ZIM’s Colibri Express Continues to Soar High

In the fast-paced world of refrigerated logistics, precision and timing are crucial. Few services have made as significant an impact as the ZIM Colibri Express (ZCX), a specialized, refrigerated-dedicated offering from ZIM that is reshaping how perishable cargo reaches global markets.

With nearly ten years in the industry, and almost four of those with ZIM, Christhian Linares has played a vital role in the development and ongoing success of the service. Starting out as a Trade Coordinator for the Intra-America trade, Linares now serves as the Line Manager in the Latin America Business Unit, focused on expanding and strengthening operations across critical trade routes.

With the introduction of the ZIM Colibri Express, the service quickly proved its value in handling sensitive goods. With key ports like Callao connecting directly to Miami in just 12 days, Paita to Miami in 10, Callao to Philadelphia in just 15 days, and Paita to Philadelphia in 13 days, growers and exporters of high value produce like citrus, avocados, grapes, and increasingly asparagus from West Coast South America, have found a reliable, fast solution.

Asparagus on the Rise for 2025

Last year’s grape season delivered record-breaking performance in terms of volume, all within a short and intense seasonal window, establishing the Colibri Express as one of the market’s leading solutions, but also providing a strong start for this upcoming asparagus season.

While citrus fruits and avocados peak from May to August, asparagus is expected to become a primary growth focus for 2025. Thanks to favorable weather conditions in Peru, this year’s asparagus crop is expected to increase, with demand rising in key markets across Europe and the US. 

Asparagus, however, is also one of the most sensitive products to transport, as it requires precise temperature control and continuous monitoring from origin to destination.

ZIM Colibri Express: Consistent, Reliable, and On-Time

The ZIM Colibri Express benefits from the youngest reefer fleet in the industry, one that is fully equipped with ZIMonitor technology to ensure optimal quality at every stage of the journey. Customers gain access to real-time cargo data, including temperature, GPS location, and can even request temperature adjustments. This is particularly valuable when preparing cargo like asparagus for fumigation right before its discharge in Miami port, a process necessary to meet USDA compliance standards.

Timing is equally crucial. Asparagus shipments shipped with the Colibri Express are scheduled to arrive in Miami on Mondays, allowing fumigation to begin first thing the next morning, and distribution to start later that same day. This helps ensure the product reaches shelves fresh, on time, and market ready.

On top of technological advantages and fast transit times, the Colibri service stands out for its schedule reliability. With over 90% on-time performance on the South America-North America trade since January, as reported by Sea-Intelligence, the service continues to be one of the most reliable options in the industry.

What’s Next for You?

ZIM operates both as a global player and a niche carrier, offering extensive reach while remaining agile when faced with shifting market demands. This balance is especially important in the reefer segment, where seasonality, harvest times, and sensitivity can impact the product’s market availability.

But behind every successful shipment is also a well-coordinated team collaborating across regional departments and global business units. The reefer teams work closely with internal stakeholders including operations, cargo planning and commercial teams, to ensure performance aligns with customer needs, all designed to support them at every step.

And to enhance customer experience even further, a new customer service desk was recently opened in the US, dedicated for reefer imports into the US. This means customers now get an even faster, more tailored support right where they need it most.

So, as demand for fast, reliable refrigerated transport continues to grow, now is the time to explore how your business can benefit and stay ahead.