The three main shipping lines servicing Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and the Northern Marianas have all announced increases in their fuel surcharge rates reflecting the dramatic global rise in oil prices.
For the third time this year, Matson Navigation announced March 31 an increase in their fuel surcharge on shipments to Hawaii as well as those to Guam and other Pacific Islands.
Set to take effect May 1, Matson's fuel surcharge for Hawaii services will rise from 35 percent to 43.5 percent. The fuel surcharge for Guam, Micronesia and the Northern Marianas will also increase from 36.5 to 45 percent.
"Matson recognizes that fuel costs impact all businesses, as well as consumers. Unfortunately, transportation companies are especially hard hit, with fuel consumption an unavoidable and significant component of operating costs," Matson Senior Vice President Dave Hoppes said in a notice to customers.
Horizon Lines, also for the third time this year, said on April 4 that it will raise its fuel surcharge on Hawaii service from 35 to 43.5 percent, also effective May 1. Horizon also matched Matson's fuel surcharge increase on service to Guam, Micronesia, and the Northern Marianas, raising the fuel surcharge from 36.5 percent to 45 percent, effective May 1. The surcharge increase on Micronesia service takes effect May 8.
"Horizon Lines will continue to closely monitor fuel costs and will adjust the fuel surcharge as trends warrant," the carrier said in service bulletin.
Pasha Hawaii also announced this week that it would increase its fuel surcharge on Hawaii service from 35 percent to 43.5 percent, effective May 1. Pasha does not serve Guam, Micronesia or the Northern Marianas.
Fuel surcharges are calculated as a percentage of the current ocean base rate.
Friday, April 8, 2011
