BOSTON -- Based on recent increases in demand for air freight, the peak shipping season is about to be underway, a major logistics provider said today. Rates are expected to climb accordingly, said Trans Global Logistics in a bulletin to customers.

In several key regions, demand for air freight began to build in early July. Shippers are expected to begin ramping volumes later this month and in August.




Rates have started rising and carriers will announce further hikes next month, TGL said. Carriers
serving Hong Kong announced rate increases from 5% to 15%, with slightly higher hikes to East Coast markets.

Also, Eva Air announced a rate hike of 25% on shipments from Taiwan to North America beginning
Aug. 1. It was the earliest peak season hike in that market in more than three years, TGL said, adding that "other carriers are expected to follow Eva’s lead."

Congestion at regional transit hubs is delaying shipments to the East Coast of the U.S. Larger shipments could see delays of up to two days, TGL said.