Company officials said the changes were necessary given the recent hike in bunker costs, now one of the largest cost factors in service delivery.
Julian Thomas, Alianca's Sao Paulo-based managing director, said in a statement that carriers have been caught in recent months between a market climate of deteriorating rates and rising costs for fuel. "We cannot continue to absorb these increases and maintain the service quality our customers demand."
Hamburg Sud North America vice president Frank Larkin said intermodal service providers, including truck and rail, have also had to raise rates in light of these factors.
"Bunker increases are never a welcome event, but we hope our valued customers will recognise the challenges we face given current market conditions, and that these changes are necessary to maintain the service quality and reliability they expect."