As the current downturn in the world economy seems to be easing and the lines have taken
measures over the past 6 months to reduce the impact of the slowturn, we are now beginning the see the rates being slowly restored to 2005/2006 levels.
All the lines are currently reporting reduced demand and a softening in the market causing the erosion of rate levels.
The most significant indicator on the rates side this year is the waiving of the Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) which would have traditionally taken effect from August 2010.
Significantly too is the fact MSC have also waived their Heavyweight Surcharge in the second half of 2010 and are offering to fix rates through to end December 2010.
All this is caused by the softening of the market in the Far East Westbound trade due to reduced demand. Initial indications are that rates will remain stable or maybe reduce in the last quarter of 2010.
Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF) and Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)continue to be incorporated into all base rates, with one all in figure now becoming the norm.
Gulf of Aden and Suez surcharges remain unchanged
In the meantime the existing surcharges are outlined below |
| Peak Season surcharge (effective August 1st 2009) | | Per 20ft Container | INCL | | Per 40ft Container | INCL | | CAF | | August 2010 | INCL | | September 2010 | TBA | | BAF | | August 2010 | INCL | | | INCL | | September 2009 | TBA | | | TBA | The overweight surcharge for 20ft containers (effective June 1st 2007)
Applicable to North China ports only | | Up to 18,000kg Tare | NIL | 18,000-21,000kgs Tare
| U$ 150.00 | + 21,000Kgs
| U$ 300.00 | 20ft Equipment surcharge (effective May 1st 2007)
Applicable to all ports with exception of North China | | Up to 18,000kgs | NIL | | Exceeding 18,000kgs | NIL |
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