LA, Long Beach Ports Again Shift Container Dwell Fee Start Date

Stacked containers at a San Pedro Bay port complex container terminal. Photo: Chris Valle Photography.

Officials at the Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports have again moved the start date for collecting on the “Container Dwell Fee,” this time to May 6.

The fee, which bills ocean carriers for every import that stays on the San Pedro Bay docks for nine or more days, was delayed after officials reviewed the data and determined that progress is continuing to be made in eliminating the amount of aging cargo clogging up marine terminals.

The fee calls for ocean carriers to be charged $100 per import, incrementally rising by $100 per import every day until the import is removed from the terminal.

The latest data shows that the twin ports have seen a combined 50% drop in lingering cargo since announcing the program on Oct. 25.

“The executive directors of both ports plan to reassess fee implementation after monitoring data over the next week,” according to a joint announcement issued by the ports.

Meanwhile, harbor commissioners governing both ports agreed to extend the fee program through July 28.

By Karen Robes Meeks