Citing backlog progress, ports again delay fines for idling containers
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Friday, May 20, postponed once again implementing a fee on companies whose import containers linger at marine terminals, with the assessment now potentially taking effect, if necessary, next Friday.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 48% combined decline in aging cargo on the docks since the fee was announced.Over the next week, port officials will monitor and reassess the fee’s possible implementation. The fines have been deferred every week since Nov. 22. The ability to levy the fee expires Thursday, July 28, unless extended by the Long Beach and Los Angeles harbor commissions.The fee is one of several effort