Labor Day Observance Posted 8/17/10

Terminals, Offices Closed on Labor Day

The offices and terminals of American Fast Freight, Inc. and its divisions and affiliated companies -- American Relocation Service, AFF Distribution Services, AFF Logistics, Alaska Archives and Hawaiian Ocean Transport, Inc. -- will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6, in observation of Labor Day.

There will be no changes in the various vessel departures that week to Hawaii, Guam or Alaska. However, due to the holiday closures, some cargo cut-off times and deliveries will be affected:

• Cargo cut-off in San Leandro for the Sept. 7 sailing out of Oakland will be 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3.

• Cargo cut-off in Rancho Dominguez for the Sept. 8 sailing out of Long Beach will be noon (12 p.m.) on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

• Any deliveries normally scheduled for Monday will be made on Tuesday.

• In the Port of Anchorage, southbound cargo needs to be booked into the American Fast Freight facility by 2 p.m. on Friday (9/3) for the Sunday (9/5) departure, unless special arrangements have been made for the Tuesday departure.

If you have any questions, please contact our customer service group at 800-642-6664.

Hawaii, Guam Posted 7/8/10

Hawaii-Guam Carriers File for Fuel Surcharge Decrease

The steamship lines serving Hawaii and Guam filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a two percent (2.00%) fuel surcharge decrease. This decrease takes the Hawaii surcharge from 27.5 to 25.5% and the Guam surcharge from 29 to 27%, effective July 18, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 22.50% effective on January 14, 2010
Southeast Alaska is 15.50% effective on June 15, 2010

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

Alaska Posted 6/17/10

Alaska Carriers File for Fuel Surcharge Decrease

The steamship lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a one percent (1.00%) fuel surcharge decrease. This decrease takes the fuel surcharge to 24.50% on all Alaska shipments, effective July 4, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 22.50% effective on January 14, 2010
Southeast Alaska is 15.50% effective on June 15, 2010

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

Independence Day Posted 06/09/2010

Terminals, Offices Closed in Observation of Independence Day

In observance of Independence Day, the American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport terminals, as well as AFF Logistics and American Relocation Services, will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2010. The operations terminals will not be receiving cargo on that day, unless special arrangements have been made in advance.

The Independence Day closures include our facilities in: Rancho Dominguez and San Leandro, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Fife and Renton, Washington; and Anchorage, Fairbanks and Soldotna, Alaska.

There will be no change in the various vessel departures that week to Hawaii, Guam or Alaska. However, due to the holiday closures, some cargo cut-off times and deliveries will be affected:

• Cargo cut-off in San Leandro for the July 6 sailing out of Oakland will be 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 2.

• Cargo cut-off in Rancho Dominguez for the July 7 sailing out of Long Beach will be noon (12 p.m.) on Tuesday, July 6.

• Any deliveries normally scheduled for Monday will be made on Tuesday.

• In the Port of Anchorage, the Horizon Lines gate will be open on Monday, July 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and TOTE’s gate will hold regularly-scheduled hours.

If you have any questions, please contact our customer service group at 800-642-6664.

Alaska Posted 06/07/2010

Fuel Surcharge Decrease Notice -- Southeast Alaska Service

The barge carriers serving cities in Southeast Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board for a two and one-half percent (2.50%) decrease in their fuel surcharge, from 18 percent (18.00%) to 15.5 percent (15.50%), effective June 15, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 22.50% effective on January 14, 2010
Southeast Alaska is 15.50% effective on June 15, 2010

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, inter modal and full trailer load line haul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

Hawaii Posted 05/27/2010

Update: Second-Phase -- Hawaii Increased Wharfage Charges

As we announced on Feb. 23, 2010, Hawaii's Department of Transportation-Harbors Division increased the wharfage fees for port use in the state. The first phase went into effect on March 14, 2010 and the second phase will go into effect on July 1, 2010. The upcoming second phase will increase the base freight rate on Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipments by two cents per cubic foot ($.02/CFT) on both westbound and eastbound shipments.

The second phase will increase Full Container Load (FCL) rates by $20.00 per container, regardless of size for shipments going to ports in Oahu and $33.00 per container for all other Hawaii ports. These increases are on westbound shipments to Hawaii. FCL eastbound shipments will be subject to an increase of $20.00 per container, regardless of size of Hawaii port of origin.

If you have any questions about the increases, contact your local Hawaiian Ocean Transport/American Fast Freight office or call our toll free Customer Service Center at 800-642-6664 and ask for Hawaii pricing. You can find more detailed information regarding the reasons for these increases at http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/library/admin-rules-2.

Memorial Day Posted 05/14/2010

Terminals Closed for Memorial Day 2010

In observance of Memorial Day, the American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport terminals, as well as AFF Logistics and American Relocation Services, will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2010. While the offices will be partially staffed, the operations terminals will not be receiving cargo on that day, unless special arrangements have been made in advance.

The Memorial Day closures include our facilities in: Rancho Dominguez and San Leandro, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Fife and Renton, Washington; and Anchorage, Fairbanks and Soldotna, Alaska.

There will be no change in the various vessel departures that week to Hawaii, Guam or Alaska. However, due to the holiday closures, some cargo cut-off times and deliveries will be affected:

• Cargo cut-off in San Leandro for the June 1 sailing out of Oakland will be 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 28. 

• Cargo cut-off in Rancho Dominguez for the June 2 sailing out of Long Beach will be noon (12 p.m.) on Tuesday, June 1.

• All Hawaii deliveries normally scheduled for Monday will be made on Tuesday.

If you have any questions, please contact our customer service group at 800-642-6664.

Fife Posted 05/11/2010

Long Road Closure May Affect Driver Route to AFF Fife Location

Traffic heading to AFF's Fife warehouse location from Highway 167 may experience some traffic congestion in the coming weeks due to the planned closure of a main thoroughfare in this area.

A full closure of the entire span of Valley Avenue E. from Freeman Road to 70th Avenue E. will begin on Monday, May 17, and end approximately 50 days later on July 6, 2010.

