Transpacific ocean cargo carriers to enforce “congestion” charges

A number of container lines operating between the U.S. and Asia say they intend to implement congestion charges of up to $1,000 per 40-foot container (FEU) for cargo moving via U.S. West Coast ports, effective November 17, 2014, in response to labor-related terminal delays.

Earlier this year shipping lines individually published congestion charges specifically to cover labor-related service disruptions. Beginning November 17 carriers will assess and collect their respective charges on an individual basis for eastbound and westbound cargo.

While most major container lines continue to operate on very thin margins, industry analysts warn that this may not be the way to a long-term recovery.

“By adding on surcharges, the liners could be playing with fire,” said Paul Bingham, economics practice leader at CDM Smith. “This is not a sustainable solution.”

Terminal operators at Seattle and Tacoma are reporting 40-60% productivity reductions in loading and discharge of vessels that threaten to disrupt schedules and delay receipt and delivery of cargo to a regional economy highly dependent on waterborne international trade. In Southern California, 14 ships were at anchor in Los Angeles-Long Beach harbor awaiting a berth and cargo handling operations fell to a low of 11 containers per hour. Increased longshore container and chassis safety inspections have contributed to average truck turn times of 2-3 hours at terminal gates and yards. Oakland terminals have reported work slowdowns and disruptions involving equipment operators.

“Carriers are mindful of the potential impacts of added charges on their customers and are monitoring the situation closely,” said Transpacific Stabilization Agreement executive administrator Brian Conrad. ‘They would clearly rather not impose the charges, but are concerned that disruptions can escalate quickly across their networks, at significant cost, if they fail to respond quickly.”

A TSA survey of member line costs associated with service interruptions and delays to date revealed that lines are now incurring losses and expenses due to blanked sailings, skipped port calls, and speedup of existing vessels or chartering of added ships and equipment to maintain schedules. Extraordinary shoreside costs include container detention and storage charges, additional longshore gangs and associated overtime, extended gate hours and fees, tug services and increased trucking charges relating to inter-terminal transfers.

To the extent that backups continue, impacts will likely be felt across carrier networks in Asia, as cargo and equipment are rolled to later sailings.