Effective February 15, member lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) are recommending a new 2010 general rate increase (GRI) for dry cargo rates ' including rates for commodities exempt from tariff filing ' in the amounts of US$100 per 40-foot container (FEU) and $80 per 20-foot container (TEU) for cargo originating at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on the U.S. West Coast; and by $150 per FEU and $120 per TEU for all other dry cargo, including shipments from other West Coast ports, all-water shipments via the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, and inland point intermodal moves.
WTSA lines indicated that the February adjustments are part of a larger 2010 revenue program which is to include quarterly increases throughout the year as market conditions dictate.
'Carriers face a very difficult business environment in 2010,' said WTSA executive administrator Brian M. Conrad. 'Westbound cargo is going to have to make a greater proportionate contribution to overall sailing costs, if lines are to keep pace with cargo handling, equipment management, documentation and other operational requirements.'
WTSA is a voluntary discussion and research forum of 10 major ocean and intermodal container shipping lines serving the trade from ports and inland points in the U.S. to destinations throughout Asia. Information on all recent and scheduled guideline actions adopted by WTSA can be found on the Agreement's web site, www.wtsacarriers.org.
WTSA members include:
APL, Ltd.,
Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd.
COSCO Container Lines, Ltd.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line)
Evergreen Line
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (N.Y.K. Line)
Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd.
Orient Overseas Container Line, Inc.
Hapag Lloyd AG
Yangming Marine Transport Corp.
