Clean Trucks program set for tomorrow
February 17, 2009 by Splatty
Filed under Seafreight
Just a quick reminder that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will begin collecting a “Clean Truck Fee” or CTF beginning tomorrow (February 18th). According to Pierpass.org, no cargo will be allowed to enter or exit from a marine container terminal unless the cargo has been claimed. The cargo owner (the party named on the bill of lading) is responsible for paying the CTF.
According to PortCheck.org, the fee schedule is as follows:
$35 per 20-foot container and $70 for a container larger than 20 feet.
For additional information on the program and for registration details please visit the official website at www.portcheck.org.
T Kulwicki on Mon, 23rd Feb 2009 3:01 pm
I’ve read varying definitions of a BCO (Beneficial Cargo Owner). With the Port Long Beach and L.A. currently enacting the Clean Truck Fee I would like a little more clarity on the topic. The water carrier hired by our customer to move their freight is saying that we, the shipper, is repsonsible for the Portcheck registration and fee. My belief is that our customer or consignee is responsible since title to the cargo transfers at the dock when we load the product on their carrier. In this case, as a collect shipper, we have no control over which LMCs (Licensed Motor Carriers), that may or may not have a Port approved concession, are being utilized for drayage on port property.
3plwire on Mon, 23rd Feb 2009 4:32 pm
You state that the ocean carrier was chosen by your customer. Who is the contracted BCO with the ocean carrier? You or your customer? Is your customer the named party on the Ocean Bill of Lading?
If you are the contracted BCO with the ocean carrier or the named party on the ocean bill of lading, then based on my understanding you could be considered the BCO responsible for the Clean Truck Fees, as well as claiming the cargo in the PortCheck system, which must be done before moving imports or exports out of the terminal. Without knowing the details of your transaction with your customer nor whether this is an import or export, I can’t really say for sure. But if you are the named party on the ocean bill of lading, you could get stuck with it.
Suggest you speak with the ocean carrier handling the transport who should be able to provide you with more details. Or you can contact PierPass / PortCheck at the following websites:
http://www.portcheck.org/
https://www.pierpass-tmf.org/Documents/PortCheck_FAQs.pdf
https://www.pierpass-tmf.org/
You can also contact the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach:
http://www.portoflosangeles.org
http://www.polb.com