Matson Decreasing Fuel Surcharge by 3.5%

Matson Inc. announced today that it is decreasing its fuel related surcharge by 3.5% for its services to Hawaii, Guam/CNMI, and Micronesia.

Effective this Sunday, surcharges will drop from 43.5% to 40% for its Hawaii service and from 40% to 36.5% for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services.

Matson attributed the decrease to recent moderation in bunker fuel prices.

“We are pleased to make this downward adjustment to our fuel surcharge, which for most customers represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $80 to $140 per container,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services in a released statement.

“We have been encouraged by the recent moderation in bunker fuel prices, and remain focused on diligently exploring ways in which we can maximize fuel efficiency for our Hawaii and Guam services.”

Hoppes added that while Matson has made a practice of giving 30 days notice for upward rate adjustments, it passes on downward adjustments to customers as soon as possible.

Matson’s last adjustment to its fuel surcharge was an increase of 4.5% on October 7, 2012, which followed two consecutive decreases in June and July of 2012 totaling 6.5%.