Multiple container lines have planned general rate increases in numerous trade lanes in October and November, although any gains achieved could be temporary as overcapacity and sluggish global demand continue.

Several carriers have planned general rate increases in multiple trade lanes in May and June, although any gains achieved could be temporary as overcapacity and sluggish global demand continue.

The market for breakbulk and heavy-lift ocean cargo is emerging from the doldrums it experienced last year. Although a backlog of global industrial projects carried the heavy-lift sector through 2012 and construction of new pipelines and wind farms in the U.S. filled inbound multipurpose breakbulk vessels that year, demand largely dried up in 2013. But the picture is brightening, and the market is positioned for a significant recovery in 2014 and 2015.

Major container lines have announced planned rate increases for a variety of trades, as detailed below, slated to take effect in November.