US container shipping lines plan phased-in, across-the-board freight rate increases, for cargo to Asia, effective Oct. 1. "The scheduled action reflects the trade's recovery from congestion challenges earlier in the year; a strengthening market heading into what is typically the trade's peak season; and an urgent need to halt damaging rate erosion," the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA)'s Westbound section shippers said. The increase occurs as container rates this month were at their lowest levels in years, including well under $200 at the Los Angeles/Long Beach ports in California, paper industry contacts said last week.
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