Ports delay fines for idling containers again

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, on Friday, postponed the implementation of a fee on companies whose import containers linger at marine terminals for another four weeks.

The assessment would now take place, if necessary, on Aug. 26.

The Container Dwell Fee has been delayed numerous times due to progress in reducing the number of containers at the terminals — with the ports reporting, Friday, a 26% combined decline in aging cargo on the docks since the fee was announced.

Over the next week, port officials will again monitor and reassess the fee’s possible implementation. The fines have been deferred every week, since Nov. 22.

The fee is one of several efforts aimed at speeding the processing of cargo at the San Pedro Port Complex to eliminate a backlog of ships trying to deliver merchandise. Port of Los Angeles officials said when the policy was announced that about 40% of import containers were idling at terminals for at least nine days.

The fines, if implemented, would begin at $100 per container, increasing by $100 per container, each day. Containers set to be transported by truck and rail would incur fines if they remain at the port for nine days or more.

Fees collected from the policy would be reinvested into programs that aim to enhance efficiency, accelerate cargo velocity and address congestion impacts.

The policy to implement fees was developed in coordination with the Biden-Harris Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, the US Department of Transportation, the Port of Long Beach and supply chain stakeholders.