Global container freight rates continued to sky-rocket into the new year as major freight companies applied surcharges for premium service that some are calling ‘extortionate’. Early January discussion with two major importers to Australia included comments that they were required to pay additional fees just to have the ocean freight company meet their existing commitments.  Having contracted for a certain number of containers to be shipped on an agreed date, with the goods delivered to port and cleared to load, some companies are being asked for additional fees, so their boxes get priority.   ...