Hapag-Lloyd increasing transatlantic rates

Hapag-Lloyd increasing transatlantic rates    Hapag-Lloyd said it would increase transatlantic rates on Dec. 1, as “rates in the North Atlantic trade are still far below sustainable levels.”
   The German carrier said from Canada’s East and West coasts, and U.S. Gulf and West coasts to North Europe and the Mediterranean, eastbound rates will increase $250 for 20-foot containers and $350 for 40-foot containers. The increase will be higher for cargo moving from the same points to Denmark, Norway and Sweden: $300 for 20-foot containers and $400 for 40-foot containers.
   From Mexico and U.S. East Coast eastbound rates will increase $150 for 20-foot containers and $250 for 40-foot containers. The increases for cargo moving to Scandinavia will be $200 for 20-foot containers and $300 for 40-foot containers.
   Westbound rates will increase from North Europe and the Mediterranean to all ports in Canada, the United States and Mexico by $250 for 20-foot containers and $350 for 40-foot containers. The increase from Scandinavia will be $300 for 20-foot containers and $400 for 40-foot containers.
   “Further rate restorations are expected for the first quarter 2010,” the company said.