General Rate Increase - TransAtlantic Eastbound (Export) Trade

Issue 70, October 30, 2009

Please be advised that effective December 01, 2009, DHL Global Forwarding will implement a General Rate Increase (GRI) for all exports from the United States ports (USEC, USGC and USWC) to Northern Europe and Europe Mediterranean, as follows:

• USD $100 20’ Dry Van Container and Reefer Container
• USD $200 40’ Dry Van Container and Reefer Container

This increase will apply on all dry or refrigerated cargo, received and moving under a Danmar Lines bill of lading effective December 01, 2009. Please note that all charges will be applied upon receipt of cargo at store door, rail ramp, or port delivery, as noted on bookings.

As volumes & rates have fallen precipitately over the past year, the ocean carriers in the Atlantic trade have withdrawn capacity & rationalized services to the point where the supply & demand for space is now more balanced. In addition, the impact of the global recession on ocean carriers’ finances has led to some carriers deciding to exit the Atlantic trade entirely & the remaining carriers to seek revenue improvement as the only option to maintain service levels at their current standard.

We fully understand the significance of implementing a GRI of $100.00 per TEU by December 1st, 2009 but can assure you of our commitment to keep cost increases to a minimum whilst continuing to offer the best possible choice of service options available in the trade. We will continue our efforts to further mitigate the GRI levels and we will keep you informed about possible changes to those GRI levels.

We thank you for your continued support. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this GRI, please contact your local DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING, INC sales representative.

Best regards,

Guido Wedemeyer
Director Ocean Freight
Trans Atlantic Trades
Danmar Lines, Ltd