Transpacific carriers to hit trade with $600 peak surcharge
Asia-US container shipping lines will impose a peak season surcharge of US$600 per FEU on the transpacific route from June 10. The carriers expect a strong summer ahead in terms of cargo traffic, as suggested by US consumer spending and retail sales trends and confirmed in carrier forward bookings, Cargonews Asia reports.
In preparation, member lines in the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) have recommended the peak season surcharge of $600 per FEU and proportionate levels for other equipment sizes.
The TSA said in a statement the levy was 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.
"The lines see a strong outlook for the coming months, with utilization already in the 95 percent range," said TSA executive administrator Brian Conrad.
"At the same time, they continue to dig out after a long period of serious financial losses, and want to be sure they are well-positioned to ramp up services as the trade rebounds."