An alternative route for traffic coming off Highway 167 is to take a left onto N. Meridian Avenue, take an immediate right onto Levee Road, go about two miles, take a right onto 70th Avenue E., and another right onto 45th Street Ct. E.

This road closure is due to the continuing road-widening Valley Avenue Project by the City of Fife. Eastbound local access will be available for businesses and residents only. Those traveling westbound will be required to take a detour around the construction zone. Signs and flaggers will be in place to notify drivers in the area of the traffic revisions. Businesses in this area will remain open while work is underway.

If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Support Center at 800-642-6664 or visit www.cityoffife.org and under "Fife Area News," click "Improvement Project Page."

Alaska Posted 05/10/2010

Southeast Alaska Barge Carriers Raise Fuel Surcharge

The barge lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a three percent (3.00%) fuel surcharge increase on shipments to and from Southeast Alaska. This increase takes the fuel surcharge up to 18.00% on all shipments, effective May 16, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 22.50% effective on January 14, 2010
Southeast Alaska is 18.00% effective on May 16, 2010

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load line haul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

Hawaii Posted 05/5/2010

Horizon Lines Vessel Consumer Delays Call in Honolulu

The Horizon Lines vessel, Consumer, has experienced some mechanical problems en route to Honolulu.

The normal arrival time is Wednesday night. This delay means the Consumer will not arrive until Thursday morning, May 6; hence, there will be a delay in recovery and cargo deliveries of about 24 hours.

If you have any questions, please contact our customer service group at 800-642-6664. We regret any inconvenience.

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Hawaii Posted 04/29/2010

Dense Fog Causes Delay of Matson Vessel, the MV Maunalei

Matson Navigation's vessel, MV Maunalei 041E, has expected extreme weather conditions during its ports of call in Xiamen, Ningbo and Shanghai. Dense fog and port closures prevented the vessel from maintaining its pro-forma schedule. As a result, the ship's arrival into Long Beach and Honolulu has been delayed. The vessel is expected to arrive in Guam on time.

The vessel will be worked immediately upon arrival into Long Beach. Cut-off in Long Beach is 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5. Expected departure of MV Maunalei 042W is 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, with an ETA in Honolulu on Monday, May 10, at 5 p.m. This will mean a delay in cargo delivery in Hawaii of up to 24 hours.

The vessel's ETA in Guam is midnight on Tuesday, May 18.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Hawaiian Ocean Transport/American Fast Freight office or our Customer Support Center at 800-642-6664.

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Guam Posted 04/15/2010

New Surcharge Implemented for Guam Shipments

As reported earlier, the Port Authority of Guam (PAG) has added a number of surcharges in an effort to upgrade and modernize its aging facilities, including purchasing three gantry cranes to increase capacity at the port.

The carriers serving Guam recently announced that a new PAG facility maintenance fee has been approved by the Guam Public Utilities Commission.

Effective May 16, 2010, shipments of full container loads going to or from the PAG facility will have a $25.00 surcharge called a "Port of Guam Facility Maintenance Fee."

Because American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport are domestic ocean freight forwarders who consolidate multiple shippers' cargo into single ocean containers for transport, the new Port of Guam Facility Maintenance Fee will have to be prorated to the individual shipment levels for all customers shipping less-than-container load (LCL) cargo. To show this surcharge, a seperate line item will display on our invoices. The charge to our customers for this will be $1.00 minimum per shipment, or two cents ($.02) per cubic foot, whichever is greater.

As always, American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport will do everything in their control to minimize the impact these rate increases and additional surcharges have on our valued customers.

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Alaska Posted 04/12/2010

Alaska Southeast Barge Fuel Surcharge Increases

The barge lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a one percent (1.00%) fuel surcharge increase on shipments to and from Southeast Alaska. This increase takes the fuel surcharge up to 15.00% on all shipments, effective April 19, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 22.50% effective on January 14, 2010
Southeast Alaska is 15.00% effective on April 19, 2010

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load line haul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Alaska Posted 04/2/2010

Keep From Freezing (KFF) Service Discontinues

The northbound sailing from Port of Tacoma to the Port of Anchorage on Friday, April 9, will be the last sailing for automatic Keep From Freezing (KFF) service for the winter 2009-2010 season. KFF service will be reinstated as weather conditions dictate on or about the end of September of this year.
Any customer wishing, for whatever reason, to continue having KFF service provided for their shipments beyond the sailing date above should contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 642-6664.

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Alaska Posted 03/18/2010

Alaska Carriers File For Fuel Surcharge Increase

The steamship lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a one percent (1.00%) fuel surcharge increase on shipments to and from Alaska. This increase takes the fuel surcharge up to 25.50% on all shipments, effective April 4, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 14.00% effective on December 1, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load line haul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Hawaii Posted 3/18/10

Hawaii - Vessel Delay Due To Distress Call

While in transit to Honolulu the US Coast Guard requested the Matson vessel, Mokihana to respond to emergency distress call from another mariner. As a result, the vessel arrival in Honolulu will be delayed by several hours. The new arrival will be Thursday morning, 3/18/10.
This will mean a delay in discharging containers in Honolulu and may result in missed connections to the neighbor island barge transfers.
Hawaiian Ocean Transport / American Fast Freight will do everything within their control to expedite the delivery of cargo off of this vessel, but there will be delays in delivery up to 18-24 hours. If you have questions about a specific shipment, contact your nearest Hawaiian Ocean Transport / American Fast Freight office or call our National Customer Service Center at 800-642-6664.

