TL;DR: CEVA Logistics has launched a new trans-Pacific air cargo charter programme connecting Wuxi, China (WUX) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), operating three flights per week. The inaugural flight carried more than 100 tonnes of cargo. The service ties into a U.S. domestic ground network spanning 70 distribution sites, with final delivery in 24 to 48 hours.
CEVA Logistics has added a direct trans-Pacific freighter link between Wuxi, China and Chicago, U.S. The new charter programme runs three times per week and sits inside a broader push to lock in controlled air capacity on high-demand lanes. The inaugural flight moved more than 100 tonnes of cargo, a clear signal that shipper appetite for the lane was already there.
The route targets one of the busiest trade corridors in global freight. Wuxi sits inside the Yangtze River Delta Economic Development Zone, a dense manufacturing and export hub. Chicago O’Hare is a primary U.S. air cargo gateway. Connecting the two directly removes intermediate stops and cuts transit time for shippers moving time-sensitive goods.
Charter Agreement and Route Access
CEVA secured the programme through a direct agreement with Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport Group. That partnership gives CEVA controlled capacity at the origin airport rather than relying on commercial belly space or third-party charters booked on the spot market. Controlled capacity means more predictable scheduling and fewer last-minute rate spikes for customers.
The service handles a wide cargo mix. Industrial equipment, electronics, e-commerce goods, oversized freight and apparel all fit within the programme’s scope. Multi-modal feeder options from Southeast Asia connect into Wuxi, extending the reach of the charter beyond China’s borders. Shippers in Vietnam, Thailand and neighbouring markets can consolidate cargo into Wuxi and access the direct Chicago lane.
U.S. Domestic Distribution After Chicago Arrival
Landing at O’Hare is only part of the story. CEVA’s domestic less-than-truckload (LTL) ground network takes over from there. Chicago connects to hubs in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Columbus via more than 200 weekly linehaul services. That frequency gives importers regular options rather than waiting for the next available truck.
Beyond those hubs, 70 onward distribution sites cover the wider U.S. market. Final delivery from any of those sites completes in less than 24 to 48 hours. For shippers moving e-commerce stock or replenishment inventory, that last-mile speed matters. The combination of a direct trans-Pacific flight and a dense domestic ground network reduces total transit time from factory to customer in a way that multi-stop routings cannot match.
Sustainability and Customs Handling
CEVA has built sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) options into the programme through its CEVA FORPLANET low carbon transport suite. Shippers with emissions reduction targets can opt in without sourcing SAF independently. That matters as more cargo owners face pressure from corporate sustainability commitments and incoming regulatory requirements on Scope 3 emissions.
The service also includes customs clearance support and airport handling as part of the package. Cross-border cargo volumes between China and the U.S. carry significant compliance complexity. Wrapping customs handling into the offer reduces the coordination burden on shippers and their freight forwarders. Tailored solutions are available for high-volume accounts with specific documentation or regulatory requirements.
“CEVA Logistics continues to invest in our global air freight network and our owned, controlled capacity. This new trans-Pac charter service underscores CEVA’s commitment to securing the right capacity on the right lanes for current and future customers in order to meet their evolving needs.”
What This Means for Independent Freight Forwarders
Moves like this from major 3PLs reshape the competitive landscape for independent forwarders. When large operators lock in controlled charter capacity on key trans-Pacific lanes, spot availability on those routes tightens. Smaller forwarders who rely on booking commercial belly cargo through intermediaries face less predictable access and higher rates when demand spikes.
The answer is not to compete on infrastructure. It is to compete on speed and relationships. Independent forwarders who can quote China-U.S. lanes quickly, access verified wholesale capacity and present customers with airport-to-airport (A2A) and door-to-door (D2D) options in one workflow hold their ground. Platforms like Cargo Solutions Network give independent forwarders exactly those tools, with no subscription fees eating into margin. The playing field is more even than it looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airports does the CEVA Wuxi-Chicago charter connect?
The charter operates between Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX) in China and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the United States.
How often does the Wuxi-Chicago charter flight operate?
The service runs three flights per week. The inaugural flight carried more than 100 tonnes of cargo.
What types of cargo does the service handle?
The programme accepts industrial equipment, electronics, e-commerce goods, oversized cargo and apparel. Tailored solutions are available for high-volume or complex cross-border shipments.
How does cargo move across the U.S. after arriving in Chicago?
CEVA’s LTL ground network connects Chicago to hubs in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Columbus via more than 200 weekly linehaul services. From there, 70 distribution sites provide final delivery within 24 to 48 hours.
Can shippers access sustainable aviation fuel on this route?
Yes. SAF options are available through CEVA’s FORPLANET low carbon transport suite. Shippers opt in at booking without needing to source fuel independently.
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