US sets later date

Europe follows
Far East on turn-in fee hike Alan peat IT HAS been confirmed to FTW that the Europe/ Southern Africa Conference (ESAC) has also recommended an increase in empty container turn-in fees in Gauteng - to R1 050 per 20-foot (6-metre) and R2 100 per 40-ft (12-m) from September 15. The ESAC announcement came only days after the Japan and Hong Kong SA Shipping Conference (Jahoksascon) notice of its “recommended adjustment” to member lines. The rate increases and the new fees are identical for both conferences, covering all the main lines on the Europe and Far East trades with the independents likely to follow suit, as two on the Far East trade have already done. The increases are also for the same reason - the rising costs of disposing of empties in Johannesburg and Pretoria. But, FTW was told, the new fees will still only cover part of the cost of returning empties with the rail rates alone exceeding the September 15 charge. The US-SA conference has also confirmed to FTW that it has recommended that its member lines increase their empty container turn-in fee in Gauteng. The new fees are the same as the other conferences recommended. But, with a 30-day notice required, the imposition date is a little later - being October 20 as opposed to September 15 for the other two conferences.