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Hawaii Posted 2/23/10

Update: Hawaii Increased Wharfage Charges

As we announced earlier, Hawaii’s Department of Transportation-Harbors Division has increased the wharfage fees for port use in the state. This will be a two phased increase with the first round effective on March 14, 2010 and the second increase coming on July 1, 2010.
Therefore effective on March 14, 2010, all LCL customers will see an increase in their base freight rate of two cents per cubic foot ($.02/CFT). The second increase on July 1, 2010 will also be an increase in their base freight rate of another two cents per cubic foot ($.02/CFT). These increases are for westbound shipments.
Eastbound rates will go up by four cents per cubic foot ($.04/CFT) on March 14, 2010 and another two cents per cubic foot ($.02/CFT) on July 1, 2010.
ALL FCL clients will see an Increase of $22.00 per container regardless of size on March 14, 2010 for shipments to Oahu and an additional increase of $20.00 per container effective on July 1, 2010. The increases for the other Hawaii Island ports will be $36.00 per container on March 14, 2010 and additional $33.00 on July 1, 2010.
Customers with Eastbound Full Container Load shipments will see an increase of $47.00 per container (regardless of island origin) on March 14, 2010 and an additional $20.00 per container on July 1, 2010.
If you have any questions about the increases, contact your local Hawaiian Ocean Transport / American Fast Freight office or call our toll free Customer Service Center, 800-642-6664 and ask for “Hawaii pricing”. You can find more detailed information regarding the reasons for these increases at: http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/library/admin-rules-2

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Hawaii Posted 2/17/10

Hawaii Implements Increases on Harbor Fees

In a previous announcement we gave notice about some possible increases in Hawaii wharfage fees and other port improvement related surcharges. Hawaii's Department of Transportation, Harbors Division is now implementing the first of several planned wharfage increases effective on March 1, 2010.
The increase in user fees statewide is needed to finance over $600 million in repairs and improvement at harbors throughout Hawaii. This is the first increase in Hawaii wharfage fees since 1997. American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport are looking at these increases now and will determine the impact of these increases on our customers who ship in less than full container loads. We will let you know via this NEWS page what those increases will be as soon as they have been determined.

The increases will vary by island and equipment size. For example Honolulu wharfage will increase by $22.00 on a forty foot container. Some outer island fees will increase by almost $40.00 per container. Our full container load customers will have the increased charges passed through as these changes are implemented.

The new rates will apply on all shipments on or after March 14, 2010.

If you have any questions, please contact your Account Executive or our Customer Support Center at 800-642-6664. As an additional resource, the new wharfage and storage charges can be found at the Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division website: http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/library/admin-rules-2

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Hawaii, Guam Posted 2/08/10

Mechanical Problems Cause Delay

The Horizon Lines vessel, Enterprise has experienced some mechanical problems in transit to Honolulu. The normal arrival time is late Sunday or early Monday morning. This delay will mean the vessel will not arrive until after 6:00 PM this evening (February 8, 2010).

This will mean a delay in recovery and cargo deliveries of about 24 hours.

If you have any questions, please contact our customer service group at 800-642-6664.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

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Hawaii, Guam Posted 1/27/10

Storms Cause Delay In Hawaii-Guam Service

Matson Navigation’s vessel, MV RJ Pfeiffer 349E, has experienced mechanical problems, as well as extreme winds and high surf, on its eastbound voyage from Shanghai. As a result, the ship's arrival into Long Beach has been delayed.

The vessel will be worked immediately upon arrival. Expected departure of MV RJ Pfeiffer 350W is noon on Thursday, January 28, with an ETA in Honolulu on Monday, February 1 at 5:00 p.m. This will mean a delay in cargo delivery in Hawaii of up to 36 hours.

The Maui has also experienced weather delays during its Trans-Pacific transit and is now scheduled to depart Oakland at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, with an ETA in Honolulu at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 31. Although delayed, the ship will still arrive on weekend so there should be little disruption in deliveries.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Hawaiian Ocean Transport / American Fast Freight office or our Customer Support Center at 800-642-6664

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Hawaii Posted 01/11/2010

Hawaii-Guam Carriers File For Fuel Surcharge Increase

The steamship lines serving Hawaii and Guam filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a three and one half percent (3.50%) fuel surcharge increase on shipments to and from Hawaii and Guam. This increase takes the fuel surcharge up to 27.50% for Hawaii and 29.00% for Guam, on all shipments, effective February 7, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 14.00% effective on December 1, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load line haul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Alaska Posted 01/06/2010

Alaska Carriers File For Fuel Surcharge Increase

The steamship lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a one percent (1.00%) fuel surcharge increase on shipments to and from Alaska. This increase takes the fuel surcharge up to 24.50% on all shipments, effective January 17, 2010.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 14.00% effective on December 1, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load line haul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Washington Posted 12/31/09

New Facility Opens January 18, 2010

American Fast Freight and its affiliated companies will begin receiving cargo at their new facility in Fife, WA as of 7:00 AM PST on Monday, January 18, 2010. There will be personnel stationed at the old receiving facility to re-route any drivers who had not gotten the notice of the new location. As of 5:00 PM PDT on Friday, January 15, 2010, no additional cargo will be received at the 901 Alexander Avenue facility.

The new facility will house the operations for American Fast Freight, Hawaiian Ocean Transport, AFF Logistics and American Relocation Services. It will also be the new location for northwest sales, sales administration, marketing, national dispatch, customer service center, billing, credit-collections, claims management and the information technology group. They currently are at the 3502 Lincoln Avenue address in Tacoma, WA but will all relocate to the new facility on the same date.
American Fast Freight’s corporate office will remain at their current location in Renton, WA.
Click on the links below to get a map and directions from the old terminal to the new location as well as directions from the major highways to the new terminal.
Thanks for the continuing business and Happy New Year to all.

Old Terminal to New Terminal
Directions to New Terminal

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Alaska, Hawaii Posted 12/15/09

Holiday Hours – Sailing Schedules

Alaska

Christmas:

There will be only one sailing this week on Wednesday, December 23rd. Due to limited capacity, all cargo must be received at American Fast Freight’s Tacoma, Washington facility no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, December 22nd to make this sailing. We ask that all dispatch requests be called in no later than December 22nd at 5:00 PM.

There will not be a sailing departing on Friday, December 25th.

New Years:

There will be only one sailing this week on Wednesday, December 30th. Due to limited capacity, all cargo must be received at American Fast Freight’s Washington facility no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, December 29th to make this sailing. We ask that all dispatch requests be called in no later than Tuesday, December 29th at 5:00 PM.

