0 Comments
1 category
Mason Express Shipping Timings
As a US or European importer sourcing goods from China, you’ve likely heard of Matson Clipper—touted as the fastest ocean freight option for China-to-USA shipping. But the big question remains: What’s the real Matson Clipper transit time, and can it reliably meet your tight supply chain deadlines? Unpredictable shipping times can derail inventory plans, delay customer deliveries, and eat into profits. Is Matson’s “12-day transit” a myth or a reality? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Matson Clipper transit times—including key influencing factors, port-by-port estimates, how it compares to other shipping options, and pro tips to maximize efficiency—so you can make informed decisions for your business.
What Is Matson Clipper, and Why Does Its Transit Time Matter?
Matson Clipper (officially Matson’s China-Long Beach Express, CLX/CLX+) is a premium ocean freight service that connects Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo) to US West Coast ports (primarily Long Beach, California). Unlike standard ocean freight (which takes 20+ days) or other “fast” services, Matson Clipper leverages faster vessel speeds and direct routes to deliver cargo in record time. For US and European importers, this speed is a game-changer: it bridges the gap between slow, cheap sea freight and expensive air freight, enabling just-in-time inventory management and faster time-to-market for goods from electronics to consumer goods.
Key Factors That Impact Matson Clipper Transit Time
While Matson Clipper is known for speed, its transit time isn’t fixed. Four core factors determine how long your shipment will take—understanding these helps you set realistic expectations and avoid delays:
1. Origin & Destination Ports
Matson Clipper’s primary route is Shanghai/Ningbo (China) to Long Beach (USA)—this is the fastest lane, with the most consistent transit times. If your cargo originates from other Chinese ports (e.g., Shenzhen) or needs to be delivered to US East Coast ports (e.g., New York) via rail (mini-landbridge), additional time will be added. For example, shipping from Shenzhen to Long Beach via Matson adds 2-3 days (cargo is trucked to Shanghai first), while shipping from Shanghai to New York via Matson + rail adds 5-7 days.
2. Matson Service Type: CLX vs. CLX+
Matson offers two key services for China-to-USA shipping, with slight transit time differences: – CLX (China-Long Beach Express): The original premium service, with weekly sailings and the fastest transit time (11-13 days). – CLX+ (China-Long Beach Express Plus): A second weekly sailing with slightly longer transit (13-15 days) but more flexible scheduling. Both are faster than standard ocean freight, but CLX is the go-to for time-sensitive cargo.
3. Peak Seasons & Port Congestion
Even Matson Clipper isn’t immune to peak season delays. The busiest periods include: – Pre-Chinese New Year (January-February): Shanghai/Ningbo ports see surging volume, leading to 1-2 days of loading delays. – US Holiday Peak (August-October): Long Beach port congestion increases as importers stock up for Thanksgiving/Christmas, adding 1-3 days to transit. Off-peak periods (April-June, November) offer the most reliable, fastest Matson Clipper transit times.
4. Cargo Type & Documentation
Full Container Load (FCL) shipments typically have faster transit than Less Than Container Load (LCL), as LCL requires additional consolidation/deconsolidation time (1-2 days). Delays can also occur due to incomplete documentation (e.g., missing commercial invoice, HS codes, or US customs forms), so proper paperwork is critical to avoiding hold-ups at Long Beach port.
Matson Clipper Transit Time: Port-by-Port Estimates (2024)
Below are realistic transit time ranges for Matson Clipper’s core routes. These estimates include direct ocean transit only—add 1-3 days for port handling and 2-5 days for US customs clearance. For East Coast deliveries, add 5-7 days for rail transit from Long Beach.
