Shipping companies raise freight rates from the US to Venezuela after sanctions: documents and sources

[Warlock-]

 

CARACAS - At least two shipping lines raised tariffs in May to transport goods from the United States to Venezuela, following the limitations on the shipment of air cargo imposed by the Donald Trump government, according to three industry sources and two documents. The US Department of Transportation banned direct flights between the United States and Venezuela on May 15, arguing that conditions in the oil country do not guarantee the safety of crews and airplanes. Although the US authorities did not object to the operations that are made by sea, two global shipping companies, Hamburg Süd and King Ocean Servicies, apply new tariffs to the cargo that leaves from the United States to Venezuelan ports, according to documents seen by Reuters.

The shipments have an additional surcharge of $ 1,200 per container from May 15, according to the press releases. None of the companies responded to Reuters requests to confirm the information. "Shipping companies have increased the cost of their services because of the risk of coming to Venezuela with sanctions (from the United States)," said a local business source, who asked to remain anonymous. "Now an additional surcharge would be added," he added. Since May, only direct shipments of merchandise between the United States and Venezuela would be by sea. In the midst of the restrictions, some companies that provide door-to-door services consulted have begun to send the cargo by air, calling in Colombia, but with higher tariffs.

"The measure has two readings: they want to take advantage of the situation or they want to avoid reaching Venezuela," said a source who operates in Venezuelan ports familiar with the order of shipping companies to increase tariffs. DHL said in a statement on Friday that although it continues to provide services in the country, the local unit that moves cargo from the United States has suspended air and sea transport operations. In 2016, shipping lines charged for transporting goods to Venezuela up to three times more than other countries in South America because of the risks associated with that operation, according to rates seen by Reuters.