Seatrade Maritime is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Asian Shippers' Council slams 'astounding' TSA rate hike

Asian Shippers' Council slams 'astounding' TSA rate hike

Singapore: Asian shippers have blasted plans by container lines on the
transpacific trade to levy a $320 per teu 'emergency recovery charge'.
The Asian Shippers' Council described as 'astounding' the move by member
lines of the Transpacific Stablization Agreement to levy a charge of $320
per teu, $400 per feu, and $505 per 45 foot box on container shipments from
Asia to North America from January 15.

'What good are service contracts if shipping lines can just alter them
without proper consultation with shippers?' said Willy Lin, ASC convenor.
Over 90% of container shipments between Asia and North America are moved on
12 month long contracts agreed at the beginning of May. In the last
contracting season, with the container trades under severe pressure, some
lines agreed contract rates at below operating costs.

All 15 member lines of TSA have backed the recommendation for the emergency
charge.

ASC accused TSA of exploiting its monopolistic position. 'We have no doubt
that the weight of this surcharge will fall on small and medium sized
shippers who can least afford it, as major shippers will not pay as they
know their rights and they have the capacity to enforce them,' said Lee
Sun-Jun ASC North Asia East convenor.

The ASC called on Asian governments to act against anti-trust immunity for
shipping lines. [18/01/10]