Maersk Line Optimizes Pacific Services

Exporters and importers on the Pacific trades stand to benefit from Maersk Line's review of its global shipping network, according to Maersk Line's Senior Vice President, Robert Kledal. The review of Maersk Line's Transpacific services (TP) will result in a number of improvements and the phasing out of two strings. The resulting network will provide optimum port coverage in the region, better connections to growing markets and efficient and cost effective transportation solutions to serve customers.

Maersk Line will pursue a general rate increase of at least $300/FEU to the US West Coast ports and $500 to the US East Coast ports. For cargo continuing to inland destinations, the increases must be substantially higher in order to offset the dramatic intermodal cost increases of providing inland service. These increases will be determined on a case by case basis depending on the specific situations of each customer, but in each case, Maersk Line will seek full compensation for the service provided. The restructured Pacific network will feature enhanced coverage of Thailand to the US West Coast. The TP9 service will now offer a direct Laem Chabang to Los Angeles service with an industry-leading transit time of 18 days. The TP12 service will provide faster transit times from Japan to the US West Coast, as well as better US East Coast coverage from China and Japan.

In addition, customers will continue to benefit from the wide range of features that characterize Maersk Line's Pacific network.