When importers ship goods from China to the United States, many assume that paying freight charges and customs duties is enough. However, once a container arrives at the Port of Los Angeles (LA Port) — the largest container port in the U.S. — there are several additional local charges that importers should be aware of. Understanding these fees is essential for accurate cost planning and avoiding unexpected expenses.
- Terminal and Port Charges
- THC (Terminal Handling Charge): Covers container unloading, stacking, and handling at the terminal.
- PierPass / TMF (Traffic Mitigation Fee): A special fee in Los Angeles/Long Beach to reduce daytime congestion.
- Port Congestion Surcharge: Applied during heavy congestion periods.
- Documentation and Processing Fees
- ISF Filing Fee (Importer Security Filing): Mandatory filing with U.S. Customs before departure from the origin port.
- AMS Fee (Automated Manifest System): Charge for transmitting cargo manifest data to U.S. Customs.
- Bill of Lading Fee: Fee for issuing and processing the bill of lading.
- Customs Duties and Brokerage
- Customs Duty: Based on HS Code and product category; may include Section 301 tariffs.
- Customs Broker Fee: Charged by brokers to handle clearance paperwork.
- MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee): 0.3464% of the declared value, with a minimum and maximum limit.
- HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee): 0.125% of the cargo value, applied at U.S. ports.
- Container and Trucking Costs
- Chassis Fee: For using a truck chassis to move containers from the port.
- Demurrage: Charged when containers stay at the terminal beyond the free time allowed.
- Detention (Per Diem): Charged when containers are not returned to the carrier on time.
- Drayage Fee: Local trucking fee to pick up containers from the terminal.
- Inland Freight: For further transportation to warehouses or inland cities by truck or rail.
- Additional Possible Fees
- Examination Fee: If U.S. Customs selects the shipment for inspection (X-ray, CET, or intensive exam).
- Overtime Fee: Applied if port or trucking services are required during nights, weekends, or holidays.
Why This Matters for Importers
These charges, combined with customs duties, can significantly affect the total landed cost of imported goods. Many importers are surprised when their “all-in” shipping cost rises due to port and local charges at LA.
Tip: Work with a reliable freight forwarder who can provide a clear cost breakdown in advance, manage customs paperwork, and arrange trucking and delivery. This helps avoid unexpected bills and ensures a smooth supply chain.
Final Thoughts
Importing into the United States is more than just paying freight and customs duty. At the Port of Los Angeles, importers must also account for terminal fees, PierPass charges, broker fees, chassis rental, trucking, and possible inspection costs.
At Zcyt Logistics, we specialize in door-to-door shipping from China to the U.S., including all customs clearance and delivery services. By partnering with us, you get transparent pricing, efficient operations, and peace of mind.