MED PACIFIC CONFERENCE RAISES RATES

MED PACIFIC CONFERENCE RAISES RATES    The two-carrier Med Pac Conference in the Mediterranean/Pacific Coast of North America trade has announced increases in westbound rates effective Jan. 1, and the introduction of a surcharge.
   From January, rates will go up by $50 per 20-foot container and $100 per 40-foot box.
   At the same time, the conference will introduce a “vessel operating cost surcharge” of $50 per 20-foot container and $100 per 40-foot box.
   The members of the Med Pac Conference are d’ Amico/Italia di Navigazione and Zim Israel Navigation.
   The rate increase of the Med Pac Conference follows the recent announcement by the United States South Europe Conference, which consists of Maersk Sealand and P&O Nedlloyd, of a plan to increase westbound freight rates, from the Mediterranean to the U.S., twice next year.