The Californian ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are considering charging a $15 fee on loaded containers moving through the terminals.
Reports say revenue from the charge will be used for repair and maintenance projects at the port facilities, in order to improve air quality and traffic flow. It is due to come into effect from January next year.
According to one report, port authorities are aiming to raise some $1.4 billion for rail, highway and bridge improvements in the harbour district.
This 'infrastructure fee' is coming on the back of another container fee which has been approved and is set to raise $1.6 billion in an effort to 'clean up' freight trucking systems.
The $35 per TEU 'clean truck fee' was approved in December 2007 in a bid to raise funds for replacing and retrofitting some 16,800 diesel trucks in regular port drayage service. The 'clean truck fee' is due to come into effect from June 1.
A port commission meeting will convene on Monday as a joint public meeting of the two port boards to decide on the new fees.
Reports have quoted sources saying that the authorities are widely expected to pass the new taxation.
Successful implementation of the 'infrastructure fee', on top of the 'clean truck fee', would mean shippers facing extra charges of $100 more per forty foot equivalent unit (FEU).
Whilst the 'infrastructure fee' will apply to all loaded containers entering or leaving the ports by truck or rail, the 'clean truck fee' will only apply to loaded containers entering or leaving the ports specifically by truck.
Reports say revenue from the charge will be used for repair and maintenance projects at the port facilities, in order to improve air quality and traffic flow. It is due to come into effect from January next year.
According to one report, port authorities are aiming to raise some $1.4 billion for rail, highway and bridge improvements in the harbour district.
This 'infrastructure fee' is coming on the back of another container fee which has been approved and is set to raise $1.6 billion in an effort to 'clean up' freight trucking systems.
The $35 per TEU 'clean truck fee' was approved in December 2007 in a bid to raise funds for replacing and retrofitting some 16,800 diesel trucks in regular port drayage service. The 'clean truck fee' is due to come into effect from June 1.
A port commission meeting will convene on Monday as a joint public meeting of the two port boards to decide on the new fees.
Reports have quoted sources saying that the authorities are widely expected to pass the new taxation.
Successful implementation of the 'infrastructure fee', on top of the 'clean truck fee', would mean shippers facing extra charges of $100 more per forty foot equivalent unit (FEU).
Whilst the 'infrastructure fee' will apply to all loaded containers entering or leaving the ports by truck or rail, the 'clean truck fee' will only apply to loaded containers entering or leaving the ports specifically by truck.