News / Carriers accused of using 'sledgehammer tactics' to hike backhaul rates

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European exporters to Asia are being hit with a double-whammy of transit disruption surcharges for containers already shipped, and huge rate increases for new bookings.

Moreover, ocean carriers are invoicing customers extra fees for shipments as far back as November, when most vessels were still being routed via the Suez Canal.

According to Rob Powell, MD of UK-based recycling export specialist Miro Logistics, invoking force majeure clauses in their bills of lading has allowed carriers to backdate surcharges; Maersk, for instance, billing ...