FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Paul Sherer
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
415-677-2715
PierPASS Sets
July 23 Launch for Night/Weekend Shifts at Ports of
Accelerated Rollout of OffPeak Program to Tackle Chronic Port Congestion
Marine terminal operators at the
The OffPeak shifts will be Monday through Thursday from
"The establishment of the July 23 OffPeak launch date is a strong
indication of our progress," said PierPASS President and CEO Bruce
Wargo. "After a period of intensive systems development, we are ready to
implement this first-of-its-kind program. By using the existing transportation
infrastructure more efficiently and shifting traffic out of peak commuting
hours, OffPeak is a landmark effort to address chronic port congestion and air
quality issues."
Accelerated Rollout
PierPASS had initially planned for a ramp-up period, with off-peak
shifts added gradually. However, the terminal operators have determined that
launching all shifts during the first week will present fewer logistical
challenges than a phased-in launch. The ramp-up period has now been eliminated;
all 12 international container terminals at the two ports will now launch five
full OffPeak shifts starting July 23.
The Traffic Mitigation Fee payments collected, minus PierPASS overhead
and refunds for cargo moving during OffPeak hours,
will be allocated by PierPASS to the marine terminals to help offset
their incremental costs to operate the extra gates. The estimated annual cost
to the terminal operators of operating these extra gates is $156 million to
$160 million. PierPASS is a not-for-profit company.
PierPASS will not assess a fee for empty containers and chassis,
domestic containers, or transshipment to other ports. Nor will it assess a fee
for intermodal containers that depart or arrive via the Alameda Corridor for
import or export, or that pay an ACTA fee. The beneficial cargo owners
(shippers, consignees, or their agents) are responsible for payment of the fee.
The trucking community and water carriers are not responsible for the payment.
Registration Required for Payment
After July 23, the Traffic Mitigation Fee will be
required for cargo movement through the ports during peak hours. Only
registered users will be able to pay this fee. Users of the ports (such as
cargo owners, brokers, truckers and logistics companies) can register for
OffPeak through the registration site at www.pierpass-tmf.org
About PierPASS
PierPASS is a not-for-profit company created by marine terminal
operators to reduce congestion and improve air quality in and around the