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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 7/06/08 Alaska Carriers Increase Fuel Surcharges
|
Hawaii: |
38.25% of freight charges, effective July 13, 2008 |
Alaska: |
30.50% of freight charges, effective July 13, 2008 |
Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,
will be at 30.00%, effective June 18, 2008.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 6/23/08
Hawaii Bound
The sailing from Seattle has been changed again. It will now sail one day later than normal, versus the previously announced two day early departure. Due to our offices and terminal being closed on Friday, July 4th, all cargo scheduled for this sailing must be received at the 901 terminal by noon Thursday, July 3rd. Hazardous cargo to be booked for that sailing must be received at the 901 terminal by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 2nd.
HAWAII Posted 6/23/08
The carriers serving Hawaii and Guam have announced another increase in their fuel surcharges on shipments to and from these destinations. This increase will be four and one half percent (4.50%) for Hawaii, taking the rate from 33.75% to 38.25%. For Guam the increase will be six percent (6.00%), taking the rate to 39.75%. Both will be in effect on July 13, 2008.
Hawaii: |
38.25% of freight charges, effective July 13, 2008 |
Alaska: |
29.00% of freight charges, effective June 1, 2008 |
Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,
will be at 30.00%, effective June 18, 2008.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 6/10/08
Hawaii Bound
The normal weekend sailing will depart Seattle two days earlier. Due to our offices and terminal being closed on Friday, July 4th, all cargo scheduled for this earlier sailing must be received at the 901 terminal by noon Wednesday, July 2nd. Hazardous cargo to be booked for that sailing must be received at the 901 terminal by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, July 1st.
There will be no change in the first sailing this week from the Ports of Oakland and Long Beach.
The second sailing from the Port of Oakland on that week will depart on Thursday, July 3rd rather than the normal Friday departure. All cargo to be booked on this Thursday sailing from Oakland must be received at the San Leandro terminal no later than noon Wednesday, July 2nd.
There will be no change in the midweek sailing from Long Beach. However the normal Saturday early morning departure will be sailing on Friday, July 4th. Cargo to be booked for this sailing must be received in our Rancho Dominguez terminal by noon Thursday, July 3rd.
Hawaiian Ocean Transport terminals and offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th.
We wish everyone a safe and sane July 4th celebration.
ALASKA Posted 6/10/08
The barge carriers serving Southeast Alaska have announced another increase in their fuel surcharges on shipments to Alaska. This increase will be four percent (4.00%), taking the rate from 26.00% to 30.00%, effective on June 18, 2008.
Hawaii: |
33.75% of freight charges, effective April 6, 2008 |
Alaska: |
29.00% of freight charges, effective June 1, 2008 |
Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,
will be at 30.00%, effective June 18, 2008.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 6/6/08
Alaska Bound
There will be some minor changes in receiving cut-offs and sailings for Alaska bound cargo. There will be an earlier departure for the Friday sailing on June 27th, which will require moving our receiving cut-offs in Tacoma back to 5:00 PM on Thursday, June 26th.There will be no change in the sailing schedule or cut-off for the vessel departure Wednesday night, July 2nd.
However the normal Friday departure for that week is cancelled and it will be replaced with a sailing departing one day earlier on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008. The cut-off for receiving cargo at our 901 Alexander Avenue receiving center in Tacoma for that Thursday July 3rd sailing will be noon that day. Any Hazardous materials to be booked on that sailing must be received in Tacoma, no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 2nd.
As always, American Fast Freight will make every effort to receive cargo and get it loaded, but after the receiving cut-offs stated above, we cannot ensure it will make it to the pier in time for this earlier departure.
American Fast Freight terminals and offices will all be closed on Friday, July 4th, 2008.
Hawaii Bound
There will be no change in the vessel departures from Tacoma, over that weekend. However due to the offices and terminal being closed on Friday, July 4th, all cargo scheduled for the weekend sailing must be received at the 901 terminal by noon on Thursday, July 3rd. Hazardous cargo to be booked for that sailing must be received at the 901 terminal by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 2nd.
