Horizon raises Puerto Rico rates

   Horizon Lines said Friday that it will raise rates for shipping cargo between the mainland United States and San Juan, Puerto Rico, effective April 1.
   The company has filed the rate increase with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
   Ocean cargo rates per TEU will increase for non-refrigerated service between San Juan and Elizabeth, N.J.; Houston; and Jacksonville, Fla., by $150, $125 and $75, respectively.
   Frozen refrigerated rates between the same ports will increase by $200, $150 and $100, respectively, while chilled/fresh refrigerated rates will rise $250, $200 and $125.
   “This rate increase reflects rising operational costs, many of which are contractual, that Horizon Lines has experienced over the past several years, and is needed to support ongoing investments in our business,” said Richard Rodriguez, vice president and general manager for Puerto Rico, in a statement. “Horizon Lines has been implementing cost reduction measures to minimize the need for rate increases, but these efforts have not been able to entirely offset our overall rise in costs.”
   Horizon provides direct weekly sailings to San Juan from Jacksonville and Elizabeth, as well as service once every two weeks from Houston, including a direct call at the Florida port of Tampa.