Major Carriers Set Asia-Europe Peak-Season Surcharges

Freight rates on westbound trades from Asia to Europe will go up June 1 following peak-season surcharge announcements by major ocean carriers.

Mediterranean Shipping Company said it will impose a surcharge of $350 per 20-foot equivalent unit on services from Asia to ports in North Europe, the Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Africa.

Orient Overseas Container Line will implement a $300 per TEU surcharge on the same trade routes.

Israeli carrier Zim Integrated Shipping Services will push its rates up with a surcharge of $375 per TEU on all cargo shipped from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent to North Europe and the Mediterranean.

Separately, MSC said it will seek a peak-season surcharge on cargo from Asia to the U.S. and Canada. Starting June 10, the planned surcharge will be $480 per 20-foot, $600 per 40-foot and $675 per high cube container.

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