CMA CGM introduces reefer surcharge

CMA CGM introduces reefer surcharge

   CMA CGM and its affiliates Delmas, MacAndrews, ANL, U.S. Lines and Cheng Lie said Monday they would introduce a “reefer consumption surcharge” on Oct. 16 in U.S. inbound and outbound trades and Oct. 1 in all other trades.

   “CMA CGM and subsidiaries have so far not been billing the additional reefer consumption costs to their customers, having had a similar bunker adjustment factor (BAF) structure for both dry and reefer containers.    In order to have a more transparent and true segregation of costs between these two very distinct segments it has now been decided to make this an integrated part of our freight surcharges,” the company said. The surcharge “incorporates the actual cost of fuel, and will be revised on a monthly basis, together with our general BAF levels.”

   Levels of the new surcharge will be reflected in the company’s BAF/currency adjustment factor finder on its Web site or be communicated to customers directly.

   'One of the main differences between dry containers and reefer containers is the energy consumption needed to maintain the temperature during transportation, as well as to properly ventilate containers carrying perishable commodities. The electricity used for reefers aboard container vessels means extra fuel consumption, thus extra cost for both shippers and carriers. With this reefer consumption surcharge, CMA CGM and affiliates provide customers with a more transparent and balanced segregation of costs,” said Claus P. Ellemann-Jensen, vice president reefer, at CMA CGM.