Long Beach to hike rates 5%

Long Beach to hike rates 5%    The port of Long Beach proposes to raise its general tariff rate 5 percent, effective July 1, due to rising costs incurred by infrastructure, environmental and security projects at the port.
   The proposed increases to Long Beach’s fees would include increases in wharfage, dockage, storage and demurrage.
   The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners said they acted after the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) voted to authorize member ports to increase tariff charges by as much as 5 percent beginning July 1.
   The rate increase at Long Beach proposal is expected to go back to the commissioners in May for final approval.
   CAPA comprises the state’s 11 publicly owned commercial ports: Humboldt Bay, Hueneme, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Redwood City, Richmond, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Stockton. CAPA enjoys antitrust immunity that allows member ports to collectively set rates.