TACA TO RAISE WESTBOUND RATES

   The Trans-Atlantic Conference Agreement has announced westbound rate
increases of $120 per 20-foot container and $150 per 40-footer, effective
June 15.
   The increases will apply to tariff rates and to service contracts due
for re-negotiation on or after that date.
   A spokesman for the transatlantic conference said that westbound traffic
volumes are increasing, but revenue levels are failing to provide an
acceptable return for ocean carriers.
   TACA will also introduce a simplified tariff on June 15.
   No rate increase has been announced in the eastbound trade, where trade
volumes are said to be flat or decreasing.
   The current members of TACA are Atlantic Container Line, Hapag-Lloyd,
Mediterranean Shipping, Maersk Line, OOCL, NYK, P&O Nedlloyd and Sea-Land Service.