Pier Pass Fee: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide will answer all your question on the pier pass fees.

So, read this guide if you want to learn more.

What Is A Pier Pass Fee?

Pier pass fee is an extra fixed charge for every cargo container passing through ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles during daytime and nighttime.

This fee was implemented by the two ports in a bid to ease congestion and reduce traffic in the region.

The Pier Pass fee caters to extra labor needed during off-peak hours to handle the operations at the port.

Who Pays For Pier Pass?

The owner of the cargo or shipper is responsible for paying the pier pass fee for import/export containers moving during all shifts.

What Are The Benefits Of the Pier Pass Fee?

Pier pass fee is designed to control pickups and deliveries during peak and off-peak hours via an extra fee.

This in turn has several benefits for other parties along the supply chain.

Cargo Owners

Since importers have a longer time to pick and deliver cargo, cargo owners can continuously receive cargo.

Additionally, it ensures that production schedules are on time.

The continuous flow of cargo also allows cargo owners to efficiently make plans on available resources.

Community And Environment

The implementation of the pier pass fee has also resulted in environmental benefits since there is a pollution reduction.

Less traffic and waiting times are the two main reasons why less pollution has been achieved.

Not to forget that there is minimal congestion around port areas and surrounding port roads.

Port Operators

During off-peak hours there is less congestion experienced by port operators due to the even spread out of container reposition.

What this means is that trucks consistently deliver cargo in and out of the port without any delays.

Aside from that, there are efficient vessel operations and utilization of port space.

Trucking Providers

The reduced waiting times benefit trucks when picking and delivering containers.

They can make extra trips per day owing to the fast services.

How Did The Pier Pass Fee Come About?

Pier pass fee was launched in 2005 by marine terminal operators of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Its main purpose was to address port issues such as security, congestion, and air quality.

The off-pick program initiated regular Saturday shifts and nightshifts to control trucks that were delivering and picking up containers in the two ports.

Pier pass fee was created at a time when the largest port in the US was a fast-growing container getaway.

All international container terminals in the two ports started extra shifts every week.

With time, advancement in technology and industry growth surpassed the shift-based program.

This in turn fueled the launch of Off-Peak 2.0 later in 2018.

How Much Is The Pier Pass Fee?

Pier Pass fee is a fixed charge imposed on containers moving at the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach during daytime and nighttime.

From August 1st, 2021, the fee was set to be $34.21 per TEU or $68.42 for all other container sizes.

Are Pier Pass Fee Charged By Container Or Appointment?

Pier Pass fee is charged by the container. This is because it is included in the existing Off-peak program.

How Often Does The Pier Pass Fee Change?

Pier Pass fee rates are revised every year, and announcements are made on the 1st day of August annually.

Does The Pier Pass Fee Apply To All Shipping Services?

Pier pass charges are only applicable when using FCL service and moving your cargo through the port of Los Angeles or Long Beach.

Pier pass fees will however not be applicable when using LCL, courier service, or air shipping to the US.

What Are Some Pier Pass Fee Exemptions?

Some of the containers that are exempted from the Pier Pass fee are not limited to;

  • Domestic cargo
  • Rail intermodal containers
  • Bare chassis
  • Transshipped containers
  • Empty containers
  • Bobtail trucks

What Is The Difference Between Pier Pass Fee And Clean Truck Fee?

A clean truck fee was implemented by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

As a component of the Clear Air Action Plan, it aims at decreasing air pollution.

On the other hand, the Pier Pass fee is imposed on containers moving via the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach during daytime and nighttime.

Related Resources:

Incoterm 2020

International Freight Forwarder List

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