Exporters are calling for negotiations with shipping firms over skyrocketing time charter rates that are the primary cause of significant increases in the cost of outward bound international shipments, according to Paiboon Ponsuwanna, chairman of the Thai National Shippers' Council, the Bangkok Post reported.

Maersk Line and Hamburg Sud will add a second string in their service between Asia, South Africa and the East Coast of South America in July in response to increased cargo demand during the peak shipping season.

Maersk Line will be implementing Rate Restoration Initiatives (RRI) and Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) in the following corridors effective from 1st July 2010.

Zim said it would implement a peak season surcharge of $175 per 20-foot container and $350 per 40-foot containers, effective July 1 in the Asia/Europe (north and south), Asia/Mediterranean and Asia/Black Sea trades.

Evergreen Line has reduced the number of ships serving on its intra-Asia B Loop, and has also scaled back the rotation of the service.

Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. has announced it will increase rates July 1 on westbound cargo from North Europe, Scandinavia and Baltic ports to the United States and Canada.