Following our advisory sent on October 28, 2021 regarding the new government mandated PSW Emergency fee, all members of the sea logistics community are still actively working to gain a full understanding of all the issues at hand. As more information becomes available, we will do our best to keep you informed. Meanwhile, please find answers to the most frequent questions we have been asked:
1. When will this be effective?
The fee program will go into effect on November 1, 2021. However, penalties will not be assessed until November 15, 2021. A grace period has been provided to allow shippers some time to clear the docks. If substantial progress is made, it will be at the discretion of the Port Executive Director to extend this effective fee assessment date as they deem appropriate.
2. Does it affect containers already at terminal (retroactive charges) or just containers discharging November 1st and beyond?
It has been advised that, charges will be applied retroactively for all containers at terminal effective November 15, 2021
3. How will the fee be charged?
The fee will be assessed on all containers dwelling for 9 days or more on truck moves or for 6 days or more for rail bound containers. The 9th day and 6th day respectively will be the first charge day.
4. What are the fees?
The fee will be $100 for day 1, $200 for day 2, $300 for day 3 and so on.
5. Will it be applied on calendar or working days?
The fee will be applied based on calendar days, inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.
6. How will the rail delays be managed?
Carriers are still working with the terminals to have this clarified but to the best understanding, the fee will still be applied.
7. Will the charge be applied to containers where the rail providers are metering the flow of freight out due to congestion at inland rail points?
Carriers are still working with the terminals to have this clarified but to the best understanding, yes it will be applied.
8. Will there be a maximum or cap on the fee, or will the charge continue for the duration the container is on terminal/rail?
There is no maximum cap on the fee that will be applied.
9. Will containers held for Customs Exam be exempt?
No, it is anticipated that all containers to be subject to the fee regardless of release status.
10. Will the new surcharge be applicable for door moves where carrier controls the move?
Even for carrier moves, the fee will be applicable if the delay was caused by a line or customs hold, or when the cargo is subject to an exam or any government inspection.
11. Who will bill the new surcharge and how will it be collected?
We expect the Port Authorities to bill the carrier and for the charge to either be billed directly to us/customers or for the terminal operator to collect the same on our behalf prior to the release of cargo.
12. What if I am unable to pick up my container due to a lack of chassis, will the emergency surcharge be waived?
Unfortunately, the fee cannot be waived due to lack of chassis. For CY and Door moves, the trucker nominated by the customer is responsible to secure chassis.
13. Who is responsible for the fee if the container is not available by the terminal?
We are actively working with the terminals to clarify.
14. If an appointment pickup time is not available, how is this fee fairly assessed (on a per-day basis) and handled?
We are actively working with the terminals to clarify.
15. For holiday scheduling, will the fee window be adjusted?
We are actively working with the terminals to clarify.
We understand how difficult this can be and are working to get a better understanding of the fees and process, as well as an understanding of how to possibly mitigate this extra burden.
Please contact your South East World Wide, Ltd. Sales Representative for further information.
