Matson raising Hawaii shipping rates 5.4 percent

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Matson Navigation Co. is increasing its Hawaii service container rates effective Jan. 4, 2015.

Matson will increase the Hawaii service rates by $225 per westbound container and $110 per eastbound container, according to a prepared statement released Tuesday.

The company said it is not increasing its terminal handling charge.

For most Hawaii customers the increases will result in shipping costs rising by an average 5.4 percent, according to the company.

The increases will be filed with the Surface Transportation Board.

Dave Hoppes, senior vice president of ocean services, said the rate increase will help offset rising operating costs as well as support investments in Hawaii service. He said the is identical to increases implemented in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

According to the company, in the past decade, Matson has invested nearly $1 billion in four new container ships, fleet enhancements, new container equipment, information technology and upgrades to its terminal facilities.