The midweek sailings from the ports of Oakland and Long Beach will not be affected by any schedule changes. However the second sailing departures for this week will depart earlier Friday than normal. All cargo to be booked on these sailings must be received in our San Leandro or Rancho Dominguez terminals by noon on Thursday, July 3rd.
Hawaiian Ocean Transport terminals and offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th.
We wish everyone a safe and sane July 4th celebration.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 5/23/08
The carriers serving Alaska have just announced another increase in their fuel surcharges on shipments to Alaska. This increase will be two percent (2.00%), taking the rate from 27.00% to 29.00%, effective on June 1, 2008.
Hawaii: |
33.75% of freight charges, effective April 6, 2008 |
Alaska: |
29.00% of freight charges, effective June 1, 2008 |
Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,
will be at 26.00%, effective May 21, 2008.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
NATION WIDE Posted 5/20/08
In observance of Memorial Day, the American Fast Freight terminals will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2007. While the offices will be partially staffed, the operations terminals will not be receiving cargo on that day, unless special arrangements have been made in advance.
The Memorial Day closures include our facilities in Rancho Dominguez and San Leandro, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, Tacoma and Renton, Washington, and Anchorage, Fairbanks and Soldotna, Alaska.
There will be no change in the various vessel departures that week to Hawaii, Guam and Alaska. However all full trailer or container load shipments scheduled for delivery on Monday will be delivered one day later on Tuesday, May 27, 2007.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 4/11/08
The Northbound Sailing from Port of Tacoma to the Port of Anchorage on Friday, April 18, 2008 will be the last sailing for automatic Keep From Freezing (KFF) service. KFF service will be reinstated as weather conditions dictate on or about the end of September of this year.
Any customer wishing, for whatever reason, to continue having KFF service provided for their shipments beyond the sailing date above should contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 642-6664.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 4/11/08
The barge carriers serving Southeast Alaska have recently filed for an increase in fuel surcharges. The increase will be 3.0% taking the rate to 23.00%, effective on April 14, 2008.
Hawaii: |
33.75% of freight charges, effective April 6, 2008 |
Alaska: |
27.00% of freight charges, effective March 21, 2008 |
Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska, will be at
23.00%, effective April 14, 2008.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 3/14/08
The carriers serving Hawaii and Alaska have just announced another increase in fuel surcharges. Oil prices have shot to record highs and carriers expect to have to adjust their fuel surcharges more frequently in the future to keep up with the rapidly changing market price. American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport will do everything we can to keep our customers informed of these changes.
These most recent increases are; Hawaii 2.25% increase, effective on all cargo sailing after April 6, 2008 and Alaska 2.50% increase effective March 21, 2008.
Hawaii: |
33.75% of freight charges, effective April 6, 2008 |
Alaska: |
27.00% of freight charges, effective March 21, 2008 |
Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,
will be at 20.00%, effective March 24, 2008
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 1/09/08
Recently one of the carriers announced that they would not be taking the full three percent increase announced by the other steamship line serving Hawaii. Rather, they will increase their fuel surcharge by only 2.5%. The other carrier is expected to follow suit.
Hawaii: |
31.50% of freight charges, effective February 4, 2008 |
Alaska: |
24.50% of freight charges, effective January 9, 2008 |
*There has been no published change in fuel surcharge for barge service in Southeastern Alaska, which remains at 20.50% since November 20, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA Posted 1/04/08
The carriers serving Alaska and Hawaii both recently filed for an increase in the fuel surcharges on cargo being shipped to Alaska and Hawaii. Alaska fuel surcharge rates will increase by two percent (2.00%) to 24.50% and Hawaii will increase by three percent (3.0%) to 32.00%. Effective dates for these increases are shown below.
