TRANSPACIFIC container lines are experiencing such strong eastbound cargo volumes that a planned peak season surcharge is to be hoisted by 50% for three months later this year.

This is unprecedented action by the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement which had originally advised shippers that the summer surcharge, starting this week and going through to mid-October, would be set at $400 per 40 ft container.

But with space so tight on ships, the 13 member lines will now increase the peak season surcharge by a further $200 per feu from August 1 to October 31.

The additional $600 levy reflects high ship utilisations and bumper forward bookings that look set to continue through to the autumn.

This decision is quite separate from the outcome of annual contract negotiations that continued past the May 1 deadline as the two sides stood their ground.

TSA members had been seeking upwards adjustments of $300 per feu for cargo moving from Asia to the US west coast; $500 for all-water services to the east coast; and $650 for intermodal shipments.

Although they did not obtain the full amounts the lines had been after, increases were nevertheless secured, especially for intermodal moves, TSA executive director Brian Conrad told Lloyds List.

With factory holidays in Japan and China over, carriers are reporting nearly full vessels from Asia to the US. Network capacity constraints have already produced equipment shortages and have resulted in some Asia cargo being bumped to later sailings, says the TSA.

Near 20% cargo growth in the Asia to Europe trade, and similarly strong intra-Asia demand, have further tightened space and equipment availability.

Retail sales are strong and business spending is increasing to replenish inventories,said Mr Conrad.

Cargo growth is moderating relative to last year, but its on track with earlier forecasts of 10%-11% in an end-to-end system thats seriously strained.

That does not necessarily mean dozens of ships queueing for a berth in Los Angeles or Long Beach, as witnessed a few years back.

Anyone waiting for ships lined up at anchor in southern California as an indicator of congestion misses the point,said Mr Conrad.

Even small disruptions can produce big problems with marine terminals operating at full capacity, harbour trucking delays, backed up rail ramps, empty containers stranded inland and missed delivery schedules all things that contribute to the higher costs which the peak season surcharge is intended to address."