- Liner operators are imposing surcharges ahead of a potential strike by US East Coast dockworkers on January 15, 2025.
- Freight rates have surged as stakeholders prepare for port closures and container depot disruptions, with further increases expected if the strike proceeds.
- Major shipping lines like Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have announced varying surcharge amounts to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions.
Liner operators are bracing for disruptions as US East Coast dockworkers and terminal operators remain at an impasse over wage negotiations. With a strike looming on January 15, 2025, shipping companies are implementing surcharges to counter potential supply chain challenges. These developments have caused a spike in freight rates, signaling the significant impact a strike could have on global trade, reports Container News.
Surcharges Announced by Liner Operators
Major shipping companies, including Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd, have introduced surcharges in anticipation of the strike. Maersk’s surcharges range from $1,500 per TEU to $3,780 for 45-foot containers.
CMA CGM has imposed charges of $800 per TEU for exports and $1,500 for imports, while Hapag-Lloyd has announced a Work Disruption Surcharge for various regions, along with specific fees for East Asia imports.
Impact on Freight Rates
Freight rates have surged on the back of these announcements. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) reported a 9% increase in the Shanghai-US West Coast rate to $4,581 per FEU and an 8% rise in the Shanghai-US East Coast rate to $6,074 per FEU.
These increases reflect a recovery from losses in previous weeks and anticipate further strength if the strike proceeds.
Future Implications
Linerlytica predicts that China-to-US freight rates will continue to rise, with emergency surcharges of $1,000 to $2,000 per FEU likely to be imposed if the strike materializes.
The potential disruption could also lead to a diversion of cargo to the US West Coast, further inflating freight rates.
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Source: Container News