Hawaii: |
32.00% of freight charges, effective February 4, 2008 |
Alaska: |
24.50% of freight charges, effective January 9, 2008 |
*There has been no published change in fuel surcharge for barge service in Southeastern Alaska, which remains at 20.50% since November 20, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA Posted 12/10/07
The carriers serving Alaska recently filed for a reduction in the fuel surcharges on cargo being shipped to Alaska. They cite a recent slow down in the run-up of diesel prices. Therefore they are reducing the fuel surcharges by a full two percent (2.00%) bringing the fuel surcharge on shipments to Alaska to 22.50%, effective on December 10, 2007.
Hawaii: |
29.00% of freight charges, effective December 14, 2007 |
Alaska: |
22.50% of freight charges, effective December 10, 2007 |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge will increase by 4.00% taking it to 20.50% of freight charges, as of November 20, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
The expected rate increases for ocean freight services between Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland were recently announced by both steamship lines. The General Rate Increases (GRI) cover a number of items, mainly an increase in the basic ocean freight charges, another large increase in Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and other increases in various miscellaneous accessorial fees.
Carriers cite a number of reasons justifying the increases, including high fuel costs, increased security costs and increases related to handling hazardous materials. The increases will take effect on all cargo shipped after January 1, 2008.
In addition to the Port Security Act, there are a number of other initiatives being undertaken by U.S. Ports and U.S. Federal Agencies related to environmental concerns as well as increased security costs, such as the Transportation Workers Identification Cards (TWIC). These initiatives if implemented as drafted will cause more upward spikes in total transportation costs in the foreseeable near future.
American Fast Freight (AFF) and Hawaiian Ocean Transport (HOT) will continue to do everything within their control to provide reasonable and cost-effective ocean freight rates for our valued customers shipping cargo to and from Hawaii and Guam. However some of these most recent increases will be passed on to the shipping community. We are reviewing the impact of these increases on our customers’ current shipping programs and we will provide the details as soon as we have finished our evaluation. In the interim if you have any questions, contact your nearest AFF/HOT office or your local sales representative.
ALASKA Posted 11/30/07
Carriers serving Alaska had previously filed for an increase in their fuel surcharge to 21.50%, which was effective on November 25, 2007. Recently they announced their intentions to raise it again, this time by a full three percent (3.0%), bringing the fuel surcharge on shipments to Alaska to 24.50%, effective on December 9, 2007.
Hawaii: |
29.00% of freight charges, effective December 14, 2007 |
Alaska: |
24.50% of freight charges, effective December 9, 2007 |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge will increase by 4.00% taking it to 20.50% of freight charges, as of November 20, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 11/15/07
The previously announced increase in fuel surcharges announced by carriers serving Hawaii and Guam to be effective on December 2, 2007 has been amended. They will not increase to 26% on that date. The new filing is for a fuel surcharge of 29%, which will be effective on all shipments as of December 14, 2007.
The carriers serving Alaska have also filed with the STB for an increase from 19.5% to 21.5%, which will be effective on November 25, 2007.
Hawaii: |
29.00% of freight charges, effective December 14, |
Alaska: |
21.50% of freight charges, effective November 25, 2007 |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge will increase by 4.00% taking it to 20.50% of freight charges, as of November 20, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 10/30/07
The two steamship lines serving Alaska recently announced their intentions to file a General Rate Increase (GRI) of six percent (6.00%) across-the-board with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The proposed effective date for this increase will be December 2, 2007. It will affect ocean freight rates on all shipments between the continental United States and Alaska.
The carriers will also raise the Port Security Fee. A number of additional security precautions, such as the Transportation Workers identification card (TWIC) have been cited as another increased cost for all modes of the transportation operating in U.S. Ports.
Although there have been a number of recent increases in fuel surcharges, carriers still point to the overall negative impact of the spiraling costs of fuel over the year as being one of the contributing forces necessitating rate increases. Finally they cite the on-going need for additional investments in upgrading their fleets and purchases of additional containers, trailers and associated handling equipment.
American Fast Freight will continue to do everything within reason to maintain competitive, cost-effective freight rates for our clients; however a significant portion of these new increases will have to be shared with the shipping community.
