What Is a PierPass Fee?

A PierPass Fee, also known as the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF), is a port-related surcharge applied to cargo containers moving through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in the United States. The fee was introduced to reduce daytime congestion at marine terminals and improve cargo flow efficiency.

For importers and shippers moving goods from China to the USA, especially through the U.S. West Coast, the PierPass Fee is a common logistics charge that may appear on freight invoices.

Why Was the PierPass Fee Introduced?

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are among the busiest container ports in North America. As cargo volumes increased, severe truck congestion, long terminal wait times, and environmental concerns became major operational challenges.

To address these issues, the PierPass program was created to:

• Encourage cargo pickup during off-peak hours

• Reduce daytime traffic congestion

• Improve terminal efficiency

• Lower emissions from idling trucks

• Speed up container movement through the port

The system helps distribute truck traffic more evenly throughout the day and night.

Which Ports Use the PierPass Fee?

The PierPass Fee mainly applies to containers handled at:

• Port of Los Angeles

• Port of Long Beach

These two ports handle a significant percentage of imports from Asia, especially shipments from China.

If your cargo enters the United States through other ports such as:

• Port of New York/New Jersey

• Port of Savannah

• Port of Houston

• Port of Seattle

you generally will not see a PierPass Fee, although other terminal or congestion-related surcharges may apply.

Who Pays the PierPass Fee?

In most cases, the PierPass Fee is ultimately paid by:

• Importers

• Cargo owners

• Consignees

The fee is usually collected by:

• Freight forwarders

• Customs brokers

• Shipping agents

• NVOCC companies

It may appear on invoices under different names such as:

• PierPass

• TMF

• Traffic Mitigation Fee

• Port Congestion Fee

How Is the PierPass Fee Calculated?

The fee is generally charged per container and may vary depending on:

• Container size

• Port policy updates

• Market conditions

• Terminal operations

Typical container types include:

• 20GP containers

• 40GP containers

• 40HQ containers

The charge is usually higher for 40-foot containers than for 20-foot containers.

Because the fee structure may change periodically, importers should confirm current rates with their freight forwarder before shipment.

Does PierPass Apply to FCL and LCL Shipments?

FCL Shipments

For Full Container Load (FCL) shipments, the PierPass Fee is commonly charged directly per container.

LCL Shipments

For Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments, the fee may be divided among multiple cargo owners based on:

• Cargo volume

• Weight

• Consolidation arrangement

In many cases, the forwarder includes the fee within destination charges.

Is the PierPass Fee the Same as Terminal Handling Charges?

No. The PierPass Fee and Terminal Handling Charges (THC) are different logistics costs.

Both charges may appear separately on destination invoices.

How Can Importers Reduce Port-Related Delays?

Although the PierPass Fee itself is generally mandatory for affected shipments, importers can reduce overall logistics costs and delays by:

• Booking shipments early during peak seasons

• Working with experienced freight forwarders

• Preparing customs documents in advance

• Avoiding long container dwell times

• Choosing suitable arrival ports based on delivery location

Efficient cargo planning helps minimize storage fees, demurrage, and port congestion risks.

Why Is PierPass Important in International Shipping?

Understanding the PierPass Fee helps importers:

• Better estimate landed costs

• Avoid unexpected destination charges

• Understand U.S. port operations

• Improve supply chain budgeting

For businesses importing from China to the United States, especially through West Coast ports, PierPass is a standard part of international freight logistics.

FAQs

Is the PierPass Fee mandatory?

Yes. If your shipment moves through terminals participating in the PierPass program, the fee is generally mandatory.

Does PierPass apply to export shipments?

The fee mainly affects import cargo, though specific terminal policies may vary.

Can PierPass charges change?

Yes. Rates may be adjusted periodically based on port operations and industry conditions.

Is PierPass charged by shipping lines?

Usually, the fee is collected through freight forwarders, NVOCCs, or terminal-related billing parties rather than directly by ocean carriers.

Does every U.S. port charge PierPass?

No. PierPass is primarily associated with the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Why do importers need to understand PierPass?

Because it affects total shipping costs, cargo planning, and supply chain budgeting for U.S. imports.