Mediterranean Shipping Company announces General Rate Increases

Mediterranean Shipping Company announced today General Rate Increases affecting four trade lanes: Israel westbound to USA and EUUS westbound to USA effective September 1, 2009; US westbound freight to Asia effective September 5, 2009; and Italy, Spain and Portugal westbound to USA effective October 1, 2009. Details on these rate increases follow (all amounts shown are US dollars):

GRI Effective September 1, 2009:

All cargo Israel westbound to USA: $250 per 40’ and $125 per 20’

All cargo EUUS westbound to USA: $500 per 40’ and 400 per 20’

GRI Effective September 5, 2009: (USA to ASIA)

All commodities, including exempt (except reefers)

US West Coast, port/port: $150 per 40’ and $120 per 20’

Commodities originating from intermodal points

moving through/via US West Coast Ports: $150 per 40’ and $120 per 20’

US East Coast and Gulf, port/port: $150 per 40’ and $120 per 20’

Freight originating from intermodal points

moving through/via US East Coast or Gulf ports: $150 per 40’ and $120 per 20’

Reefer cargo

US West Coast port/port: $250 per 40’ and $190 per 20'

Originating from intermodal points

moving through/via US west coast ports $250 per 40’ and $190 per 20'

From or through US East coast and Gulf ports $300 per 40' and $225 per 20'

Originating from intermodal points and moving

through/via US East and Gulf coast ports: $300 per 40' and $225 per 20'

GRI Effective October 1, 2009:

Italy, Spain and Portugal, westbound to USA: $300 per 40’ and $ 300 per 20’

Mediterranean Shipping Company is a privately-owned company based in Geneva, and as of this date operates 413 vessels with an intake capacity of 1,522,974 TEUs. Its focus on customer service and vast service reach has established MSC as a leading global transportation solution for many shippers today