Caribbean carriers announce 2013 rate increases

   The Caribbean Shipowners Association on Monday unveiled rate increase plans for 2013 for both northbound and southbound shipments.
   CSA carriers will seek an increase on shipments between the United States and Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saba, St. Barths, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname in two increments, with one increase coming Feb. 24 and the next April 28.
   The February and April increases are $75 per 20-foot container, $150 per 40-foot container, and $169 for containers larger than 40 feet.
   CSA members said they will also assess a peak season surcharge on southbound shipments from Oct. 6 through Dec. 15 in 2013. The surcharge is $150 per 20-foot container, $150 per 40-foot container, and $169 for containers larger than 40 feet.
   “Stress on availability of containers and space to serve exports from United States may be expected to last through the 2013 peak season,” CSA said. “This announcement of the PSS will allow exporters and importers to plan ahead and schedule cargo movements prior to and following the peak season period. As well, the surcharge will enable carriers to recover the higher costs caused by projected increased volumes, including equipment positioning, labor overtime, port congestion, cruise liners and extra loaders.”
   CSA members include CMA CGM, Seaboard, SeaFreight, and Zim. CMA CGM, SeaFreight, and Zim said they will assess the same rate increases and peak season surcharges on shipments to and from Haiti. – Eric Johnson