There will not be a sailing departing on Friday, January 1st, 2010.

The American Fast Freight offices in Tacoma, Anchorage, Kenai and Fairbanks will be closed on both Christmas Day (12/25/00) and New Year’s Day (01/01/10).
The same will be true for the AFF affiliates in Alaska; AFF Distribution Services, American Relocation Services and Alaska Archives.

Partial crews and customer service personnel will be available on Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Eve day as well as through the National Customer Service and Dispatch center at 800-642-6664.

Hawaii

Christmas

Port of Seattle: There will be no change in the schedule for the sailing on Sunday December 27th. Cargo must be received at our Tacoma, Washington facility by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 23rd to make this sailing.

*** Tacoma: Refrigerated Cargo must be called in by 3:00 pm Tuesday December 22nd and delivered by Noon Wednesday, December 23rd.

Port of Oakland: There will be two sailings this week; one on Tuesday, December 22nd and one on Thursday, December 24th. Cut-off for receipt of cargo in our San Leandro facility will be noon on Monday and Wednesday respectively.

Port of Long Beach: There will be only one sailing during this week, departing on Wednesday, December 23rd. To ensure cargo moves on this sailing, we request it arrive at our Rancho Dominguez, California facility by 5:00 PM, Monday, December 21st.
***Long Beach: Refrigerated Cargo must be called in by 5:00 pm Friday December 18th and delivered by 5:00pm Monday, December 21st.
There will not be a sailing departing on Saturday, December 26th, 2009.

New Years

Port of Seattle: There will be no change in the schedule for the sailing on Sunday, January 3rd. Cargo must be received at our Tacoma, Washington facility by 5:00 PM, Wednesday, December 30th to make this sailing.

***Tacoma: Refrigerated Cargo must be called in by 3:00 pm Tuesday December 29th and delivered by Noon Wednesday, December 30th.

Port of Oakland: There will be two sailings this week; one on Tuesday, December 29th and one on Thursday, December 31st. Cut-off for receipt of cargo in our San Leandro facility will be noon on Monday and Wednesday respectively.

Port of Long Beach: There will be only one sailing during this week, departing on Wednesday, December 30th. To ensure cargo moves on this sailing, we request it arrive at our Rancho Dominguez, California facility by 5:00 PM, Monday, December 28th.
***Long Beach: Refrigerated Cargo must be called in by Noon Thursday December 24th and delivered by 5:00pm Monday, December 28th.
There will not be a sailing departing on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010.

The Hawaiian Ocean Transport terminals and offices in Tacoma, Rancho Dominguez, San Leandro and Honolulu will be closed on December 25th and January 1st. Partial crews and customer service personnel will be available on Christmas Eve day and New Year’s Eve day as well as through the National Customer Service and Dispatch center at 800-642-6664.

Happy Holidays to All

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Hawaii Posted 11/30/09

Matson Vessel Departure to Honolulu Delayed

Due to heavy seas and severe weather conditions on the eastbound transpacific voyage to Long Beach, the Matson vessel that normally departs Long Beach to Honolulu on Wednesday mornings, will be delayed this week by about 24 hours. The result will be a delayed arrival at the Port of Honolulu.

The vessel’s revised ETD from Long Beach will be Thursday, December 3, at 1700, with an arrival in Honolulu on Monday, December 7, at 2100. This same vessel sails onto Guam from Honolulu but the normal arrival time in Guam will not change, arriving Tuesday, December 15

American Fast Freight / Hawaiian Ocean Transport will do everything within their control to expedite deliveries once cargo has been off-loaded from vessel. If you have questions about the status of specific shipments, contact your nearest American Fast Freight / Hawaiian Ocean Transport office.

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AlaskaPosted 11/27/09

Barge Fuel Surcharge Increases

The barge lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a one percent (1.00%) fuel surcharge increase on shipments to Southeast Alaska. This increase takes the fuel surcharge up to 14.00% on all shipments, effective December 1, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 14.00% effective on December 1, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load line haul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Alaska Posted 10/8/09

Holiday Hours – Sailing Schedules Alaska

Thanksgiving 2009:

There will be only one sailing day during Thanksgiving week from Port of Tacoma to Port of Anchorage, Alaska on Wednesday, November 25th. There will be no vessels sailing to Anchorage on Friday night, November 27th. As there is only the one sailing that week, we recommend that cargo be delivered to the AFF, 901 Alexander operations terminal in Tacoma, WA prior to 5:00 PM, Tuesday, November 24th. Any Hazardous materials shipments scheduled for this one voyage need to be at the AFF terminal by noon Tuesday, November 24th to make this sailing.

In essence we will be attempting to get what amounts to a full week of cargo loaded and tendered to vessel operators on only the one sailing. Every effort will be made to accommodate shipments being received after these recommended cut-off times, however, cargo will move on the Wednesday sailing based on when it was received, first in – first out.

American Fast Freight offices in Renton and Tacoma, WA, Anchorage, Kenai and Fairbanks, AK will close on Thursday, November 26th to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. These offices will have limited partial staffing on Friday, November 27th. The same is true for the other American Fast Freight Affiliates in Alaska; AFF Distribution Services, American Relocation Services and Alaska Archives. Customer Service call center at 800-642-6664 will be available to switch calls to on-call personnel in an emergency.

Holiday Hours – Sailing Schedules Hawaii

Thanksgiving 2009:

There will be two sailings during Thanksgiving week from Long Beach to Port of Honolulu. There will be no change in vessel departures and arrivals. The cut-off for receipt of cargo for the Tuesday night departure will be 5:00 PM, Monday, November 23rd. The cut-off for receipt of cargo for the Friday night vessel departure will be noon on Wednesday, November 25th. The port of Honolulu will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, so any deliveries normally scheduled for Thursday will be made on Friday.

There will be two sailings during Thanksgiving week from Oakland to Port of Honolulu. The cut-off for receipt of cargo for the Tuesday night departure will be noon, Monday, November 23rd. The cut-off for receipt of cargo for the Thursday vessel departure will be noon on Wednesday, November 25th.

