CANADA/MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE HIKES WESTBOUND RATES

   The Med Can Conference, the rate-making agreement in the trade between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast of Canada, is the latest conference to have announced large increases in westbound rates for next year.
   Effective March 1, 2000, freight rates will go up by $350 (U.S.) per 20-foot container and $500 per 40-foot box.
   The conference is also amending its port-to-port rates tariff.
   Westbound traffic volumes from the Mediterranean to Canada continue to be strong, creating a major container equipment imbalance, a spokesman for the conference told American Shipper.
   There are no rate increases in the weaker eastbound trade.
   The members of the Med Can conference are Canada Maritime, Cast, DSR-Senator and Zim Israel Navigation.