FRENCH shipping giant CMA CGM will launch its ecommerce-oriented Seapriority Express December 4 for those willing to pay more for time-sensitive shipments from Ningbo and Yantian to Los Angeles.

Seapriority Express will feature guaranteed equipment release and space on the vessels, a 12-day transit from Yantian, priority container discharge and mounting on a chassis in Los Angeles, and container availability within 24 hours of discharge from the vessel, CMA CGM said in a statement.

The new weekly premium service comes as importers, especially ecommerce retailers, are willing to pay extra for guaranteed treatment of time-sensitive shipments in a trade lane that is struggling with severe container shortages in Asia and congested marine terminals and chassis shortages in Los Angeles-Long Beach during the extended 2020 peak shipping season.

US imports from Asia in October increased 24 per cent from October 2019, according to PIERS data. This year's extended peak season in the largest US trade lane began in late June.

Carriers and non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCC) say imports will remain strong at least until factories in Asia shut down for Chinese New Year beginning February 12.

"Upon arrival at Los Angeles, your cargo receives priority discharge and will be mounted on chassis for your pickup within 24 hours of vessel operation. There is no truck appointment needed - simply hook up and go," the carrier said.