Maersk Line said it's increasing the size of a July 1 general rate increase for cargo moving from Asia to North Europe from $750 per TEU to $950 per TEU.
"Maersk Line continues to face unsustainable rates in the trade and we will increase our rates effective July 1, 2013, both from Asia to North Europe and from North Europe to Asia," the world's largest container carrier said.
Maersk also said it will implement a rate increase on the North Europe/Asia eastbound trade on July 1 of $200 for 20-foot containers and $300 for $40-foot containers.
Maersk is not alone in announcing plans for big rate hikes on the Asia-North Europe trade lane.
Hapag-Lloyd said earlier in May that on July 1 it will increase rates on the Far East westbound trade by $1,000 per TEU and put a peak season surcharge on cargo moving from East Asia to North Europe of $500 per TEU in August and September.
American Shipper