For the second time in two weeks, three carriers are reversing their decision to implement port congestion surcharges.
Carrier executives speaking not for attribution cited too much confusion in the industry, concerns raised by the Federal Maritime Commission and other groups, and too much pushback from shippers, as reasons for suspending the surcharges. The U.S. trade group of customs brokers and forwarders for example charged on Wednesday that the surcharges are illegal.
Maersk Line, Yang Ming and CMA CGM backed off of port congestion surcharges on Wednesday, only a day after announcing the fees would be reinstated.