U.S./WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA CARRIERS INCREASE SOUTHBOUND RATES

U.S./WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA CARRIERS INCREASE SOUTHBOUND RATES    The carriers of the West Coast of South America Discussion Agreement are planning large increase in southbound freight rates from the U.S. East and Gulf coasts to the West Coast of South America.
   According to Maersk Sealand, one of the carriers of the agreement, the increases are $500 per 20-foot container and $1,000 per 40-foot box for all general department store merchandise and freight all kinds cargoes, effective May 1.
   The increases apply to shipments to Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and the port of Buenaventura on the West Coast of Colombia.
   The West Coast of South America Discussion Agreement carriers are APL, Compania Chilena de Navegacion Interoceanica, CMA CGM, Columbus Line, Crowley American Transport, Compania Sud Americana de Vapores (Chilean Line), Ecuadorian Line, Maersk Sealand, Mediterranean Shipping Co., P&O Nedlloyd, NYK-NOS, Seaboard Marine and Trinity Shipping.