APL had higher volumes, rates in April

APL had higher volumes, rates in April    APL carried 20 percent more containers in the four-week period ended April 30 than in the same period a year earlier, while its average revenue per 40-foot equivalent unit rose 8 percent year-on-year.
   Neptune Orient Lines, the parent company of APL, reported that APL shipped 134,000 FEUs in the latest four-week period, compared to 111,700 FEUs a year earlier. However, the latest traffic figure showed a decrease from the 138,700 FEUs shipped in the four-week period ended April 2.
   “Volumes were 20 percent stronger than period 4 last year, with utilization levels on most routes maintaining healthy levels,” NOL said. “Demand remained strong especially on the transpacific, Asia Europe and intra-Asia trades.”
   Average revenue per FEU in the four-week period ended April 30 was $2,583, up from $2,395 a year earlier. The April average of $2,583, calculated on shipments in multiple trade routes covered by APL, compares to average freight rates per FEU of $2,528 in March and $2,529 in February.
   “Average revenue per FEU was 8 percent higher year-on-year, and 2 percent better than the previous period, helped by general rate increases in a number of trade lanes and a continued focus on higher yielding cargo and mix,” the company said.
   APL’s average rate is expected to jump this month following the conclusion of higher eastbound Pacific rates effective May 1.
   NOL also reported rapid growth in revenue from its logistics activities. Overall Logistics revenue registered a 22-percent year-on-year increase in the four-week period ended April 30 to $86.6 million, boosted largely by a 34-percent growth in revenue from international services.