It said its 15 members should add at least $600 per 40-foot container (feu) from 1 August, lifting numbers over $4,000 per box.

Companies like Maersk Line, MSC, CMA CGM, Coscon and Hanjin Shipping are enjoying sustained cargo demand in the third quarter, it added.

TSA wants to encourage investment and cover the rising costs of inland transport and cargo handling.

It would be the seventh hike this year, following a $400 per feu peak-season surcharge for all shipments from 15 June and a general rate increase (GRI) of between $300 and $400 per feu to US destinations for 15 May.