CMA CGM raising U.S. reefer export rates

   The liner carrier CMA CGM said Tuesday it plans to raise U.S. refrigerated export rates from early October.
   The line said the “significant rate increase” is required “as costs of bunker fuel, logistics and (maintenance and repair) continue to rise to record levels and to close the gap between break even and market rates.”
   From Oct. 1, CMA CGM will increase rates by $711 per 20-foot reefer container and $1,000 per 40-foot container.
   The line said it expects rate levels for citrus shipments from the U.S. West Coast will be $3,600 per 40-foot container to Hong Kong and $3,900 to China. For protein shipments from U.S. East Coast ports, the expected rates will be $3,500 per 40-foot container to Hong Kong and $3,800 to China. – Eric Johnson