Carriers to add charges in congested US Ports

A number of container lines operating between the U.S. and Asia say they intend to implement congestion charges of up to USD 1,000 per 40-foot container (FEU) for cargo moving via U.S. West Coast ports, effective November 17, 2014, in response to labor-related terminal delays, TSA said in a
release. Earlier this year shipping lines individually published congestion charges specifically to cover labor-related service disruptions. “Beginning November 17 carriers will assess and collect their respective charges on an individual basis for eastbound and westbound cargo,” the release reads. Terminal operators at Seattle and Tacoma are reporting 40-60% productivity reductions in loading and discharge of vessels that threaten to disrupt schedules and delay receipt and delivery of cargo to a regional economy highly dependent on waterborne international trade.

 In Southern California, 14 ships were at anchor in Los Angeles-Long Beach harbor awaiting a berth and cargo handling operations fell to a low of 11 containers per hour. Increased longshore container and chassis safety inspections have contributed to average truck turn times of 2-3 hours at terminal gates and yards. Oakland terminals have reported work slowdowns and disruptions involving equipment operators.

 “Carriers are mindful of the potential impacts of added charges on their customers and are monitoring the situation closely,” said Transpacific Stabilization Agreement executive administrator Brian Conrad. “They would clearly rather not impose the charges, but are concerned that disruptions can escalate quickly across their networks, at significant cost, if they fail to respond quickly.”