News / More 'gentle arm-twisting' by carriers, as shipping costs continue to spike

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The Loadstar has seen further evidence this week of ocean carriers “requesting” the use of their own trucking and customs brokerage services, as part of spot market offers for exports from China.

A UK-based NVOCC received a rate offer via its Shanghai office on Monday for shipment on 27 July from Yantian to Felixstowe at a rate of $15,700 for a 40ft HC.

Given that it was for “prompt shipment”, and was a “good rate” in today’s overheated market, the forwarder asked ...