SoCal Port Complex Approves Temporary Excess Dwell Fee for Imports

Effective November 1, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have implemented “Container Excess Dwell Fee” for ninety (90) days, payable by vessel-operating common carriers (VOCCs) on the bill of lading (BOL) for the discharged container.

This is a temporary amendment to Ordinance No. HD-1357, designated “Tariff No. 4” was first announced in a press release statement on October 25, discussed by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on October 29 in a special meeting, and summarily resolved and adopted.

Details of the amendment are as follows:

• The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will charge ocean carriers a fee of $100 per container, to increase cumulatively in increments of $100 per day until the container is received from the terminal. For example: on the second day, the excess dwell fee increases to $200; on the third day, the fee increases to $300; etc.
• The fee is applicable only to import containers that are scheduled:
• To move by rail and have dwelled for six (6) days or more.
  To move by truck and have dwelled nine (9) days or more.
• There is a grace period from November 1 to November 15, during which the Excess Dwell Fee will not be assessed. On November 15, the Excess Dwell Fee will be applied retroactively for all containers.
• The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are responsible for collecting Excess Dwell Fees and may withhold such charges following the grace period, should congestion ease at the respective ports.
• Fees collected will be allocated to improve long term port efficiencies and infrastructure.

While there is a 30-day stay for applicability to non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) such as freight forwarders, please be aware that due to general equipment and driver shortages, scheduled container pickups may still not be possible. While KWE will do everything in its power to mitigate delays and expedite container receipt, any dwell fees incurred will be passed through to the customer.