Maersk container 2

Maersk Line has announced that it is bumping up freight rates for carriers operating on its Asia-east coast of South America lines, calling current rate levels 'unacceptable'.

The changes, some of which will come into force at the beginning of June, will help avoid a situation that the group called 'unsustainable' in the long term.

'In a continued effort to provide our customers with best in class service, Maersk
Line is now announcing a rate restoration programme from Asia to the east coast of South America and from the east coast of South America to Asia,' the group said in a statement.

Rate changes will be as follows:

From Asia to the east coast of South America:

- US$100/200/200 per 20ft/40ft/40ftHC, effective 1 June 2009
- US$250/500/500 per 20ft/40ft/40ftHC, effective 1 July 2009
- A Peak Season Surcharge, effective from August 2009

From the east coast of South America to Asia:

- US$100/200/200 per 20ft/40ft/40ftHC, effective 1 June 2009