Caribbean lines to raise rates

   Member lines in the Caribbean Shipowners Association said this week they plan to raise rates in three steps through 2012.
   The lines, Bernuth, CMA CGM, Crowley, Seaboard, SeaFreight, and Zim, will raise rates on Feb. 5 by $75 per 20-foot container and $150 per 40-foot container and $169 per container larger than 40 feet.
   On May 6, the lines will then raise rates by $100 per 20-foot container and $200 per 40-foot container and $225 per container larger than 40 feet.
   On Aug. 26, the lines will seek another raise of $75 per 20-foot container and $150 per 40-foot container and $169 per container larger than 40 feet.
   The CSO also said it will impose a peak season surcharge on shipments between Oct. 7 and Dec. 16. The surcharge is $150 per 20-foot container and $300 per 40-foot container and $338 per container larger than 40 feet.
   “Stress on availability of containers and space to serve exports from United States may be expected to last through the 2012 peak season,” the lines 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.”
   CSO members service trade lanes between the United States and the Caribbean destinations of Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saba, St. Barths, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname.