BOSTON, Oct. 11 -- Air freight carriers in the Asia-Pacific are hiking rates as the peak shipping season gets underway, with carriers warning that space has become tight in many leading gateways as demand outstrips capacity. Furthermore, rising oil prices are leading to fuel surcharges, carriers say.

The weeklong Chinese Autumn holiday that ended this week has had a big impact on air freight conditions, says Trans Global Logistics. "Local factories pumped out high volumes of goods before the break and many factories continued to churn out goods during the week, adding to the backlog of cargo at regional transit hubs," the company said in a customer briefing. Transit times will likely grow, Trans Global says, as the cargo buildup is worked ouut.

Regional notes:

• Shanghai carriers have announced a rate increase of 9%, while transit times for deferred service have suffered because of the freight buildup. Export volume is projected to be strong through October.
• Big-project shipping will keep air cargo strong in Hong Kong through November.
• In Taiwan, carriers have announced a third round of peak season increases (10 to 15%), but those levels may not stick because the market is not as strong as expected. Anticipate longer transit times and higher costs for space and fuel, and book large-sized or "hot" shipments as early as possible.

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