TACA CONFIRMS JANUARY RATE INCREASE PLAN

   The Trans-Atlantic Conference Agreement carriers have confirmed they will increase rates on Jan. 1, as part of the conference’s business plan for 2000.
   Following a review of trade conditions, the Atlantic shipping lines
concluded that the strong westbound market will continue in 2000, "driven by a buoyant U.S. economy."
   Eastbound, certain segments of the trade "are indicating signs of volume improvement," the conference said.
   TACA had announced the rate increases for next year in early October.
   Westbound, the conference proposed to raise rates by $600 per 20-foot and $750 per 40-foot or 45-foot box, for cargoes moving to the Atlantic, Gulf or Pacific coasts. Eastbound, the planned increases from the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts are $160 per 20-foot container and $200 per 40-foot or 45-foot container. From the Pacific Coast, rates will go up by $240 per 20-footer and $300 per 40-foot or 45-foot container.
   The proposed rate increases represent a 50-percent jump in average
westbound rates and a 15-percent rise in eastbound rates, according to
industry estimates.
   TACA said that it has posted a simplified tariff structure and revised
rates on the Internet at https://rates.etransport.com/TACA .