(Photo: Nansha Publicity Department)

A premium shipping route from South China to the West Coast of the United States, the first direct point-to-point route of its kind, is expected to open in July, according to the route's operators.

The route was jointly announced by Guangzhou Port Group and Hede Shipping of Hebei Port Group on June 25. It will dramatically shorten the shipping cycle from Nansha Port in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, to the US West Coast.

It will also effectively reduce the comprehensive logistics costs for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area enterprises and help establish a maritime expressway to the North American market for the thriving cross-border e-commerce and manufacturing industries, according to the operators.

The route runs from Nansha to Los Angeles and will provide 14-day direct delivery.

"Relying on the superior geographical location of Nansha Port, efficient cargo handling network, and strong support from customs and other port units, we will provide high-quality vessel berthing services to maximize the efficiency of goods delivery," said Sun Bangcheng, vice-general manager of Guangzhou Port.

Guangdong saw its total import and export volume of cross-border e-commerce reach 745.4 billion yuan ($104 billion) in 2024, accounting for over one-third of the country's total, according to Customs data.

The newly launched express service will leverage the mature cross-border e-commerce, industrial ecosystem, and efficient port environment to further strengthen the connection between the Greater Bay Area and the global supply chain, according to Sun.

"It will help provide strong logistics support for enterprises in characteristic industries, such as clothing and textiles, beauty and personal care, luggage and leather goods, jewelry, food and beverages, and custom home furnishings to expand into the North American market," said Sun.