West Coast Port: Congestion Surcharges & Customs Guidelines on Diversions

West Coast Port: Congestion Surcharges & Customs Guidelines on Diversions

Congestion Surcharges

From JOC.com:

U.S. Federal Maritime Commission [FMC] Chairman Mario Cordero said that they have contacted the container lines this week for specifics on their planned congestion surcharges prior to potential work stoppages at West Coast ports.

“What we want to make sure is that there is specificity [in congestion surcharges] because if you are a shipper, there seems to be an ambiguity of what the surcharge will be versus the triggering factor that applies.”

The trans-Pacific carriers have already filed plans for congestion surcharges or plan to reactive ones already on file with the FMC.  Ed Greenberg, counsel of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America [NCBFAA] said:

“But more clarity is needed”.

The group wants the FMC to:

• Require trans-Pacific carriers to publicize their plan if work stoppages on the West Coast occur.
• Have the carriers explain how they will divert cargo to and from alternative ports and where cargo may be held or transferred during the period.
• Carriers should also provide a point of contact to give ocean transportation intermediaries updates on where their cargo is and when it will be delivered.
• To form an internal clearinghouse on its website that would detail the timing and amounts of congestion-related surcharges facing the industry.

Read more

Customs Guidelines on Diversions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has published guidelines for ship and cargo contingency plans prior to a possible West Coast port disruption resulting from the expiration of the longshore labor union contract.

From CBP

To read more JOC

Please contact us here at Superior Freight Services, Inc. [superior@supfrt.com or call 800.298.4305] if we can assist or answer any questions that you might regarding the West Coast Port situation.