Clean Truck Fee

Clean Truck Fee Collection starts Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 PortCheck will begin the collection of the Ports’ Clean Truck Fee (CTF) at marine container terminals at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Originally set to begin on November 17, 2008, the collection of the CTF was delayed pending resolution of outstanding issues with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Agreement review issues between the FMC and marine terminal operators have been resolved and PortCheck will begin the collection of the Ports’ CTF on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009.

Once fee collection begins, non-exempt cargo will not be allowed to enter or exit from a marine container terminal unless the cargo has been claimed by a credit account or the CTF paid. Under the ports’ program, the cargo owner (the party named on the ocean bill of lading or their legal representative) is responsible for paying the CTF. All cargo must be claimed before the CTF can be paid. The CTF was established by the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to pay for implementation of the Clean Trucks Program (CTP). Cargo owners are required to pay a CTF for cargo moved by trucks that do not meet the requirements of the CTP. Cargo contained in a 20-foot container will be subject to a $35 CTF.

Cargo moved in containers larger than 20 feet will be required to pay a $70 CTF. Customers can visit www.pierpass-tmf.org to learn more about PortCheck, the Clean Truck Fees of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and how to pay fees and claim cargo, as well as access to frequently asked questions. An archived webinar that explains how to use the PortCheck website, claim cargo, pay the CTF and other important elements of the program is available at www.portcheck.org. Customers can speak with a customer service representative for help with PortCheck-related issues by calling 1-877-863-3310. PortCheck customer service representatives can help callers with only PortCheck-related questions or concerns. They can not assist with issues related to the ports’ Clean Trucks Program, grants or leases for new trucks, port concessions, day passes or the drayage truck registry.

Customers with questions about these topics should call the Clean Trucks Help Line at 1-866-721-5686. Customers can submit inquiries to PortCheck customer service center by sending an email to questions@portcheck.org. There are several options available for handling the claiming of cargo and payment of any fees due.

Option#1- You can sign up and process the shipments yourself at www.pierpass.org . If you already have a pierpass account you do not need to set another one up for the clean trucks program. The data will automatically be set up in Port Check, the ultimate handling agent for the clean truck fees www.portcheck.org; however keep in mind the containers will still need to be claimed.

Option#2-You can choose to have us manage and pay this fee on your behalf, similar to pierpass.

Option#3- You can set up your own account to be billed to you directly and we will claim the cargo only. The fees for this service have been outlined in previous news briefs. We trust that you understand that this new requirement creates a new process which requires additional time and expense.

Remember, you do have the option of self managing this process. If we have not heard from you specifically, we will process our customers port check obligations in accordance with our standard terms and conditions in order to avoid unnecessary delays in cargo movement.