Carriers plan hike in U.S./Central America rates

Carriers plan hike in U.S./Central America rates    Shipping lines of the Central America Discussion Agreement, a carrier group in the U.S./Central America container trade, plan to raise rates on southbound cargo shipments from the United States to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
   A general rate increase, effective Dec. 1, will raise rates $150 per 20-foot container and $250 per longer box.
   Central America Discussion Agreement members “continue to face spiraling increases in operating cost,” according to one of its carriers.
   The increase will apply to shipments moving under tariff rates and service contracts.
   Central America Discussion Agreement carriers are: APL, Crowley Liner Services, Dole Ocean Cargo Express, King Ocean, Great White Fleet, Lykes Line, Maersk Sealand, Seaboard Marine and Trinity Shipping.
   In a separate development, the Central America Discussion Agreement shipping lines will increase their bunker charges for shipments to and from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Effective Dec. 1, the revised fuel charge will be $35 per 20-foot box, $70 per 40-footer and $80 per 45-foot container.