Pier PASS Updates its FAQs on Implementation of "Peak" Daytime Fees at LA/LB Ports
PierPASS, Inc. has posted a new version of its frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding its new OffPeak program, in order to revise certain answers and to add additional FAQs.
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(OffPeak is the off peak hours program created by PierPASS to provide an incentive for cargo owners to move cargo at night and on weekends, in order to reduce truck traffic and pollution during peak daytime traffic hours and to alleviate port congestion.)
Highlights of the changes made by PierPASS to the "General" and "PierPASSTraffic Mitigation Fees during Peak Hours" sections of its FAQ include (partial list):
Additional details on OffPeak shifts, etc. PierPASS has revised its answer to the FAQ on how OffPeak will shift cargo operations to nights and weekends by stating, in relevant part, that beginning on July 23, 2005, all international container terminals at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports will start five OffPeak shifts per week on nights and weekends. From that date, containers entering or exiting these terminals by road during peak hours (Monday through Friday, 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) will be charged a Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF), with certain exceptions. This fee will not be charged - and will be refunded or credited if already paid - if the container enters or exits the terminals by road outside of peak hours (either during an OffPeak shift or anytime between 6:00 p.m. Friday and 3:00 a.m. Monday).
Time limit for exporters to pay the TMF.PierPASS has revised its answer to the FAQ regarding when the TMF is paid for exports. PierPASS now states that exporters can pay either in advance or afterward within five (5) business days of the delivery date. (The previous answer had not mentioned the 5 business days time limit.)
New details for non-containerized cargo.In response to a new FAQ regarding whether the TMF will be charged for non-containerized cargo, PierPASS states that if the cargo is not in a container then it is not subject to the TMF. If the cargo is placed in a container for convenience (or another reason) and it moves through the terminal gate as a container then it is subject to the TMF.
PierPASShas also revised or newly added various FAQs to the account registration, methods of payment, credit application and credit accounts, and PierPASSinvoices sections of its FAQ.
Over 1,000 Port Users Have Registered with OffPeak
PierPASShas also issued a press release announcing that as of June 17, 2005, more than 1,000 port users have registered with OffPeak.
The press release notes that all companies that use the ports are strongly advised to register well in advance of July 23, 2005, as most daytime cargo movement through the two ports after that date will require a TMF payment by a registered user.
PierPASS states that users of the ports (such as cargo owners, brokers, truckers and logistics companies) can register for OffPeak through a link on the PierPASSWeb site (www.pierpass.org). Registration is free and is open to any company or person.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 06/17/05 and 06/08/05 news, 05061715, and 05060810, for previous BP summaries on PierPASS' OffPeak program.)
PierPASS FAQs (updated 06/22/05) available at https://www.pierpass-tmf.org/PierPass/Public/Content.aspx?a=bcoPierPassReadMore&type=faq.
PierPASS press release (dated 06/17/05) available at http://www.pierpass.org/press_room/releases/?id=5.