Some of the mainline shipping providers (i.e., large, global container shipping companies) operating in China are among the largest logistics companies in the world. These companies offer ocean freight services on major shipping routes between China and international destinations. Here are the top mainline shipping providers in China:

1. COSCO Shipping Lines

• COSCO Shipping Lines is one of the largest state-owned shipping companies in China and globally. It operates an extensive fleet of container ships and offers both domestic and international shipping services.
• COSCO has an extensive network covering Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.
• It offers container shipping, bulk cargo, and specialty logistics services, and is a significant player in global shipping.

2. China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL)

• CSCL was merged into COSCO Shipping in 2016, and now it operates as part of the COSCO brand. It continues to offer services through COSCO Shipping Lines, covering major international shipping routes.
• CSCL is known for its container shipping and logistics services, especially across Asia-Pacific and Europe.

3. Maersk Line

• Maersk is the world’s largest container shipping company, and it has a significant presence in China. It operates routes connecting Chinese ports to major global destinations, particularly in North America, Europe, South America, and Africa.
• Maersk offers a variety of shipping services, including full-container load (FCL), less-than-container load (LCL), reefer containers for temperature-sensitive goods, and logistics solutions.

4. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)

• MSC is another major global shipping provider with a strong presence in China. It operates one of the largest container fleets in the world, offering a vast network of shipping services across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• MSC provides container shipping, intermodal transportation, and logistics services.

5. Hapag-Lloyd

• Hapag-Lloyd, based in Germany, is another leading global shipping company with a significant market share in China. The company operates container shipping services and offers shipping routes connecting China to Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
• Hapag-Lloyd is known for its reliable and sustainable shipping services.

6. CMA CGM

• CMA CGM is a French container transportation and shipping company with a significant presence in China. It operates major shipping routes from China to Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
• CMA CGM offers services such as container shipping, customs clearance, and intermodal services.

7. Evergreen Marine

• Evergreen Marine is a Taiwanese container shipping company, and it operates globally, including key routes to and from China. It has a significant market presence in Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Evergreen offers containerized shipping, bulk cargo, and logistics services.

8. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

• Yang Ming is another large Taiwanese container shipping company with operations in China. It connects major Chinese ports with global shipping routes, especially to the Americas, Europe, and Australia.
• Yang Ming offers a variety of shipping services, including container and logistics solutions.

9. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services

• ZIM is an Israeli-based shipping company that has expanded its presence in China. It offers container shipping services to various international destinations, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

10. Hanjin Shipping (now part of Hyundai Merchant Marine)

• Hanjin Shipping went bankrupt in 2016, but its operations were integrated into Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), which is now one of South Korea’s largest shipping companies. HMM operates in China, connecting Chinese ports to international markets, especially North America and Europe.

11. PIL (Pacific International Lines)

• PIL is a Singapore-based container shipping company with a significant presence in the Asian market, including China. It offers a wide range of ocean freight services between China and countries in Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Europe.

Key Shipping Routes from China:

• China to North America: Major ports include Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, and San Francisco.
• China to Europe: Key ports include Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Le Havre.
• China to Southeast Asia: Ports such as Singapore, Port Klang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
• China to the Middle East and Africa: Ports in Dubai, Jeddah, Lagos, and Durban.

Choosing a Mainline Shipping Provider:

When choosing a mainline shipping provider for shipping from China, you’ll want to consider the following:

• Shipping cost: Compare rates, especially for different types of cargo and delivery speeds.
• Transit time: Choose a provider that meets your delivery deadlines.
• Service reliability: Some companies are better known for reliability in certain regions or routes.
• Customs services: Choose a provider that offers assistance with customs clearance and documentation.

Most of these shipping providers also offer digital platforms where you can manage bookings, track shipments, and access logistics services to simplify the process of international shipping.