Congestion surcharge to be imposed on all trades to/from United States and Canada

There is a distinct possibility that International Longshoremen's Association ("ILA") will call a strike at U.S. East Coast and Gulf  .

As a precaution in the event of a strike, Evergreen filed a Congestion Charge earlier this year to cope with possible ramifications resulting from labor actions.

All cargo received at non U.S. ports of loading either prior or subsequent to December 30 that is scheduled to arrive at any U.S. East or Gulf Coast ports on or after December 30, 2012 will be assessed a Congestion charge as follows:

- USD 800 per 20' container
- USD 1,000 per 40' container
- USD 1,125 per 40' high-cube and reefer container
- USD 1,266 per 45' high-cube container

Meanwhile, all export cargo, including IPI cargo, received by the carrier or its agents for shipment from U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports on or after December 30, 2012 will be assessed a prepaid Congestion charge as follows:

- USD 800 per 20' container
- USD 1,000 per 40' container
- USD 1,000 per 40' high-cube and reefer container
- USD 1,000 per 45' high-cube container

The above charges will continue in effect until the labor action and its related port congestion ceases to exist at which time Evergreen will provide notice via a Customer Advisory on its website.

For the U.S. West Coast and Canada, as no immediate risk of port congestion is expected on the U.S. West Coast or Canadian ports as of December 30, 2012, the application will not be applicable to shipments through the U.S. West Coast and Canada until further notice.

This Congestion Charge is payable on a freight collect basis for cargo destined for U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports and on a prepaid basis for cargo being exported from U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports unless otherwise agreed by the carrier and shipper.

If there is no labor action affecting cargo movement to or from the U.S., Evergreen Line may not apply the Congestion Charge. < Korea Shipping Gazette >