After two months of delays, Port Houston will begin implementing dwell fees at its two container terminals starting Feb. 1.
The fees are aimed at shipping companies that allow their containers to stay too long at the Texas port’s crowded marine facilities and keep goods moving efficiently to the consumers in the region, authorities said.
“The sustained import dwell fee is intended to minimize long-term storage of containers on the terminals and promote fluidity of cargo movement,” Roger Guenther, the port’s executive director, said in a statement. “We’ve seen during the recent increase in demand that containers sitting on terminals for an extended period of time are a challenge.”
The port initially planned to begin enforcing dwell fees Dec. 1 but had to complete necessary “software upgrades” in order to move forward, according to a news release.
Containers left to dwell at the port’s Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals will start accruing fees beginning on the eighth day after the expiration of free time. Shippers will be on the hook for $45 per container, per day.
The dwell fee comes in addition to the demurrage charges for loaded import containers. Containers that accrue dwell fees will be on hold until cargo owners reconcile all fines.
Watch: Low volatility allows freight markets to deteriorate.
Click for more FreightWaves articles by Noi Mahoney.
More articles by Noi Mahoney
Locus sees major opportunities in Mexico’s e-commerce marketplace
Borderlands: Xometry CEO predicts expanded manufacturing in US
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now