Contact your nearest American Fast Freight office or your AFF sales contact for detailed specifics regarding the impact of these increases
ALASKA, HAWAII Posted10/22/07
The carriers serving Alaska and Hawaii recently filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for another increase in fuel surcharges (FSC). The increase for Hawaii will be a jump of 2.0%, raising the rate to 26% effective on December 2, 2007.
The increase in Alaska will be an increase of 1.0%, raising that fuel surcharge to 19.5%.
Hawaii: |
26.00% of freight charges, effective December 2, 2007 |
Alaska: |
19.50% of freight charges, effective November 4, 2007 |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge is 16.50% of freight charges, as of May 6, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment..
ALASKA Posted 09/25/07
Although it is warm in other areas of the world, it is the time of the year again when it gets progressively colder in Alaska. That means American Fast Freight will start offering Keep From Freezing (KFF) Protective Service, effective on all shipments received on or after September 30, 2007. This will continue in effect until approximately April of 2008 depending on weather conditions.
For all shippers who have products which are susceptible to damage from exposure to freezing temperatures, this service will offer the protection needed.
Any AFF client who does not wish to have this service provided should contact the nearest American Fast Freight office and request a waiver form. If no waiver form is requested, the KFF protective service will automatically be provided as needed and invoiced for at the rates shown below.
| Minimum |
$/CWT |
Maximum |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage: |
$20.00 |
$ .95 |
$325.00 |
| Fairbanks: |
$25.00 |
$1.10 |
$575.00 |
| Kenai: |
$25.00 |
$1.10 |
$575.00 |
The KFF Waiver Form can also be down-loaded from our website at www.americanfast.com. Click on “Divisions”, then “American Fast Freight” and then click on “KFF Waiver Form” under “Related”.
NATIONWIDE Posted 07/23/07
The carriers serving Hawaii and Guam recently filed for another increase in fuel surcharges (FSC). The increase will be 1.5%, raising the rate to 24% effective on August 19, 2007.
Hawaii: |
24.00% of freight charges, effective August 19, 2007 |
Alaska: |
18.50% of freight charges, effective July 8, 2007 |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge is 16.50% of freight charges, as of May 6, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
Recently one of the ocean carriers serving Alaska filed for a fuel surcharge rate increase to match the other carrier’s previous filing. That means the ocean fuel surcharge for shipments going to Alaska will be 18.5%, effective July 8, 2007. Below are the ocean carrier fuel surcharges that are or will be in effect (as of date shown) on all ocean freight shipments handled by American Fast Freight and their affiliates.
Hawaii: |
22.50% of freight charges, effective May 27, 2007 |
Alaska: |
18.50% of freight charges, effective July 8, 2007 |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge is 16.50% of freight charges, as of May 6, 2007.
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
Alaska Bound
There will be some adjustments made in receiving cut-off times and sailing schedules related to Independence Day, July 4, 2007.
There will be an earlier departure of the vessels sailing from Port of Tacoma to Port of Anchorage on Wednesday of next week. This will require getting cargo picked up or received earlier than normal. The cut-off for receiving cargo at our 901 Alexander Avenue receiving center in Tacoma will be Tuesday, June 26th no later than 5:00 PM. The receiving cut-off for any shipments containing hazardous materials will be noon on that Tuesday.
As always, American Fast Freight will make every effort to receive cargo and get it loaded, but after the receiving cut-offs stated above, we cannot ensure it will make it to the pier in time for this earlier departure.
There will be no change in schedules related to the sailings on Friday, June 29th.
The following week will also have some changes. There will be no sailings on Wednesday, July 4th and all American Fast Freight and affiliated offices will be closed for Independence Day. Vessels will depart Port of Tacoma on Tuesday, July 3rd. Our cut-off for receiving freight at our 901 facility will be noon on Tuesday, July 3rd. Cut-off for receipt of shipments containing hazardous materials will be 5:00 PM on Monday, July 2nd.
There will be no change in the schedules for receiving or vessel departures for the Friday sailings on July 6th. We wish everyone a safe and sane Fourth of July.
