For businesses engaged in cross-border logistics, time equates to money. The Matson Express service has become a preferred choice for time-sensitive shipments between Asia and the U.S. West Coast. This analysis examines the actual performance of Matson vessels during weeks 40-43 (late September to late October), providing shippers with actionable insights for supply chain optimization.
Week 40 (September 26-October 2): Dual Operations
Maunawili 227E (MWI): Minor Delays
The 2,600-TEU vessel operating on the CLX route departed Shanghai at 1:00 AM on September 29, approximately 24 hours behind schedule. While originally projected to dock at Long Beach by October 9, the vessel completed berthing at 3:00 AM on October 10. Shippers should monitor official unloading schedules for subsequent delivery arrangements.
Matson Hawaii 011E (MHX): On-Time Performance
The 4,360-TEU CLX+ vessel maintained its schedule, departing Shanghai around 2:00 PM on September 29 and docking at Long Beach by 10:00 PM on October 10. This consistent performance demonstrates the reliability of Matson's enhanced service during peak periods.
Week 41 (October 3-9): Holiday Operations
Daniel K. Inouye 066E (DKI): Minimal Deviation
The 3,600-TEU CLX vessel departed Shanghai at 7:30 PM on October 5, closely adhering to its planned schedule. Projected arrival at Long Beach remained stable for October 16, with actual docking occurring within the expected window.
Matson Niihau 023E (MNX): Exemplary Performance
This 2,848-TEU CLX+ vessel demonstrated precision timing, departing Shanghai at 9:30 PM on October 6 and arriving at Long Beach by 4:00 AM on October 18. Such reliability provides shippers with predictable transit times during critical shipping periods.
Week 42 (October 10-16): Peak Season Continuity
Manukai 230E (MKI): In Transit
The 2,600-TEU CLX vessel maintained its scheduled departure from Shanghai at 1:00 PM on October 12, en route to its projected October 23 Long Beach arrival. Early indicators suggest standard transit performance.
Matson Kauai 007E (MKX): Capacity Advantage
With 4,250 TEU capacity, this CLX+ vessel departed Shanghai at 12:30 PM on October 13, providing critical additional capacity during the pre-holiday shipping surge. Its scheduled October 24 arrival aligns with typical transit benchmarks.
Week 43 (October 17-23): Preparing for Demand
Manulani 185E (MLI): Established Reliability
The 2,600-TEU CLX vessel's planned October 19 departure and October 30 arrival schedule reflects Matson's consistent operational patterns, offering shippers dependable planning parameters.
Matson Lanai 023E (LNX): High-Capacity Solution
Another 4,250-TEU CLX+ vessel prepares for its October 20 departure, providing essential additional capacity as shipping volumes intensify toward year-end.
Operational Considerations
While Matson vessels generally maintain schedule integrity, external factors including weather systems and port congestion can create variability. Shipping professionals should:
- Monitor real-time vessel tracking updates
- Maintain proactive communication with logistics partners
- Build contingency buffers into inventory planning
- Evaluate service options based on total value rather than isolated metrics
This performance analysis demonstrates that while premium expedited services provide generally reliable transit times, comprehensive supply chain planning must account for operational variables inherent in international shipping.