Transpacific carriers hope to build better eastbound transpacific contracts on the basis on recent increases in the spot rate to the US west and east coasts, reports Newark's Journal of Commerce.

Asia Europe rates have been sinking, but eastbound transpacific rates are on the rise to the west and east coasts of North America, perhaps driven by west coast port congestion and labour strife.

A situation carriers hope will translate into exacting higher rates from major shippers in annual contract talks that take effect on May 1.

Carriers see 2015 as a chance to build on the "momentum of an upward trend in spot rates". Spot rates, according to the Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement, indicate the strength of the market, from which it expects higher yearlong contract rates.

Eastbound transpacific contracts with shippers are worth between US$11 billion to $13 billion in revenue a year.

"This is probably one of the best opportunities the carriers have had in many years, with the market being more in their favour," said TSA executive administrator Brian Conrad.

"There is a momentum towards raising rates, so I have a feeling that in the contract negotiations this year the carriers will be pushing pretty strongly for a really meaningful increase," he said.

Agreeing, Maersk Line CEO Soren Skou said: "The supply and demand balance right now is in a situation where freight rates are more than likely to go up."