Matson, ZIM, and Regular Shipping Companies: Key Differences and Selection Guide for Importers
For importers seeking reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions from China to the United States, understanding the differences between major service options is crucial. The three primary choices are Matson (Matson Express), ZIM (ZIM eCommerce Express), and regular shipping companies. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities: speed, reliability, or cost, etc.
Understand the core differences between the three types of cargo shipping routes
Matson
Matson Express's core advantages are "extreme speed and extremely high certainty." As the industry's recognized "benchmark for fast shipping," its on-time rate is consistently above 95%. Its biggest highlight is its self-operated C60 terminal at Long Beach Port, allowing for unloading within 24 hours of vessel arrival and container pickup within 1 to 2 days, with a total transit time of only 18 to 22 days. Direct shipping from Shanghai to Long Beach takes only 11 to 12 working days.
However, its shortcomings are also obvious: its freight costs are the highest of the three, and its main ports of origin are concentrated in Shanghai and Ningbo. If the supplier is located in South China, inland, or northern China, the goods need to be transshipped inland to these two ports, adding extra transportation time and costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to book space during peak season. Shipping companies generally prioritize booking space based on the volume of cargo. During peak season, e-commerce platforms have particularly large volumes of cargo, thus occupying more space.
ZIM
Zim operates a global container shipping service network. Zim Express focuses on a "high cost-performance balance," with prices 1-2 RMB/kg lower than Matson and delivery time second only to Matson. The entire process (from departure to warehousing) takes 20 to 25 days, with a direct voyage from Yantian Port to Long Beach Port taking approximately 14 working days. This is particularly beneficial if your suppliers are sellers in South China—they can load directly from Shenzhen Yantian Port, eliminating the need for inland transshipment and saving on upfront costs.
However, it calls at the Long Beach Port public terminal, which is prone to congestion during peak seasons. Its final container pickup efficiency is not as good as Matson's, and its delivery time is typically about 2 days slower, making it slightly less reliable.
Regular Shipping Companies
Regular shipping companies (commonly CMA, MSC, HPL, etc.) are characterized by "low cost + wide coverage." Their freight rates are the lowest among the three, with ample capacity suitable for large-volume cargo transportation. Furthermore, their wide route coverage can accommodate various non-urgent transportation needs.
However, the shortcomings are concentrated in timeliness and stability: the whole process (from departure to warehouse) takes 30 to 45 days or even longer, and the delay may be further extended when encountering detours, cargo consolidation or peak season congestion; the container rollover rate in peak season can reach 15%, and unloading at public terminals requires queuing for 7 to 15 days, with extremely large fluctuations in timeliness.
|
Feature |
Matson Express |
ZIM eCommerce Express |
Regular Ocean Freight |
|
Typical Transit Time |
11 to 16 days (Port to Port) |
12 to 20 days (Port to Port) |
25 to 40+ days (Port to Port) |
|
Key Routes |
Shanghai/Ningbo to Long Beach |
Shanghai/Ningbo to Los Angeles/Long Beach |
Various China ports to US West/East Coast |
|
Reliability & Schedule |
Extremely high; fixed weekly sailing, dedicated terminals |
High; stable weekly service, prioritized berthing |
Variable; subject to congestion, co-loading, and rollovers |
|
Price Point |
Premium |
Moderate to High |
Most Economical |
|
Best For |
Time-sensitive, high-value cargo, strict inventory deadlines |
Balanced need for speed and cost, e-commerce goods |
Non-urgent cargo, large volume shipments, lowest cost priority |
How to choose a suitable shipping company?
There is no absolute "best" shipping method, only the one that is most suitable for your business needs. The following will guide you to choose the right shipping method based on product characteristics, sales cycles, budget, and other factors:
1. Prioritize Matson Express: Prioritizing timely delivery and less delays
If your goods are the type that "cannot afford delays" and you can afford high shipping costs, Matson is the first choice. For example, for Amazon FBA emergency restocking—out of stock directly impacts store ranking—Matson's reliable delivery time allows for rapid inventory replenishment. Similarly, for shipping perpetually volatile, high-profit goods such as 3C products, holiday gifts, and high-value cosmetics, delays of even a few days can result in significant profit losses; Matson's fast delivery mitigates these risks.
Furthermore, for orders with specific delivery deadlines (such as those for trade shows or holiday promotions), where delays lead to defaults, Matson's fixed "Closing date: Sat and Sailing date: Wed" schedule and strong risk resistance (even in severe weather, it strives to deliver on time) perfectly meet these needs.
2. Prioritize ZIM Express: For those seeking "timely delivery without exceeding cost limits"
This is a compromise for many importers, suitable for scenarios requiring timely delivery but avoiding Matson's high freight costs. For example, this is ideal for mid-range apparel, home goods, and general cosmetics—products of moderate value—that want to control logistics costs without excessive inventory buildup due to prolonged transportation. It's especially suitable for suppliers in South China—direct loading from Yantian Port saves time and costs associated with transshipment to Shanghai or Ningbo, offering better value.
If your cargo volume is moderate, requiring stable replenishment but not extreme timeliness, ZIM can strike a balance between "meeting delivery targets" and "controllable costs." However, during peak seasons, advance planning is necessary, allowing 3 to 5 days for potential port congestion.
3. Prioritize Regular Shipping Companies: "Cost is king, timeliness is inconsequential"
If your goods have low value and thin profit margins, and shipping time doesn't affect sales, regular shipping companies are the most cost-effective option. For example, shipping furniture, plastic parts, low-priced daily necessities, and outdoor tools involves goods with small profit margins, so low freight costs can significantly improve overall profitability. Another example is stocking up for peak seasons (such as Black Friday or Christmas) more than three months in advance, or maintaining a stable supply of regular inventory. In these cases, there's no need to prioritize rapid delivery; cost advantages can be achieved by sacrificing timeliness.
Furthermore, regular shipping companies are more adaptable to oversized cargo (such as amusement equipment with a height limit of 6 meters and large kitchen equipment), making them suitable for goods with specific needs.
When choosing a shipping company, factors such as cargo type, destination, delivery speed, and service area should be considered to find the best fit for your import logistics needs. However, this article only provides general information; professional freight forwarders will provide you with reasonable planning and advice.
Like Senghor Logistics, we partner with Matson, Zim, and other major shipping companies, securing first-hand contract freight rates. We assess our clients' needs (such as timeliness, price, and port requirements) and, based on over a decade of experience, compare the service advantages of various shipping companies to provide suitable solutions. This ensures a smooth and efficient shipping process, thereby contributing to your business growth and success. Give us a chance to work together.
Post time: Dec-30-2025
