Long Beach Extends Container Free Time

The Port of Long Beach will add an extra three days to the time that overseas import containers can remain on the docks without charge, in order to grant some relief to cargo owners as the supply chain works to eliminate cargo delivery delays.

The ”free” time, introduced on October 18 and  continuing through Friday, Oct. 31, has been extended from four to seven business days. Cargo owners typically work to have their imported cargo containers picked up within free time or face “demurrage” or storage fees. The port says it cannot waive demurrage retroactively.

The port believes that a number of factors have combined to back up cargo at the local port complex in recent weeks: an upswing in cargo shipments arriving for the holiday shopping season, the arrival of larger ships that can carry 50 percent more cargo and a shortage of truck chassis to haul containers.

“The terminal congestion is very unfortunate, and a truly exceptional occurrence, so I am using my authority to waive demurrage fees through the end of the month,” said Jon Slangerup, Port of Long Beach Chief Executive.