Matson raises Hawaii freight rates

Matson raises Hawaii freight rates    Matson Navigation, the Jones Act operator, said it will raise its rates for its U.S. West Coast/Hawaii service an average of 3.5 percent, effective Jan. 3.
   “Rates will increase by $100 per container and $25 per vehicle,” the Oakland-based shipping line said. The increase will be filed with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
   In addition, the company will increase its terminal handling charge $40 per westbound container and $20 per eastbound container, also effective Jan. 3.
   “This rate increase will help offset rises in contractual operating costs and support a number of investments in our Hawaii service,” said James Andrasick, president and chief executive officer of Matson.
   Matson has recently had two ships built in the United States at a total cost of $220 million, and is investing in container equipment, terminal upgrades and other assets.
   The shipping company said the rate increase is consistent with its policy of implementing “modest, incremental increases.”
   In 2004, Matson raised its rates $125 per westbound container or approximately 4.4 percent. There was no general rate increase in 2003.
   Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.