Carriers Again Suspend West Coast Port Congestion Surcharges

Some carriers again temporarily stopped the addition of congestion surcharges during the ongoing labor dispute in the West Coast ports that continues to affect cargo movement. The carriers' announcements mark the second time the surcharges have been dropped after initial plans to put the fees in place (see 1411190026). "Hyundai Merchant Marine has elected not to implement the CGS (U.S. Port Congestion Surcharge) at this time in the Westbound Trade," the company said on Dec. 2 (here). "However, effective December 21, 2014 our CGS for the U.S. West Coast will revert to" $1,000 per 40 foot container. Evergreen Shipping Agency similarly said it would postpone the additional charge (here), as did Hanjin Shipping (here). The surcharges have caused a stir in the industry, which complained to the Federal Maritime Commission, resulting in an agency statement on the legality of such fees (see 1411180015).