WTSA to implement “cargo not otherwise specified” rate increase
WTSA to implement “cargo not otherwise specified” rate increase
Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) carriers have recommended a rate increase of $160 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $200 per 40-foot container (FEU) for all U.S./Asia cargo not covered under separate, commodity-specific rate programs, effective March 1.
Commodities already covered under existing rate programs or under separate review, and therefore exempt from the “cargo not otherwise specified (NOS)” increase, include:
* Exempt commodities (wastepaper, forest products, and metal scrap).
* Hay.
* Soybeans, peas, beans and lentils.
* Dried fruit and nuts.
* Hides.
* Clay.
* Cotton.
* Chemicals and resins.
* Onions in dry containers.
* Refrigerated commodities.
* Plastic scrap.
Non-refrigerated agricultural products other than soybeans, peas, beans and lentils are already scheduled to take a previously announced $160 per TEU/$200 per FEU increase March 1.
“Both scheduled increases represent the continuation of an overall rate program begun in 2004 to help address rising operating costs, equipment imbalances and system-wide infrastructure congestion outside carriers’ control,” said the WTSA in a statement.
WTSA members are American President Lines, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, China Shipping, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, COSCO Container Lines, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Evergreen Marine, Orient Overseas Container Line, Hanjin Shipping Co., P&O Nedlloyd, Hapag Lloyd, Yangming Marine and Hyundai Merchant Marine.