TACA reaffirms July rate hikes
The Trans-Atlantic
Conference Agreement has reaffirmed its plan to introduce westbound freight
rates increases of $240 per 20-foot container and $300 per 40- or 45-foot box,
effective July 1.
These increases are "necessary
to address rising operating costs, which show no signs of abating, relating to
high charter rates, container acquisition, repair and maintenance, stores,
spares and supplies, insurance, manning and administration," the
conference said.
"Capacity utilization is
expected to continue at high levels throughout the remainder of the year, with
significant space constraints being experienced at times of heavy demand,"
it added.
Carriers of TACA are: Atlantic
Container Line, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk Sealand, Mediterranean Shipping Co., NYK
Line, Orient Overseas Container Line and P&O Nedlloyd Ltd.