And there will be the normal weekend sailing out of Seattle. Cut-off for receipt of cargo will noon, Wednesday, November 25th.

The Rancho Dominguez, San Leandro, Tacoma and Honolulu offices of Hawaiian Ocean Transport will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th and there will be partial crews available on Friday, November 27th.

Our National Customer Service call center (800-642-6664) will be staffed to route calls to on-call personnel on Friday November 28th.

Our best wishes to all for an enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration.

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Alaska/Hawaii Posted 10/27/09

American Fast Freight - New Terminal Nears Completion

The new terminal which will house the Northwest operations, sales, marketing, and customer service as well as accounting and administrative functions for American Fast Freight (AFF) is nearing completion.

The eco friendly terminal is on 21 acres of land in Fife, which is about ten minutes outside the Port of Tacoma. In addition to American Fast Freight, the other AFF divisions; Hawaiian Ocean Transport, American Relocation Services and AFF Logistics will also be located there. The building will feature state-of-the art electrical systems which will dramatically reduce energy consumption as will the installation of energy efficient HVAC systems.

It will have a white roof which dramatically reduces the "heat island" effect. The refrigerated sections will have dock shelters with strip doors to reduce cooler temperature loss. Operations will be conducted using only electric forklifts. Over 95% of the steel used in the construction is recycled as are the majority of the flooring materials.

View the ongoing project by clicking on this link: Watch the Progress. Watch this NEWS page for more about the opening and other environmental and energy considerations used in the construction.

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Hawaii Posted 10/1/09

Hawaii Carriers Decrease Fuel Surcharges

The steamship lines serving Hawaii-Guam filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a four percent (4.00%) fuel surcharge decrease. This decrease takes the fuel surcharge down to 24.00% on all Hawaii shipments, effective October 4, 2009. The same 4.00% decrease will be implemented on shipments to Guam bringing that fuel surcharge down to 25.50% on the same effective date.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 13.00% effective on September 8, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Alaska Posted 9/22/09

Keep From Freezing Protective Service Begins
Shipments To/From Alaska

Although it is warm in other areas of the world, it is the time of the year again when it gets progressively colder in Alaska. That means American Fast Freight will start offering Keep From Freezing (KFF) Protective Service, effective on all shipments received on or after September 30, 2009. This will continue in effect until approximately April of 2010 depending on weather conditions.

For all shippers who have products which are susceptible to damage from exposure to freezing temperatures, this service will offer the protection needed.

Any AFF client who does not wish to have this service provided should contact the nearest American Fast Freight office and request a waiver form. If no waiver form is requested, the KFF protective service will automatically be provided as needed and invoiced for at the rates shown below.

The KFF Waiver Form can also be down-loaded from our website at www.americanfast.com. Click on “Divisions”, then “American Fast Freight” and then click on “KFF Waiver Form” under “Related”.

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Alaska Posted 9/10/09

Alaska Carriers Raise Fuel Surcharges

The steamship lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a two percent (2.00%) fuel surcharge increase. This increase takes the fuel surcharge to 23.50% on all Alaska shipments, effective September 20, 2009

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 13.00% effective on September 8, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Hawaii Posted 9/10/09

Fuel Surcharge Increase For Hawaii-Guam Rescinded

The steamship lines serving Hawaii who filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a five percent (5.00%) fuel surcharge increase in the Hawaii and Guam markets have rescinded that increase. So rates will remain at 28.00% for Hawaii shipments and 29.50% for Guam.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 13.00% effective on September 8, 2009


There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Alaska Posted 8/31//09

Alaska Fuel Surcharges Increase on Barge Service

The barge lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a fuel surcharge increase of two percent (2.00%) for Central Alaska raising that fuel surcharge to 20.50%, effective on September 8, 2009. Fuel surcharges for Southeast Alaska shipments will be increased by one and one half percent (1.50%) bringing that fuel surcharge to 13.00%, effective on the same date

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 20.50% effective on September 8, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 13.00% effective on September 8, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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Hawaii Posted 8/28//09

Hawaii-Guam Fuel Surcharges Increase on Steamship Service

The steamship lines serving Hawaii filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a fuel surcharge increase of five percent (5.00%) raising the Hawaii fuel surcharge to 33.00%, effective on September 27, 2009. Fuel surcharges for Guam shipments will be increased by the same percentage rate bringing the fuel surcharge to 34.50%, effective on the same date

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 18.50% effective on August 15, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 11.50% effective on June 29, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA Posted 8/14//09

American Fast Freight Group Closed for Labor Day

The offices and terminals of American Fast Freight, Inc. and its divisions; American Relocation Service, AFF Distribution Services, AFF Logistics and the affiliated companies; Alaska Archives and Hawaiian Ocean Transport, Inc. will be closed on Monday, September 7th to celebrate Labor Day.

There will be no changes during this week in the sailing schedules to Alaska, or Hawaii. However any deliveries normally scheduled for delivery on a Monday, will be moved to Tuesday, September 8th.

Just as a reminder all hazardous materials shipments have to be to our facilities 24 hours prior to the vessel departure date.

Enjoy the Holiday.

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ALASKA Posted 8/12//09

Alaska Fuel Surcharges Increase on Steamship Service

The steamship lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a fuel surcharge increase of two percent (2.00%) raising that fuel surcharge to 21.50%, effective on August 23, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 18.50% effective on August 15, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 11.50% effective on June 29, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA Posted 8/11/09

Central Alaska Fuel Surcharges Increase on Barge Service

The barge lines serving Central Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a fuel surcharge increase of two percent (2.00%) raising that fuel surcharge to 18.50%, effective on August 15, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 18.50% effective on August 15, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 11.50% effective on June 29, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 8/11/09

Storm Causes Some Hawaiian Barges Transfer Delays

The storm remnants from Hurricane Felicia have caused some minor disruptions in transferring cargo from the port of Honolulu via barge service to some of the neighbor islands. Below are listed the delays and/or changes in schedules.

Young Brothers barges departing from Honolulu into Kawaihae and Kahului are projected to arrive late due to tropical storm Felicia.

