TACA CARRIERS RAISE BUNKER SURCHARGES

   The shipping lines of the Trans-Atlantic Conference Agreement will increase eastbound and westbound bunker surcharges on Jan. 1.
   For traffic to and from U.S. Atlantic and Gulf ports, the bunker charge will rise from $21 to $28 per 20-foot container and from $42 to $56 per 40-foot/45-foot box.
   The fuel surcharge for shipments to and from Pacific Coast ports will increase from $32 to $42 per 20-foot box and from $64 to $84 per 40-foot or 45-foot container.
   The TACA conference said that fuel prices have continued to rise.    The conference will continue to monitor fuel prices on a quarterly basis, it said.
   The bunker charges apply to shipments moving under TACA conference-wide service contracts and under tariff.