MSC has announced it will scrap its US$100 per teu Asia-Europe peak season surcharge from 15 March, but will add it into its freight rate.

The carrier is also raising rates on cargo travelling westbound from the US to the Far East from 1 April, applying an increase of US$225 per teu and $300 per feu for all commodities, apart from reefers, originating from west coast ports.

An increase of $300 per teu and $400 per feu is being applied on cargo originating from intermodal ports, moving through or via US west coast ports.

Cargo being transported from east coast and Gulf ports will see an increase of $300 per teu and $400 per feu. From intermodal ports, costs rise by £200 per teu and $400 per feu.

An increase of $400 and $500 per teu and feu respectively will be placed on reefer cargo moving from the US and/or originating from intermodal points.

MSC has also announced a general rate increase on exports from the US to Relay destinations, in order to advance freight rates towards a "sustainable" level.