Much of the demand for regulatory mechanism across the globe is centered around not as much on freights as it is on additional charges that are being levied by conference liners. Is it true that the additional revenue collected by various means is to compensate for the non-remunerative freight rates?
In a normal situation, freight rates are decided by shipping lines, which is subject to supply & demand (i.e. market forces). Surcharges are the additional charges over and above freight. These (surcharges) are continually imposed on shippers without prior consultation or negotiation, and used by shipping lines as extra revenue income. Whether freight rates are remunerative or non-remunerative is only known to the shipping lines. Such information is not disclosed to shippers.