What is pier pass or TMF – traffic mitigation fee?

A Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) is a fee paid when a terminal becomes congested. it is meant to incentivize shippers or consignees to move cargo during off-peak hours OR provide additional revenue to the port operator to build out infrastructure in order to handle the increased traffic.

In 2005, Los Angeles and Long Beach instituted a TMF program called Pier Pass to alleviate frequent delays at the terminals. Any shipment processed during peak hours at those terminals (M-F, 3 AM – 6 PM) now incurs a TMF to cover off-peak shifts (weeknights and Saturdays). As of August 1st, 2020, the TMF fee at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach is 35.57 USD per 20-foot container and 71.14 USD per 40ft standard and 40ft High Cube container.

Any rate quoted and booked on ExFreight’s Exfresso program includes the Long Beach and Los Angeles TMF fees.