Matson Hikes Rates, Fees

Matson announced a rate increase for its Hawaii service and for its Guam and Micronesia services. The company is also hiking terminal handling charges. Including both charges the average increase is approximately 7.6 percent, according to Matson’s figures.

The freight rates for Hawaii will increase by $120 per westbound container and $60 per eastbound container effective Jan. 3, 2010. Terminal handling charges will go up by $125 per westbound container and $60 per eastbound container, also effective Jan. 3.

For the Guam and Micronesia services, freight rates will increase by $120 per container, whether westbound or eastbound. The rate increase also applies to the Commonwealth of the northern Marianas Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Terminal handling charges for these services on the U.S. West Coast will go up by $125 each for westbound and eastbound containers. Freight and terminal handling increases will go into effect Jan. 31, 2010.

During the global economic downturn, Matson reduced its workforce and laid up two vessels. The company said the increases “will help offset rises in operating costs and support ongoing investments” in the affected services.

Contact Thomas L. Gallagher at tgallagher@joc.com.