The India Pakistan Bangladesh Ceylon Conference (IPBCC) a grouping of about 19 shipping lines, said that they were revising rates following a review of terminal handling costs in Colombo.
The grouping collectively fixes rates, with members not allowed to negotiate with shippers independently. The group handles well over 80 percent of Sri Lanka’s import and export trade, local shippers say.
Charges for a 20-foot container will go up from 115 dollars per container to 155 dollars and for a 40 foot container from 184 dollars to 245 dollars.
IPBCC member lines wish to advise their customers that following a review of terminal handling costs in Colombo, they will implement the following revised levels with effect from Monday January 01, 2007.â€
Import and Export Cargo
• 20 foot dry cargo containers US$ 155 per container
• 40 foot dry cargo containers US$ 245 per container
• 45 foot dry cargo containers US$ 295 per container