The trans-Pacific trade lane is seeing renewed capacity with major carriers reintroducing blanked sailings and launching dedicated services – good news for shippers battling volatile rates and space shortages. At XMAE Logistics, we're leveraging these developments to secure reliable capacity for our clients across Asia-US routes.
1. Service Expansion Gains Momentum
Three key developments are reshaping capacity:
2. CMA CGM's Golden Gate Bridge Service now offers weekly departures from Qingdao/Ningbo to Oakland, adding 4,800 TEU weekly capacity specifically for automotive and manufacturing cargo.
3. ZIM's expedited California Express (ZCX) cuts transit time to LA/Long Beach by 4 days compared to standard services, using 5,500-TEU vessels for priority e-commerce shipments.
4. Blank sailings reduction - Carrier schedules show 12% fewer cancellations Q3-Q4 2024 compared to 2023, with THE Alliance confirming full reinstatement of their PN3 service from South China to Pacific Northwest.
What This Means for Shippers
• Better equipment availability at Ningbo and Yantian ports
• 15-20% rate stabilization on key routes since March
• Increased options for urgent holiday season shipments
"Last week we secured 32 FCL containers on a revived COSCO sailing that was previously canceled," shares our Shenzhen operations manager. "That's cargo moving 18 days earlier than expected."
Navigating the New Normal
While capacity improves, challenges remain:
USWC port labor negotiations continue impacting schedules
Panama Canal restrictions persist for East Coast routes
Our team combats this through:
✓ Multi-carrier allocations across alliances
✓ Real-time sailing updates via our booking platform
✓ Drayage buffers for inland rail connections
Need Reliable Transpacific Capacity?
XMAE Logistics maintains direct access to 85% of transpacific sailings through our carrier partnerships. Whether you're moving machinery from Tianjin or consumer goods from Ho Chi Minh City, our free route audit identifies your best options in this evolving landscape.
[Contact our experts] to discuss your Q4 shipping strategy.
