Joseph Bonney, Senior Editor | Sep 20, 2012 1:17PM EDT
The Federal Maritime Commission has reminded the shipping industry that carriers must file notice of port congestion surcharges at least 30 days before the carrier or its agent receives the cargo.
The FMC said it issued the notice because it has received inquiries about surcharges several carriers have filed to take effect if East and Gulf Coast ports are disrupted when the International Longshoremen’s Association contract expires Sept. 30.
Unless there’s a waiver or exemption, changes to common carrier tariff rules, including surcharges, must be filed at least 30 days before the carrier or its agent receives the cargo, the FMC notice said. “Cargo received by the carrier prior to publication or effectiveness of a new tariff surcharge would not be subject to such charge,” the commission said.
Contact Joseph Bonney at jbonney@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JosephBonney.
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