Norman Krieger (USA) - Emergency Intermodal Surcharge and Port Congestion

Thanks to our member from USA, Norman Kriger, to send us some important information to share with the SCN Network. This is not just information about CMA-CGM in US, but may be a reflection of what is to come from others.

CMA has issued an “Emergency Intermodal Surcharge” effective November 30, 2020. The $350 surcharge per container will be applied to all sizes, excluding reefer container, on ALL U.S. shipments which meet the following criteria:

Carrier haulage moves (import/ Export) moving via the ports of Los Angeles/ Long Beach, performed by Carrier’s trucker

- This charge will not apply to Carrier haulage moves where there is a Client Nominated (CNT) engaged. Please note that should a CNT raise their costs, there will be for the account of the cargo.

Import IPI shipments that must be trucked from an ocean terminal to a rail ramp in order to move the cargo

- Any cargo moving to the following ramps will be exempt from this charge as they will remain on-docks moves only:

- - Chicago

- - Columbus

- - Kansas City

- - Memphis

- - Dallas

- - St. Louis

This charge will not apply to export rail moves via Los Angeles/ Long Beach.

The extended wave of Asian imports into the United States has contributed to extreme port congestion on the West coast. This congestion is now building on the East and Gulf ports.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are averaging 4-day vessel wait times with an 8-day import dwell times. The Southern California ports are facing chassis shortages due to the high utilization of chassis in container yards of import containers. There are also high dwell times on chassis on containers at warehouses and storage depots. The port of Oakland is experiencing delays and labor shortages.

The ports of Savannah, Baltimore, Freeport, and Newark/ Elizabeth are averaging a 2-day vessel wait times. The port of Baltimore is expecting 10 vessels between November 20-21 which are off schedule.

The ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver are averaging 4-5 day vessel wait times and vessel backlogs are expected through December. Prince Rupert rail yard is averaging 6-day dwell times.