Shippers' rap for equipment surcharge

Online shipper forum The Shippers’ Voice has hit out at shipping lines’ decision to introduce surcharges to cover the cost of the container shortage. 

MD Andrew Traill said he could not understand why lines had to introduce surcharges – either incorporating them into peak season surcharges (PSSs), or adding “equipment premiums” – for box shortages. 

He said this should be covered by the normal rate shippers pay, and there was no need for extra costs. 

“Surely investment in equipment would be part of the normal business investments carriers would make, the costs of which would be incorporated into the freight rate, along with other costs such as offices, personnel and ships,” Traill said. 

He highlighted Maersk Line, which has announced a record PSS of US$750 per 20ft container, $1,000 per 40ft and $1,200 per 40ft high-cube on westbound services to Northern Europe from 15 July. 

Read full article at Ifw website