WTSA to implement “cargo not otherwise specified” rate increase

WTSA to implement “cargo not otherwise specified” rate increase

WTSA to implement “cargo not otherwise specified” rate increase

   Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) carriers have recommended a rate increase of $160 per 20-foot container (TEU) and    $200 per 40-foot container (FEU) for all U.S./Asia cargo not covered under separate, commodity-specific rate programs, effective March 1.
   Commodities already covered under existing rate programs or under separate review, and therefore exempt from the “cargo not otherwise specified (NOS)” increase, include:
   * Exempt commodities (wastepaper, forest products, and metal scrap).
   * Hay.
   * Soybeans, peas, beans and lentils.
   * Dried fruit and nuts.
   * Hides.
   * Clay.
   * Cotton.
   * Chemicals and resins.
   * Onions in dry containers.
   * Refrigerated commodities.
   * Plastic scrap.
   Non-refrigerated agricultural products other than soybeans, peas, beans and lentils are already scheduled to take a previously announced $160 per TEU/$200 per FEU increase March 1.
“Both scheduled increases represent the continuation of an overall rate program begun in 2004 to help address rising operating costs, equipment imbalances and system-wide infrastructure congestion outside carriers’ control,” said the WTSA in a statement.
   WTSA members are American President Lines, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, China Shipping, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, COSCO Container Lines, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Evergreen Marine, Orient Overseas Container Line, Hanjin Shipping Co., P&O Nedlloyd, Hapag Lloyd, Yangming Marine and Hyundai Merchant Marine.