC USA plays an instrumental role in inland logistics. With 35 terminals, over 90 rail ramps, and 100 depots, it connects over 5,000 inland locations across North America, utilizing an expansive 3,100-mile railroad network that spans East, West, and Gulf coast regions (MSC). The company’s intermodal team, composed of over 200 logistics specialists, ensures efficient coordination across road, rail, and port modes with personalized support (MSC).
Warehousing Capabilities
With more than 40 warehousing facilities offering over 6 million square feet of space, MSC USA delivers flexible storage and handling solutions—including cross-docking, transloading, long- or short-term storage, and real-time inventory tracking. These strategically placed facilities streamline inventory management and speed up distribution (MSC).
Industry-Specific Tailored Solutions
- Automotive Logistics: MSC USA provides specialized logistics solutions tailored to the automotive sector. Its offerings include secure warehousing, flexible transport, detailed reporting, and efficient cross-border rail services between Chicago, Detroit, and Montreal. Recognition from major companies such as Caterpillar and Stellantis underscores its excellence in the field (MSC).
- Additional Industry Verticals: Leveraging MSC’s global expertise, MSC USA supports sectors like retail, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, mining, and more—offering services ranging from temperature-controlled shipping to hazard-compliant transportation (MSC).
Digital Engagement & Client Support
MSC USA’s proprietary digital platform, myMSC, offers clients full visibility into their shipments, including features for:
- Tracking ETA, arrival notices, advisory of charges
- Viewing freight and customs release statuses
- Submitting last-free-day queries and other shipment inquiries
Clients must register and choose MSC United States as their agency to access these tracking and management tools (MSC).
Additional support services—including customer service for imports, rail transport, demurrage, claims, and inland delivery orders—are accessible via dedicated email and phone channels across multiple regional offices (MSC, MSC).
Expansion in the United States
Charleston Campus
Recognizing the importance of the East Coast hub, MSC USA broke ground on a new Charleston, South Carolina office in June 2024. This expansion, planned as a campus named after influential maritime figure Jerry Baldwin, will increase employee capacity to 520 by late summer 2025—up from 383—boosting support functions like procurement, finance, and marine operations (MSC).
Tempe, Arizona Office
In May 2023, MSC announced a new branch in Tempe, Arizona, situated in the environmentally conscious 777 Tower on Arizona State University’s campus. Scheduled to open in 2024, this office aims to strengthen MSC’s presence in the West Coast and Gulf, enhance local talent access, and leverage ASU’s innovation ecosystem (MSC).
Legal Framework & Agency Terms
MSC USA adheres to a set of Agency Terms & Conditions that govern its contracts within the country. These terms clarify its role as an agent of MSC SA, define the hierarchy of applicable legal documents (sea waybills, bills of lading, booking notes), and set guidelines regarding carriage, depot operations, and fees (MSC).
Summary: MSC USA’s Core Strengths
By integrating ocean freight, inland logistics, warehousing, tailored sector services, and advanced digital tools, MSC USA creates a powerful logistics ecosystem. Its expanding physical footprint—marked by Charleston and Tempe—alongside its global reach makes it a reliable bridge between American markets and international trade.
Let me know if you’d like to explore any specific elements further—whether it’s details on intermodal operations, customer digital tools, or regional expansions!