Inside CU Lines
China United Lines (CU Lines) was founded in 2005 and expanded aggressively during the 2020–21 shipping boom, adding direct Asia–Europe and long-haul services to its intra-Asia base.
It represents a new wave of independent Chinese carriers competing on price and flexibility outside the big alliances.
“A Chinese challenger that scaled up in the boom years.”
At a glance
- Founded 2005; Shanghai-based independent carrier
- Added Asia–Europe long-haul services in recent years
- Operates outside the major alliances