Cargo shipping organisations have called for action against alleged supply chain distortion and contract violations by container lines as rates rocket.

In a joint letter to the competition directorate of the European Commission, the European Freight Forwarders Association (CLECAT) and the European Shippers' Council (ESC) also accused carriers of establishing unreasonable conditions for the acceptance of bookings.

In addition, lines are allegedly unilaterally setting rates far in excess of those agreed in contracts.