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In yet move to separate variable costs, shipping lines are moving towards
imposing yet another surcharge – this time on stowing of heavier cargo.
Heavy cargo in container but actually occupying double slots (or more) due
to its heavier weight may attract an overweight surcharge effective June 1,
2005.
It is understood that a consensus on the need for such a surcharge was
reached by all Intra Asia Discussion Agreement members.
Shipping lines said the surcharge aimed at protecting carriers’ interests
when facing soaring bunker, charter, container rental and feeder costs.
Lines consider a box as overweight container when container weight (cargo
weight plus tare weight) exceeds 16 tons per 20 foot and 26 tons per 40 foot
separately.
Owing to different situation of each country/trade, it is proposed US30/TEU
charges is expected to be collected on a commodity basis.
Shipping lines indicated the overweight surcharge would automatically apply,
unless the account/ shipper/consignee can provide ahead of time of shipment
documentation from a legitimate weigher/surveyor showing their cargo does
not exceed criteria mentioned above.
Shipping lines have identifies various commodities under the overweight
list.
These include agricultural products (sugar, rice, tapioca starch, chip,
bean, peanut, onion, coconut), ceramic tiles, chemical products, energy
drink, fabric yarn, food stuff and canned goods, glass, ingot, joss paper,
leather articles, metal scrap, screws, iron, steel, copper, mineral goods,
moulding, natural sands, nylon or other polyamides, palm oil products,
paper, resin, plastic, rubber latex, sheet, wood, stainless steel, stones,
marbles, pebbles and woodship. |