Route (China → USA) | Matson CLX Transit Time | Matson CLX+ Transit Time | Peak Season Delay (Add 1-3 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai → Long Beach (CA) | 11-13 days | 13-15 days | 12-16 days (CLX); 14-18 days (CLX+) |
Ningbo → Long Beach (CA) | 12-14 days | 14-16 days | 13-17 days (CLX); 15-19 days (CLX+) |
Shenzhen → Long Beach (CA) (via Shanghai) | 14-16 days | 16-18 days | 15-19 days (CLX); 17-21 days (CLX+) |
Shanghai → New York (NY) (CLX + Rail) | 18-22 days | 20-24 days | 19-25 days (CLX); 21-27 days (CLX+) |
Shanghai → Houston (TX) (CLX + Rail) | 17-21 days | 19-23 days | 18-24 days (CLX); 20-26 days (CLX+) |
Matson Clipper vs. Other Shipping Options: Transit Time Comparison
To understand if Matson Clipper is right for you, it’s helpful to compare its transit time to other China-to-USA shipping options:
Shipping Option | Transit Time (Shanghai → Long Beach) | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
Matson Clipper (CLX) | 11-13 days | Fastest ocean freight; reliable scheduling | More expensive than standard sea freight |
Other “Fast” Ocean Freight (e.g., ZIM Zip) | 15-18 days | Cheaper than Matson; faster than standard | Less reliable than Matson; longer transit |
Standard Ocean Freight | 20-28 days | Lowest cost | Slowest; high risk of delays |
Air Freight | 2-4 days | Fastest overall | 5-10x more expensive than Matson |
Pro Tips to Maximize Matson Clipper Transit Time Efficiency
To get the most out of Matson Clipper’s speed and avoid unnecessary delays, follow these actionable tips:
1. Book Early & Choose the Right Service
Matson Clipper’s CLX service sells out quickly during peak season—book 4-6 weeks in advance to secure space. For time-sensitive cargo, prioritize CLX over CLX+; for more flexible timelines, CLX+ offers a balance of speed and cost. Work with a logistics provider that has direct access to Matson’s schedules to lock in the best sailing dates.
2. Optimize Origin & Destination Logistics
If possible, source goods from Shanghai/Ningbo to avoid additional trucking time from other Chinese ports. For US deliveries, use Long Beach as your destination port (Matson’s hub) and arrange for pre-booked trucking or rail to your final location—this cuts down on port storage and transit delays.
3. Prepare Compliant Documentation
US customs clearance is a critical step—delays here can negate Matson’s speed advantage. Ensure you have all required documents: commercial invoice with accurate HS codes, packing list, bill of lading, and any product-specific certifications (e.g., FDA for food items, FCC for electronics). A logistics provider with US customs expertise can audit your paperwork to ensure compliance.
4. Use FCL for Time-Sensitive Cargo
Opt for FCL instead of LCL to skip consolidation/deconsolidation steps. If you don’t have enough cargo for a full container, consider “consolidation with Matson-exclusive LCL” (offered by some forwarders) to minimize delay risks.
Why Work With a Matson Clipper-Specialized Logistics Provider?
While Matson Clipper is fast, maximizing its efficiency requires expertise in route optimization, US customs compliance, and peak season planning. A specialized international logistics provider offers three key advantages for US and European importers:
- Direct Matson Access: Partnerships with Matson to secure CLX/CLX+ space during peak season and access real-time sailing schedules/transit updates.
- US Customs Expertise: Local teams familiar with US CBP regulations to ensure seamless clearance and avoid hold-ups that delay your cargo.
- End-to-End Visibility: Full tracking from Chinese warehouse to your US/European destination, with proactive alerts if delays occur (e.g., port congestion, weather issues).
Get a Free Matson Clipper Transit Time Estimate & Quote Today
Ready to leverage Matson Clipper’s speed to optimize your supply chain? We specialize in Matson Clipper shipping for US and European importers, offering transparent transit time estimates, peak season booking support, and end-to-end logistics management. Our team will work with you to understand your cargo type, route, and timeline, then provide a detailed, no-obligation quote—with no hidden fees.
To get your free estimate:
- Fill out our online form with your cargo details (type, weight, volume), origin/destination ports, and desired timeline.
- Receive a personalized Matson Clipper transit time estimate and quote within 24 hours.
- Speak with our Matson specialist to answer any questions and finalize your shipping pla
Category: Logistics transportation timeliness