Carriers are pushing for a mid-August rate hike to the US West Coast in an
attempt to reverse the recent rate slide on that route. The carriers’ resolve
will be keenly tested as recent capacity additions on the Asia to US West Coast
and Mexico routes have tilted the supply-demand balance on the previously tight
market with capacity utilisation falling despite strong peak season cargo
demand. The carriers’ ability to hold Asia-Europe rates last week gave the
freight futures market a much needed b