Oakland, CA – Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) member lines are recommending a peak season surcharge (PSS) of US$600 per 40-foot container (FEU) and proportionate levels for other equipment sizes effective June 10, 2012.
The recommendation takes into account projections by Asia-U.S. container shipping lines of a strong summer ahead in terms of cargo traffic, as suggested in U.S. consumer spending and retail sales trends, and confirmed in carrier forward bookings.
The PSS is intended to cover extraordinary seasonal costs associated with anticipated cargo surges that can require leasing of vessel and equipment capacity, routing or schedule changes, special port terminal or inland transportation arrangements, added staffing or other measures to cover short-term contingencies.
“The lines see a strong outlook for the coming months, with utilization already in the 95% range,” said TSA executive administrator Brian M. Conrad. “At the same time, they continue to dig out after a long period of serious financial losses, and want to be sure they are well-positioned to ramp up services as the trade rebounds.”
TSA is a research and discussion forum of major container shipping lines serving the trade from Asia to ports and inland points in the U.S. Members include APL, China Shipping Container Lines, CMA-CGM, COSCO Container Lines, Evergreen Line, Hanjin Shipping Co, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine, K Line, Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Co, N.Y.K. Line, Orient Overseas Container Line, Yangming Marine Transport and Zim Integrated Shipping Services.
