Hapag-Lloyd raising rates on Europe services

Hapag-Lloyd raising rates on Europe services Hapag-Lloyd has joined the growing list of carriers raising rates on services.
   The German carrier said rates on routes from North America (excluding the U.S. West Coast) to and from Europe or the Mediterranean will increase by $160 per TEU and $200 per FEU from April 1, while reefer rates will go up $240 per TEU and $300 per FEU. To and from U.S. West Coast ports, rates to Europe or the Mediterranean will go up $240 per TEU and $300 per FEU. Reefer rates from the U.S. West Coast will increase by $400 per TEU and $500 per FEU.
   Rates will increase even more on Far East to Europe services. From Hong Kong to Mediterranean-Europe (westbound), rates will increase to $1,000 per TEU, $2,000 per FEU and $2,100 per 40-foot high-cube container. Eastbound rates will increase to $250 per TEU and $500 per FEU. These Asia/Europe rates include bunker and currency charge.
   'Further increases are planned for both directions in the course of this year,' the German carrier said in a statement. 'The rate erosion for Far East services already apparent in 2008 has continued at the beginning of this year. In the meantime freight rates worldwide have reached a level that no longer covers costs. Hapag-Lloyd has therefore decided to raise rates in important trades in order to be able to continue to offer customers the accustomed reliable service and a comprehensive liner network.'
   Hapag-Lloyd is also raising rates for services from Europe to Oceania by 200 euros per TEU and 400 euros per FEU on May 1.