Hawaii Bound
Vessel departures from the ports of Long Beach, Oakland and Seattle to the port of Honolulu will be only be marginally different, with some few hours delay in the normal recovery and discharge of containers in Honolulu. All AFF Hawaiian Ocean Transport offices and terminals will be closed to celebrate Independence Day, July 4th.
NATIONWIDE Posted 05/22/07
Want to track a shipment but don't have an account? Visit our Fast Track page to the status of your delivery, no registration required!
These are the ocean carrier fuel surcharges that are or will be in effect (as of date shown) on all ocean freight shipments handled by American Fast Freight and their affiliates. Ocean carriers serving Hawaii have announced another one and three quarter percent (1.75%) increase in fuel surcharge. The increase means a fuel surcharge of 22.5% effective on May 27, 2007.
Ocean carriers serving Alaska will increase fuel surcharge by one percent (1.00%). This increase raises the fuel surcharge to 18.5% effective on June 3, 2007.
Hawaii: |
22.50% of freight charges, effective May 27, 2007 |
Alaska: |
18.50% of freight charges, effective June 3, 2007* |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge is 16.50% of freight charges, as of May 6, 2007
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
We have released a new version of our Data Center! Quickly schedule a delivery with our online dispatch center, get rate quotes or real time tracking information and more.
These are the ocean carrier fuel surcharges that are or will be in effect (as of date shown) on all ocean freight shipments handled by American Fast Freight and their affiliates. Ocean carriers serving Hawaii have announced a one and one quarter percent (1.25%) increase in fuel surcharge. Ocean carriers serving Alaska will increase fuel surcharge by one percent (1.00%). Both of these announced increases will take affect on May 6, 2007.
Some relief was announced by barge lines serving Southeastern Alaska, as they reduced fuel surcharges by two percent (2.00%) down to 16.50%.
Hawaii: |
20.75% of freight charges, effective May 6, 2007 |
Alaska: |
17.50% of freight charges, effective May 6, 2007 |
*For barge service in Southeastern Alaska, the fuel surcharge is 16.50% of freight charges, as of May 6, 2007
There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.
NATIONWIDE Posted 04/10/07
The Northbound Sailing from Port of Tacoma to the Port of Anchorage on Friday, April 20, 2007 will be the last sailing for automatic Keep From Freezing (KFF) service. KFF service will be reinstated as weather conditions dictate on or about the end of September of this year.
Any customer wishing, for whatever reason, to continue having KFF service provided for their shipments beyond the sailing date above should contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 642-6664.
Washington State Senator, Mary Margaret Haugen has proposed implementing a container tax of $50.00 per twenty foot container (TEU) for all containers moving through Northwest Terminals. The tax money raised would go ostensibly to increase the capacity of Washington highways and rail systems used as freight corridors. Many professionals in transportation say the proposed legislation is too vague and doesn’t make it clear that the money raised would in fact go to “priority” transport projects.
In addition, the $50.00 charge is a bit misleading as most containers are 40 feet or greater in length, so the charge per one way trip would be $100.00 per container. It gets even more expensive for the Jones Act markets of Hawaii and Alaska, which are also served by Northwest seaports. Loaded containers of cargo move west to Hawaii and North to Alaska from these ports, but the majority of them come back empty. They are returned to the carrier, forwarder or shippers’ equipment pools in Washington State. That means that the tax per container making a round trip in these markets is actually $200.00 each!
This proposed tax would directly penalize the entire shipping community but would place an even greater burden on businesses shipping to Hawaii or Alaska through the state of Washington by dramatically raising the cost of transportation.
The cost of shipping products to Alaska and Hawaii has been increasing steadily due to other factors already, such as fuel costs, and port security procedures. Additional taxes that could be levied under this legislation put an unfair burden on shippers engaged in domestic transport to Alaska and Hawaii. American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport urge their customers to contact State Governors; Linda Lingle of Hawaii, Sarah Palin of Alaska and Christine Gregoire of Washington and express their opposition to this proposed legislation.
View previous articles on our News Archive page.