Monday’s Young Brothers barge bound for Kawaihae was delayed and sailed late. Cargo is expected to be available in Kawaihae on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009.

Monday’s Young Brothers barge bound for Kahului did NOT sail on Monday, August 10th. This barge is expected to sail today at 1200 hours, with cargo availability in Kahului on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009.

The Nawiliwili and Hilo barges remain on schedule. Young Brothers expects all barges to be back on schedule by Thursday, August 13th, 2009.
If you need to determine the status of a particular shipment, contact American Fast Freight / Hawaiian Ocean Transport Customer Service desk at 800-642-6664.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 8/10/09

Hurricane Felecia Now Tropical Depression

Residents and businesses in Hawaii are breathing a sigh of relief as the once category 4 hurricane has continued to be down graded. As to today Felicia is classified as a tropical depression with sustained winds speeds at a maximum of 45 MPH. The islands will get wet however and some flooding is anticipated.
Upper-level wind shear has taken a toll on this system the last 24 hours, weakening it significantly from when it peaked as a category 4 hurricane late last week. Much of the shower and thunderstorm activity is displaced well to the northeast of the circulation center and this is the most likely area of tropical-storm force winds.
Over the next 48 hours expect gusty winds, especially in the higher elevations, along the coast, and in the channels between islands. Rainfall could be locally heavy resulting in localized flooding issues. A high surf warning is posted for eastern facing beaches where waves will peak in the 10 to 15 foot range.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for The Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu. A flash flood watch is also posted for these islands.
American Fast Freight / Hawaiian Ocean Transport do not expect to experience any significant delays in delivering cargo on schedule. If you want immediate information on the status of any particular shipment you may have in transit to Hawaii, contact our customer service center at (800) 642-6664.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 8/07/09

Hurricane Felicia Headed to Hawaii

The storm was downgraded to Category 2 as it moved west-northwest toward Hilo, Hawaii, at 10 mph. Felicia had maximum sustained winds approaching 115 miles per hour as of 2 a.m. PT, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida.
But Felicia is expected to become less intense as it moves over cooler waters, according to the hurricane center.
Felicia could reach Hawaii by Monday, but by that time it may have weakened to a tropical depression or tropical storm, said meteorologist Derek Wroe at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Even if the storm does not hit Hawaii as a hurricane, it can still cause flooding damage, Wroe said.
"Storms and depressions bring a lot of moisture with them and the wind may not be as strong when it comes in with a depression, but a depression is sometimes just as capable as bringing in flooding as a tropical storm," Wroe said.
Felicia is about 1,350 miles east of the Big Island, according to the weather service.
Contingency plans that are in place range from holding product on the mainland, the water carriers slowing vessels, navigating around or behind the Hurricane or in a worst case scenario holding departures. American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport will post any updates as needed on this site.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 7/29/09

Vessel Limps Back to Port of Oakland

This announcement was just sent out from one of the carriers serving Hawaii.

July 29, 2009

Subject: S.S. Maui Departure from Oakland Delayed Due to Electrical Problem

Due an electrical problem with the S.S. Maui after departure, the vessel was forced to return to the Oakland Terminal on Tuesday, July 28. The ship is currently in port, and repairs are being made. It is tentatively scheduled to depart Oakland 0600 Thursday July 30, with arrival in Honolulu expected to be on Monday morning, August 3. The vessel will begin discharge on arrival and cargo will begin to be made available shortly thereafter.
American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport are in the process of notifying all shippers who had cargo on this sailing and providing them with updates.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted7/29/09

Horizon Lines Schedule Change – September 2009

One of the carriers serving Hawaii and Guam, Horizon Lines has announced a schedule change that may affect some cargo shipments from the ports of Tacoma and Oakland to Hawaii and Guam.
The normal Sunday departure from Tacoma will be one day later on Monday, September 14TH.

No Guam destined cargo will be accepted on this sailing.

And there will be an earlier departure from Port of Oakland to Honolulu on Tuesday, September 15th.
There will be no changes in the receiving cutoffs at the American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport terminals in Tacoma, WA and San Leandro, CA due to these changes.

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ALASKA Posted 7/28/09

Alaska Fuel Surcharges Increase on Steamship Service

The steamship lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for a fuel surcharge increase of one percent (1.00%) raising that fuel surcharge to 19.50%, effective on August 5, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 16.50% effective on June 21, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 11.50% effective on June 29, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA Posted 7/1/09

Alaska Fuel Surcharges Increase on Steamship and Barge Service

The steamship lines serving Alaska filed with the Surface transportation board (STB) for a fuel surcharge increase of two percent (2.00%) raising that fuel surcharge to 18.50%, effective on July 12, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 16.50% effective on June 21, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 11.50% effective on June 29, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 6/24/09

Independence Day - Adjusted Hours

Alaska

The administrative and sales offices of American Fast Freight and their affiliated companies operating in Alaska will be closed on Friday, July 3rd to celebrate Independence Day. There will not be any change in the normal sailing schedule from Tacoma to Anchorage.

There will be partial operational crews working in Tacoma, Anchorage, Kenai and Fairbanks on Friday, July 3rd. We ask our Alaska shippers to attempt to get cargo to our Tacoma terminal by 4:30 PM on Thursday, July 2nd to allow for sufficient time to get it loaded for the Friday night sailing.

Hawaii

The Northwest operations and administrative office for Hawaiian Ocean Transport will be closed on Friday, July 3rd. The normal Sunday vessel departure from Seattle-Tacoma will be moved up one day, departing on Saturday, July 4th. Customers are asked to get cargo to our Tacoma receiving terminal by 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 2nd in order to make this earlier voyage.

The office and receiving terminal in San Leandro will be closed on Friday, July 3rd. There is no change in vessel departures.

Rancho Dominguez offices and operations will be closed on Friday, July 3rd. There is no change in the vessel departure schedules from the Port of Long Beach. To make sure there is sufficient time to receive and load cargo for the normal Friday night – Saturday morning sailing, customers are asked to get their cargo to the Rancho Dominguez terminal by 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 2nd.

