PierPass tweaks export fee payment process

PierPass tweaks export fee payment process    PierPASS Inc., the nonprofit company that administers the off-peak fee program for containers entering and exiting the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, on Thursday announced new procedures for handling export containers.
   Beginning Aug. 7 exporters delivering containers during peak hours will be required to claim their booking numbers before the containers arrive at the marine terminals. Under the revised procedure, exporters must claim their booking numbers by visiting the PierPASS Web site and entering the booking numbers into their accounts. Export containers subject to PierPass’ Traffic Mitigation Fee ($50 per TEU) that arrive at terminals during peak hours (Monday through Friday, 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) without having been claimed in this manner will be turned around and encouraged to use the off-peak hours of operation.
   TMF payments must be made electronically through the PierPASS Web site by registered users — no payments are accepted at the terminal gates — and the cargo owner is responsible for payment of the fee, not the trucking company or other carrier.
   Exporters who are not current on their accounts will not be allowed to deliver additional containers, PierPass said. For exporters using direct pay methods (credit card, debit card or electronic check), all PierPass fees for Monday through Friday periods must be paid prior to the following Tuesday. For exporters using PierPASS credit accounts, all fees for Monday through Friday periods are invoiced the following Tuesday.