Posted on: June 17, 2025 / Last updated: June 17, 2025

Niche Carriers Make a Comeback? 13% Market Share Gained on the Asia–US West Coast Route

In May 2025, niche carriers are regaining prominence on the Asia–US West Coast route.
According to the latest data, their market share has reached 13%.

This article explains what niche carriers are, the background behind their rise, and what the future may hold.

CONTENTS

What Are Niche Carriers?

Niche carriers are small to mid-sized independent shipping lines with fewer deployed vessels, in contrast to major players known as megacarriers.

Normally, they rarely operate on long-haul routes, but take advantage of surging freight rates or supply gaps to enter the market and generate profits.

13% Share on the US West Coast Route

Niche carriers had just a 7% share in January 2024, but this expanded to 13% by May 2025.

Key reasons include:

Rising geopolitical risks (e.g., Red Sea crisis, Taiwan tensions)
Soaring spot freight rates
Unstable operations among megacarriers

Under these conditions, new entrants to the Asia–US West Coast route now account for 4.5% of total capacity.

Notable examples include:

CU Lines (re-entered TP1 route, now holds 0.8% share)
BAL Container Line

Parallels with the COVID-19 Era

This trend is quite similar to what occurred during the 2021–2023 COVID-19 period.

Back then, soaring freight rates also attracted niche players who expanded their share to nearly 15%.
However, many exited the market once conditions normalized.

The current resurgence is expected to continue as long as high freight rates persist.