If required, a limited amount of cargo can be handled by AFF/HOT on Friday, July 3rd but by appointment only.

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ALASKA Posted 6/23/09

Update on Barge Fuel Surcharges

The barge carriers serving Alaska recently filed for a fuel surcharge rate increase with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The fuel surcharge for barge shipments to Southeast Alaska will increase by two percent (2.00%) bringing the charge to 11.50% effective June 29, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 16.50% effective on June 21, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 11.50% effective on June 29, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA Posted 6/16/09

Barge Carriers Serving Alaska Raise Fuel Surcharge

The barge carriers serving Alaska recently filed for a fuel surcharge rate increase with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The fuel surcharge for barge shipments to Central Alaska will increase by two percent (2.00%) bringing the charge to 16.50% effective June 21, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 16.50% effective on June 21, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 9.50% effective on May 17, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 6/09/09

Kelly Promoted to President – Hawaiian Ocean Transport

Hawaiian Ocean Transport, Inc. (HOT) recently announced the appointment of Kevin Kelly to the position of President. Matt LePage, Chairman of the Board for Hawaiian Ocean Transport made the announcement. Hawaiian Ocean Transport is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Fast Freight. Prior to the promotion Kelly served as the General Manager for HOT.

Kelly has been with HOT from its formative year in 1990 and has been an integral part in their growth to over $50 million in revenue in 2008. In addition to his new duties as President, Kelly will continue to manage the sales departments in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu and Maui. Hawaiian Ocean Transport currently has receiving and distribution centers in Tacoma, WA, San Leandro and Rancho Dominguez, CA and in Honolulu Hawaii.

Hawaiian Ocean Transport engages primarily in ocean transport of virtually any type of cargo to Hawaii and Guam, including refrigerated and project cargo. In addition they operate a cold storage center in both Rancho Dominguez and Honolulu and handle airfreight and intra island shipments.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 6/08/09

Carriers Serving Hawaii and Guam Increase Fuel Surcharge Dramatically

The carriers serving Hawaii and Guam recently filed for additional fuel surcharge rate increases with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The fuel surcharge for shipments to Hawaii will increase by eight percent (8.00%) bringing the charge to 28.00% effective July 5, 2009. The same percentage increase will apply to shipments going to Guam, bringing that rate to 29.50% also effective on July 5, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 14.50% effective on June 9, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 9.50% effective on May 17, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 6/04/09

Alaska Fuel Surcharges Increase on Steamship and Barge Service

The carriers serving Alaska recently filed for fuel surcharge rate increases with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The steamship lines serving Alaska filed for a fuel surcharge increase of two percent (2.00%) raising that fuel surcharge to 16.50%, effective on June 21, 2009. The barge carriers filed for a two and one half percent (2.50%) increase raising that charge to 14.50%, effective June 9, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 14.50% effective on June 9, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 9.50% effective on May 17, 2009


There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 5/20/09

Carriers Serving Alaska Hawaii and Guam Increase Fuel Surcharge

The carriers serving Alaska, Hawaii and Guam recently filed for fuel surcharge rate increases with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The fuel surcharge for shipments to Hawaii will increase by three and one half percent (3.50%) bringing the charge to 20.00% effective June 21, 2009. The same percentage increase will apply to shipments going to Guam, bringing that rate to 21.50% also effective on June 21, 2009.The carriers serving Alaska filed for a fuel surcharge increase of two percent (2.00%) raising that fuel surcharge to 14.50%, effective on May 31, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 12.00% effective on February 4, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 9.50% effective on May 17, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 5/6/09

Alaska Southeast Barge Fuel Surcharge Increases

The barge lines serving Southeast Alaska recently filed for a fuel surcharge increase with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The increase will be for two percent (2.00%), taking the rate to 9.50%, effective on all sailings on or after May 17, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 12.00% effective on February 4, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 9.50% effective on May 17, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA Posted 5/1/09

Keep From Freezing Service Discontinues

The Northbound Sailing from Port of Tacoma to the Port of Anchorage on Friday, May 1, 2009 will be the last sailing for automatic Keep From Freezing (KFF) service. KFF service will be reinstated as weather conditions dictate on or about the end of September of this year.

Any customer wishing, for whatever reason, to continue having KFF service provided for their shipments beyond the sailing date above should contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 642-6664.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 4/27/09

Hawaii-Guam Fuel Surcharges Increase

The carriers serving Hawaii and Guam recently filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for an increase in the fuel surcharges to be applied. The increase is for one and one half percent (1.50%) in both markets. The icnrease raises the fuel surcharge to 16.50% for Hawaii and 18.00% for Guam. The increases will apply on all shipments sailing on and after May 24, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 12.00% effective on February 4, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 7.50% effective on February 4, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 4/23/09

Alaska Carriers Raise Fuel Surcharges

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 12.00% effective on February 4, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 7.50% effective on February 4, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 4/21/09

Updating Fuel Surcharge Rates for Alaska-Hawaii-Guam

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to:
South Central Alaska is 12.00% effective on February 4, 2009
Southeast Alaska is 7.50% effective on February 4, 2009

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 2/3/09

Update: Clean Truck Surcharge

After much debate and numerous delays, the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have finally announced an effective date for fee collections. That will be February 18, 2009.The long debated “Clean Truck” initiative became effective on October 1, 2008 but actual collection of fees has been postponed numerous times until now. One aspect of this initiative which is designed to reduce carbon pollution in the port areno just yuo a hole

as is to phase out older polluting trucks. The ports are going to subsidize the truck replacement program through revenues generated by imposing this surcharge on all containers moving in or out of the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

For shipments of full container loads, the surcharge will be $35.00 per TEU (twenty foot equivalent container), and $70.00 per 40 or 45 foot containers. As American Fast Freight / Hawaii Ocean Freight are domestic ocean freight forwarders, who consolidate multiple shippers’ cargo into ocean containers for transport, these new charges will have to be prorated to the individual shipment level for all customers’ less- than-container load (LCL) cargo. We believe the most equitable basis with the most transparency will be to show that container surcharge as a separate line item on our invoices as cents per cubic foot, based on the cubic displacement of each shipment. Our charge to our customers to process and pay these fees will be $.06 per cubic foot.

