People moving their lives to the USA may have to pay extra to transport their belongings via the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach from today – following the introduction of emergency container fees.
The Biden administration, concerned by record-breaking delays at the ports, has slapped a fee of $100 per day for each container due to travel onwards by truck, if they sit at the port for nine days or more. Containers being moved to their final destination by train will be charged the same amount if they linger for six days or more.
International removals specialist, John Mason International, is an active campaigner for fairer container costs and fewer shipping delays. Although this latest move by the US is intended to alleviate these issues at its ports, John Mason International director, Simon Hood, says the impact will be felt by many:
“We have all been hit by container ship logjams, so the frustration of long delays at the US’ busiest port complex is understandable. However, this is not the answer. Those shipping items to the ports will be liable to pay the extra costs. That means, ultimately, our customers may be landed with higher fees for sending their personal possessions to the USA.
“Another knock on effect is the shortage of trucks and chassis in the destination country. The emergency fees may mean less containers and ships are blocking the ports, but the containers will be sitting somewhere, dormant, on chassis – effectively taking those off the roads. This is likely to increase the current transport shortage significantly.
“Those shipping items are not intentionally letting them sit in ports, gathering dust. Containers are being delayed because of a lack of transport to take them onwards. Introducing penalty fees will not solve this problem, it will only compound it.
“Anyone wishing to move to the USA should not be put off. Moving abroad has always been a challenging proposition, and that is why companies like John Mason Intonational exist.
“As experts in international relocations, our team is working hard on behalf of our customers and partners, to minimise the effects of the current shipping crisis. Although there will undoubtedly be disruption for some time to come, we are continuing to ensure those wishing to move their lives abroad can do so, knowing a team of experienced professionals has everything covered.”
