14.10.22TSA Lines Grapple with Inland Transport Crisis

Congested U.S. port terminals, harbor and over-the-road truck and driver shortages, slower trains and longer rail terminal dwell times due to increased domestic rates have not only disrupted service but also driven intermodal rates and cargo handling costs up sharply. Asia -U.S. container lines, still heavily reliant on intermodal service, are responding with intermodal door delivery charges to recover those costs.

As announced previously, most member lines in the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) are moving forward individually with charges of US$100 per 40-foot container (FEU), and USD90 per 20ft container, effective on or around November 15, 2014, but by no later than December 1.

The charges apply to all cargo moving under intermodal store-door delivery through rates from Asia to the U.S.