Horizon boosting fuel surcharge
Horizon Lines Inc. said yesterday it is increasing its fuel surcharge for its Hawaii-mainland and Guam routes by 1 percentage point to a record 25 percent amid a continuing rise in fuel prices.
The state's second-largest ocean shipper said the surcharge will go into effect on Nov. 11.
Rival Matson Navigation Co., the largest shipper in the islands, said yesterday it is reviewing the increase.
Horizon's increase is its fifth straight and its first since increasing rates 1.5 percentage points to 24 percent on Aug. 19.
"The increase is necessary to offset a portion of increased bunker fuel costs experienced in recent weeks," Horizon said in a statement to customers. "We understand the impact that the fuel surcharge has on your transportation budget. Horizon Lines will continue to seek ways to minimize fuel expense as we enter the winter months."