CSA to step up rates throughout 2011

CSA to step up rates throughout 2011    Member lines in the Caribbean Shipowners Association said last week they will raise rates in three increments through October:
   ' On Feb. 6, rates will rise $75 per 20-foot container, $150 per 40-foot container and $169 per container larger than 40 feet.
   ' On May 1, rates will rise again by $100 per 20-foot container, $200 per 40-foot container and $225 per container larger than 40 feet.
   ' On Aug. 7, rates will rise again by $75 per 20-foot container, $150 per 40-foot container and $169 per container larger than 40 feet.
   CSA also will raise rates on vehicle, breakbulk and less-than-containerload cargo on the same dates.
   The carriers will also assess a peak season surcharge of $150 per TEU 'without exception' on shipments from Oct. 9 to Dec. 11.
   'Stress on availability of containers and space to serve exports from United States may be expected to last through the 2011 peak season,' CSA said in a statement. 'This announcement of the (peak season surcharge) 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.'
   Finally, CSA said it has reduced its bunker surcharge as of Jan. 16 by $30 per TEU.
   CSA member lines are Bernuth, CMA CGM, Crowley, Seaboard, SeaFreight, and Zim. CSA members service trade lanes 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.