ZIM launches new ZX3 express service linking China and Los Angeles
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has announced the launch of ZX3, a new premium express container shipping service connecting Shanghai and Xiamen directly with Los Angeles, expanding the carrier’s expedited network across the Transpacific trade.
Scheduled to commence in December 2026, the service will be operated exclusively by ZIM and will follow the rotation Xiamen – Shanghai – Los Angeles – Xiamen.
The carrier has announced a 12-day transit time from Shanghai to Los Angeles and 15 days from Xiamen to the US West Coast port. The new service will complement ZIM’s existing ZEX and ZX2 premium products, bringing the combined network to seven weekly departures from China and Vietnam to the US West Coast.
ZX3 will provide direct calls at Shanghai and Xiamen, introducing an additional express connection from the two Chinese ports to Los Angeles. According to ZIM, the service is designed to support consistent weekly schedules and provide shippers with greater flexibility in their Transpacific cargo movements.
Dedicated terminal facilities and inland rail connections
At Los Angeles, ZX3 will use the West Basin Container Terminal (WBCT), where ZIM has arranged dedicated berthing, yard facilities and cargo pickup lanes to support expedited container handling.
The service is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles on Mondays, with expedited cargo discharged onto ZIM-dedicated chassis for immediate availability. According to the carrier, this arrangement will allow eligible cargo to be collected without appointments or queuing.
ZIM also plans expedited rail connections from Los Angeles to major US inland destinations, including New York, Chicago, Memphis, Dallas and Kansas City.
Hani Kalinski, Executive Vice President of ZIM’s Pacific Business Unit, said the service would extend the company’s expedited network coverage by adding Xiamen and an additional direct connection from Shanghai.
The launch adds another service to ZIM’s premium Transpacific offering, combining direct ocean connections with dedicated terminal handling arrangements and inland transportation options.
ZIM has not disclosed the vessels or weekly capacity assigned to ZX3 in the announcement.
