Three Carriers Hike Asia-Europe-Mediterranean Rates

Three major container carriers are imposing peakseason surcharges on westbound shipments from Asia to Europe and the Mediterranean, effective in mid-December.

Middle East-based United Arab Shipping Co. said it will apply a surcharge of $200 per 20-foot container on cargo destined for North Europe, West Mediterranean and the Adriatic region. UASC’s planned surcharge on dry and refrigerated cargo will take effect Dec. 16.

Hapag-Lloyd will impose a $225 per-TEU surcharge starting Dec. 19 on all cargo shipped from East Asia (excluding Japan) to destinations in North Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea region. Other recent PSS announcements on Asia-Europe-Mediterranean trade routes include a $200 per-TEU surcharge by Maersk Line, effective Dec. 26.