Dry Bulk Rates Ease

Dry Bulk Shipping Rates Slip, but Remain Near Record Highs

NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot charter rates for some dry bulk vessels, which carry cargoes such as coal, iron ore and grain, eased again Monday after falling slightly Friday. The Baltic Dry Index closed down 24 points at 7289 -- still only about 30 points below its all-time high.

The Baltic Dry Index measures rates on 40 shipping routes on a time charter and voyage basis.