Experts Say Container Rates Will Rise Again

U.S. import container shipping rates on the Atlantic and Pacific should increase again next year, a senior shipping manager said, adding that most carriers will make an additional $400 per container next year. Atlantic rates westbound should also increase, as ships are sailing full to the U.S., and exports from southern U.S. states and Canada were strengthening the weaker leg. Recent rises averaging around $600 per container were largely holding, and there was some way to go before freight levels reached the levels they were at three years ago, experts said.