TSA LINES TO IMPOSE CHASSIS USER CHARGE

TSA LINES TO IMPOSE CHASSIS USER CHARGE       Ocean carriers belonging to the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement will impose a $60 chassis usage charge, effective Jan. 1.
      The service for providing customers with truck chassis at port terminals has been provided free of charge, but is costing a typical carrier $100 per chassis. This collectively amounts to $30 million to $45 million annually, the TSA said.
   Be setting a separate, flat charge, shippers will be provided with an easily identifiable cost element, as well as the option to provide their own chassis at a lower cost and thereby avoiding the charge, TSA said.
   In another development, the TSA said it is revising the 10-year old formula for calculating the impact of fluctuating marine bunker fuel prices on carrier operating costs.
   Effective Jan. 1, TSA will implement a single formula in the eastbound trade. TSA said this will make it easier for shippers to predict charge adjustments.
   Most customers are expected to see an initial increase of $45-$65 per FEU, and equivalent amounts for other equipment sizes, the TSA carriers said.