News
Asia-U.S. container shipping lines see a strong summer ahead in terms of cargo traffic, as suggested in U.S. consumer spending and retail sales trends, and confirmed in carrier forward bookings.
In preparation, member lines in the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement （TSA） are recommending a peak season surcharge （PSS） in the amount of US$600 per 40-foot container （FEU）, and proportionate levels for other equipment sizes, to take effect June 10, 2012. The PSS is intended to cover extraordinary seasonal costs associated with anticipated cargo surges that can require leasing of vessel and equipment capacity, routing or schedule changes, special port terminal or inland transportation arrangements, added staffing or other measures to cover short-term contingencies.
On the westbound leg of the transpacific trade, the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement （WTSA） has proposed a set of non-binding guideline increases for freight rates covering frozen and chilled beef, pork and poultry, as well as animal hides, to coincide with upcoming contract renewals for those cargoes.
Effective July 1, 2012, the proposed increase is US$300 per 40-foot container （FEU） from the U.S. West Coast, and $400 per FEU for intermodal and U.S. East Coast all-water shipments, with proportionate increases for other equipment sizes. Rates for hides are to be increased by $100 per container.