American Fast Freight supports the primary objective of this initiative – to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. However we still take issue with some of the restrictive licensing requirements which would seek to eliminate independent owner operators from the market.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 3/30/09

Guam Crane Surcharge Start Date Changed

The carriers serving Guam have recently announced that the Guam Crane Surcharge, which was to become effective on March 29, 2009, has been changed. The new effective date for implementation of this surcharge will be April 12, 2009.
The surcharge will be $125.00 for every container (regardless of size) being handled in the port. For less-than-container load shipments (LCL), the surcharge will be $.10 per cubic foot with a minimum of $1.00 per shipment. These charges will be shown as a separate line item on our invoices.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 2/3/09

Alaska Southeast Barge Fuel Surcharge Decreases

The barge carriers serving Southeast Alaska recently announced a three and one half percent (3.50%) decrease in their fuel surcharges on shipments to Southeastern Alaskan Cities. That lowers the surcharge to seven and one half percent (7.50%) effective on February 4, 2009.

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to

Southeast Alaska is 7.50% effective on February 4, 2009.

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 1/23/09

Alaska Fuel Surcharge Increases

After a number of announced decreases in fuel surcharges, the carriers serving Alaska have announced an increase in their fuel surcharges. For Alaska shipments the fuel surcharge will be increased by one and one half percent (1.50%) to 11.50%, effective February 01, 2009. As there have been frequent changes, note summary of amounts and effective dates below:

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to Southeast Alaska is 11.00%

effective on December 22, 2008.

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 12/19/08

Alaska Barge Fuel Surcharge Decreases

The carriers serving Alaska have announced an additional decrease in their fuel surcharges. For Alaska shipments the fuel surcharge will be reduced by two percent (2.00%) to 10.00%, effective December 21, 2008. As there have been frequent changes, note summary of amounts and effective dates below:

Fuel surcharge for barge shipments to Southeast Alaska will decrease by three percentage points (3.00%) from 14.00% to 11.00% effective on December 22, 2008.

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 12/11/08

Alaska Fuel Surcharge Decrease Again

The carriers serving Alaska have announced an additional decrease in their fuel surcharges. For Alaska shipments the fuel surcharge will be reduced by two percent (2.00%) to 10.00%, effective December 21, 2008. As there have been frequent changes, note summary of amounts and effective dates below:

Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,

will be at 14.00%, effective December 1, 2008.

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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HAWAII Posted 12/09/08

Steamship Lines Announce Rate Increases
For Hawaii & Guam

The ocean carriers serving Hawaii and Guam have announced their General Rate Increase (GRI) filings with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The increase on various handling fees and basic freight rates will be effective January 4, 2009 for Hawaii shipments and on February 1, 2009 for Guam shipments.

There are numerous inclusions in the GRI filing. The Terminal Handling Charge (THC) will be increased by $175.00 Westbound and $90.00 eastbound for both Hawaii and Guam. Base ocean rates will go up by a low of $125.00 per container to a high of about $225.00 per container for certain commodities. Carriers also intimate there may be increase in the wharfage charges later in the year.

Additionally the Port Authorities of Long Beach and Los Angeles will soon implement a Clean Truck Container Tax that will be a separate item in their rate filings with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). This “tax” will be $35.00 for every twenty foot container and $70.00 for every forty foot or larger containers. This equates to a charge of $.06 per cubic foot for less-than-container load (LCL) shipments.

An additional “infrastructure improvements” surcharge for Guam shipments will be effective sometime after March, 2009. This new fee is to subsidize the purchase of three gantry cranes to increase capacity at the port.

While rate increases are never popular, the dramatic decrease in the cost of fuel has more than offset these increases when viewed on a per container basis. Fuel surcharges in Hawaii are 15.00% at the time of this notice. That is down from a high of 42.25% just months ago, which lowers the cost by $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 per container based on commodity shipped.

As always Hawaiian Ocean Transport and American Fast Freight will do everything in their control to minimize the impact on our valued customers of these rate increases and additional surcharges.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 12/01/08

Alaska Hawaii Fuel Surcharge Decrease Again

The carriers serving Alaska, Hawaii and Guam have announced an additional decrease in their fuel surcharges. For Alaska shipments the fuel surcharge will be reduced three percent (3.00%) to 12.00%, effective December 7, 2008. For Hawaii the decrease is four and one half percent (4.50%) to 15.00% effective on December 1, 2008. And for Guam the decrease is the same percentage to 16.50% effective December 1, 2008. As there have been frequent changes, note summary of amounts and effective dates below:

Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,

will be at 14.00%, effective December 1, 2008.

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 11/25/08

Alaska Barge Fuel Surcharge Decreases

The barge lines serving Alaska have announced an additional decrease in their fuel surcharges. For Southeastern Alaska barge shipments the fuel surcharge will be reduced three and one half percentage points (3.50%) to 14.00%, effective December 1, 2008. As there have been frequent changes, note summary of amounts and effective dates below:

Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,

will be at 14.00%, effective December 1, 2008.

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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ALASKA, HAWAII Posted 11/20/08

Alaska Fuel Surcharge Decrease Again

The carriers serving Alaska have announced an additional decrease in their fuel surcharges. For Alaska shipments the fuel surcharge will be reduced a full five percentage points (5.00%) to 15.00%, effective November 23, 2008. As there have been frequent changes, note summary of amounts and effective dates below:

Fuel surcharge for barge service into Southeastern Alaska,

will be at 17.50%, effective November 17, 2008.

There continue to be fuel surcharges assessed on motor carrier, intermodal and full trailer load linehaul transportation as well. In some cases these are flat charges per container, in others, they are stated as a percentage of freight charges. Every attempt will be made to update the rates on this site, based on receipt of filings from carriers. Each of our invoices will detail the fuel surcharge as a separate item, based on rates in effect at the time of the shipment.

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