Med/U.S. carriers plan westbound rate increases

Med/U.S. carriers plan westbound rate increases    The United States South Europe Conference is the latest transatlantic carrier group to announce a plan to raise westbound rates.
   The three-carrier conference, which comprises Maersk Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd and P&O Nedlloyd, said it expects to implement a westbound tariff general rate increase program in three stages over April-October 2005.
   The proposed rate increases, applicable to both dry and reefer containers, are:
   * $400 per 20-foot container and $500 per 40- or 45-foot box, effective April 1.
   * $160 per 20-foot container and $200 per 40- or 45-foot box, effective July 1.
   * A yet-to-be-determined increase, effective Oct. 1
   The carrier group cited increased costs in many areas of operation as the background for the rate rises.