Temporarily extending storage is fair because marine terminals are gridlocked, port officials say.

 

The Port of Long Beach on Saturday began a two-week extension of the normal free time cargo owners are allowed to pick up an imported container in recognition of the severe congestion currently griping Southern California marine terminals. It is the latest step taken by new Chief Executive Jon Slangerup to address bottlenecks at the port that are hampering the supply chains of many businesses.

Shippers in Long Beach normally receive four business days from vessel discharge to pick up their cargo before a storage fee, or demurrage, is assessed. The port authority said it will give cargo owners seven business days to pick up loads, through Oct. 31.

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“The terminal congestion is very unfortunate, and a truly exceptional occurrence, so I am using my authority to waive demurrage fees through the end of the month,” Slangerup said in a statement.

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