ZIM Container Tracking
Enter a container number to check live tracking availability for ZIM. If the shipping line is still being onboarded, you can send a carrier request from the result.
Track your ZIM shipment
ZIM
SCAC: ZIMU
Israeli global carrier, world's 10th largest, running an asset-light chartered fleet and niche-lane strategy
ZIM traces its roots to 1945, when it was founded in Haifa as the shipping arm of the pre-state Jewish community, later becoming Israel's national carrier. It has since grown into a global container line and today ranks among the ten largest in the world, though its share of total capacity sits around 2 percent. What sets ZIM apart from the mega-carriers is how it operates. Rather than owning most of its ships, it charters close to 95 percent of its tonnage, giving it an asset-light model that flexes with the market.
ZIM at a glance
- Headquarters
- Haifa, Israel
- Founded
- 1945
- Fleet
- ~120-140 vessels, ~0.7M TEU (roughly 95% chartered)
- Alliance
- Independent (operational cooperation with MSC on Asia-US trades)
- Main trade lanes
- Transpacific, Asia-US East Coast/Gulf, Asia-Mediterranean, Atlantic, cross-trades
- Official website
- www.zim.com
About ZIM
ZIM traces its roots to 1945, when it was founded in Haifa as the shipping arm of the pre-state Jewish community, later becoming Israel's national carrier. It has since grown into a global container line and today ranks among the ten largest in the world, though its share of total capacity sits around 2 percent. What sets ZIM apart from the mega-carriers is how it operates. Rather than owning most of its ships, it charters close to 95 percent of its tonnage, giving it an asset-light model that flexes with the market.
The company built its reputation on selective, high-yield trades instead of blanket global coverage. Its core strength is the Transpacific, alongside Asia to the US East Coast and Gulf, Asia-Mediterranean, Atlantic, and various cross-trades. In 2024 ZIM struck a multi-year operational cooperation with MSC covering Asia-US East Coast, Gulf, and Transpacific services, letting it share slots and vessels without joining one of the big alliances. ZIM has also leaned into technology and lower-emission tonnage, chartering a series of LNG dual-fueled newbuilds and marketing digital cargo tools under the ZIM name.
In February 2026 Hapag-Lloyd agreed to buy ZIM for about 4.2 billion dollars, a deal still pending shareholder and regulatory approval as of mid-2026, with a portion of the business set to continue under a separate Israeli entity.
ZIM container tracking FAQ
Where is ZIM headquartered and when was it founded?
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services is headquartered in Haifa, Israel, and was founded in 1945. It served for decades as Israel's national shipping line and is now a publicly traded global carrier listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Is ZIM part of a shipping alliance?
ZIM is not a member of the major alliances (Gemini Cooperation, Ocean Alliance, or Premier Alliance). It operates largely independently but runs a multi-year operational cooperation with MSC covering Asia-US East Coast, Gulf, and Transpacific services, sharing slots and vessels on those lanes.
What does the SCAC code ZIMU identify?
ZIMU is the Standard Carrier Alpha Code assigned to ZIM Integrated Shipping Services. It appears on bills of lading and booking documents and is used to identify ZIM as the carrier when tracking containers moving on its services.
How do I check ZIM tracking availability on Panvaya?
Enter a ZIM container number in the tracker on this page. If the carrier integration is available, Panvaya returns the shipment milestones and route. If it is still being onboarded, you can send a carrier request and ask to be notified when support becomes available.
What is ZIM's SCAC code?
ZIM's SCAC code is ZIMU. It identifies ZIM on bills of lading and shipping documents and helps Panvaya match a reference to the correct carrier integration.
Can I track ZIM containers by Bill of Lading or booking number?
Bill of Lading and booking tracking is available after sign-in when Panvaya supports that reference type for ZIM. Carrier capabilities vary, so Panvaya shows a clear availability message instead of returning incomplete tracking data.
Is ZIM container tracking free on Panvaya?
A guest can check one container without signing in when ZIM tracking is supported. A Panvaya account is required for saved journeys, Bill of Lading or booking tracking, exception alerts, and additional shipments.
Why isn't my ZIM container updating?
Carrier milestones can appear after the physical movement occurs. If ZIM is supported and the container is valid, a quiet timeline may mean the next event has not yet been published. If the carrier is not yet available, Panvaya will show an onboarding message and a carrier-request option.
How accurate is the ETA for ZIM shipments?
When ZIM tracking is supported and enough journey data is available, Panvaya updates the displayed arrival estimate as new milestones and vessel information arrive. Any ETA remains an estimate rather than a delivery guarantee.