THE Port of Huston is to introduce a Sustained Import Dwell Fee from February 1, 2023, to help maintain fluidity at the Bayport and Barbours Cut Container Terminals and address long-term dwell.
The US$45 fee will be charged per unit per day starting on the eighth day after the expiration of free time, as defined in Tariff No 15 Subrule 095 and Tariff No 14 Subrule 093, according to AJOT.
This fee is in addition to the demurrage charges for loaded import containers provided for in those subrules and does not replace those charges. Containers will be on hold until all terminal fees are reconciled; payment of such fees will be the responsibility of the cargo owner.
Roger Guenther, executive director at Port Houston, said: "The Sustained Import Dwell Fee is intended to minimize long-term storage of containers on the terminals and promote fluidity of cargo movement. We've seen during the recent increase in demand that containers sitting on terminals for an extended period of time are a challenge. We are implementing this additional tool to help optimize space at our terminals and keep goods moving to the consumers in our region who need them."
An Excessive Import Dwell Fee was also approved in October, which can be implemented by Port Houston's executive director as needed. If implemented, it will take effect following thirty days' public notice and remain in effect for at least sixty days. It is not being implemented at this time.
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