The 14 members of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement expect to raise the rate for shipping a 40-foot container to the U.S. West Coast from Asia by $400, and by $600 for shipments to all other U.S. destinations. It also plans to impose a $400 peak season surcharge from June to October 2008.

The group also said it will reinstate fuel surcharges that have previously been rolled into rates, according to a Reuters report.

In a report in the U.K.-based Telegraph newspaper, Ronald Widdows, chairman of the TSA, said: "Lines will, of necessity, be pressing the issue of a full, floating bunker charge very seriously in upcoming contract negotiations. Fuel prices are far too volatile, and ocean carriers are far too exposed...to lock in a single price for a year."

In August, members of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement increased rates from the U.S. to Asia by $100 on each 40-foot container.

The TSA is a group of ocean container carriers shipping from Asia to the U.S. While it doesn't set rates, its reviews costs and other factors and makes recommendations to its members.