Higher fees for container demurrage and detention at key U.S. West Coast ports (Los Angeles and Long Beach) is leading to rising tensions between logistics intermediaries (shipping lines/marine terminals) and the importers who have to pay the bills.
Importers say the fees are an unjustified profit centre for the shipping lines and terminals.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has commenced the final phase of an investigation, covering detention, demurrage, and free time practices of ocean carriers and marine terminal operators. The FMC said “innovation teams” of industry experts would hold meetings “no later than mid-April” to review their findings.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 207.
