This Port Policy ("Policy") establishes the operational requirements, procedures, and obligations for all motor carriers ("Carrier") transporting freight from U.S. port terminals and container yards on behalf of the property broker ("Broker"). Port operations involve unique regulatory requirements, security protocols, and logistical procedures that Carrier must follow in addition to the standard Broker–Carrier Agreement.
1.1. This Policy applies to all shipments originating from or involving pickup at any U.S. port terminal, marine terminal, container yard, container freight station, or intermodal facility, including but not limited to:
1.2. Carrier acknowledges that port operations are subject to port authority rules, terminal operating schedules, customs clearance timelines, and other factors outside Broker's direct control. Carrier must be prepared for potential delays and plan accordingly.
2.1. Certain port loads require a paid escort service coordinated through Broker. The escort service ensures proper documentation, port protocol compliance, and efficient terminal navigation. Escort requirements are mandatory when specified in the load confirmation.
🚔 ESCORT NOTICE: When a port load requires an escort, Carrier must book and pay for the escort service through the Carrier Portal before the pickup number will be issued. The escort fee is separate from the line-haul rate and is Carrier's responsibility.
2.2. Escort Booking Process:
2.3. Escort Fee Schedule:
| Service | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Port Escort | $95.00 per hour | Minimum 2-hour charge |
| Extended Wait Time | $95.00 per hour | Beyond standard escort window |
| After-Hours / Weekend Escort | $125.00 per hour | Outside normal terminal hours |
2.4. Escort fees must be paid through the Carrier Portal via approved payment methods (EFS, Zelle, or other approved methods) before the pickup number is released. Unpaid escort fees will result in the pickup number being withheld.
2.5. Carrier's driver must meet the escort at the designated meeting point at the scheduled time. If the driver is late or fails to appear, the escort fee is non-refundable, and Carrier will be required to book and pay for a new escort.
3.1. Port loads require a pickup number (also known as a pier pass, terminal appointment, or gate code) to access the terminal and retrieve the container. The pickup number will be provided by Broker after all prerequisites have been met.
3.2. Prerequisites for Receiving a Pickup Number:
3.3. Carrier shall not attempt to access the port terminal without a valid pickup number. Unauthorized access attempts may result in fines, penalties, and immediate termination of the carrier relationship.
3.4. Pickup numbers are time-sensitive and may have limited validity windows. Carrier must use the pickup number within the specified timeframe. Expired pickup numbers must be reissued by Broker, which may result in delays and additional charges.
4.1. Carrier's driver must have the following when arriving at any port terminal:
4.2. Equipment Requirements:
TWIC REQUIREMENT: Drivers without a valid TWIC card will be denied entry to most port terminals. Carrier is solely responsible for ensuring all drivers assigned to port loads hold valid, unexpired TWIC credentials. Broker is not responsible for delays or costs resulting from TWIC non-compliance.
5.1. Upon receiving a container at the port terminal, Carrier's driver must:
5.2. Carrier shall not break the seal on any container without Broker's or consignee's written authorization. Unauthorized seal breakage shall be treated as a security breach and may result in cargo liability, customs penalties, and termination.
5.3. If the container is damaged, overweight, or otherwise unfit for transport, Carrier must refuse the container and immediately notify Broker. Carrier shall not transport a damaged or non-compliant container without Broker's written approval.
6.1. Port Detention refers to charges assessed by the port terminal or steamship line for holding a container beyond the allotted free time after customs clearance. Port detention is distinct from carrier detention (waiting time at facilities).
6.2. Demurrage refers to charges assessed for containers remaining at the port terminal beyond the free time allowance. Demurrage is typically charged by the steamship line.
6.3. Carrier is responsible for picking up containers within the timeframe specified by Broker. If Carrier's delay in picking up a container results in additional port detention or demurrage charges, Carrier may be held responsible for such charges.
6.4. Port-related detention (driver wait time at the terminal) may be eligible for standard detention rates as outlined in the Accessorial & Detention Policy, subject to Broker's prior written approval and documentation requirements.
6.5. Carrier must notify Broker immediately if terminal congestion, terminal closures, or other port-related delays are preventing timely container pickup or return.
7.1. After delivery, Carrier is responsible for returning the empty container and/or chassis to the designated return location specified by Broker. The return location may be the origin port terminal, an off-dock depot, or other designated facility.
7.2. Empty container return must be completed within the timeframe specified in the load confirmation. Late returns may result in per-diem charges assessed by the steamship line, for which Carrier may be held responsible.
7.3. Before returning an empty container, Carrier must:
7.4. If an empty container is rejected at the return facility due to damage, contamination, or other issues attributable to Carrier, Carrier shall be responsible for the cost of cleaning, repair, or replacement, plus any additional per-diem charges incurred.
8.1. Carrier is responsible for ensuring that the total gross vehicle weight (tractor + chassis + container + cargo) does not exceed the legal weight limits for the roads and bridges on the planned route.
8.2. If a container is found to be overweight at the terminal, Carrier must:
8.3. Carrier shall be responsible for any fines, penalties, or citations resulting from operating an overweight vehicle on public roads. Broker is not responsible for weight discrepancies between declared weights and actual weights.
9.1. Carrier shall not pick up any container until Broker has confirmed that customs clearance has been obtained. Picking up a container without customs clearance is a violation of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and may result in severe penalties.
9.2. Carrier shall comply with all applicable port authority regulations, terminal operating rules, U.S. Customs requirements, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, and Coast Guard Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) requirements.
9.3. Carrier is responsible for compliance with all federal, state, and local weight, size, and permit requirements applicable to the transportation of containerized freight.
9.4. For shipments containing bonded freight, Carrier must maintain in-bond documentation and deliver the cargo only to the destination specified in the customs documentation. Any diversion or unauthorized delivery of bonded freight is a federal offense.
10.1. Carrier and its drivers must comply with all port-specific safety and security requirements, including but not limited to:
10.2. Carrier's driver must remain with the vehicle at all times while inside the terminal unless directed otherwise by terminal personnel. Unauthorized pedestrian movement within terminal operating areas is prohibited.
10.3. Any security incident, accident, or injury occurring within a port terminal must be immediately reported to terminal security, Broker, and the appropriate authorities.
11.1. Due to the complexity of port operations, Carrier must provide enhanced communication for port loads, including:
11.2. Carrier must be reachable at all times during port operations. Failure to respond to Broker's communications within thirty (30) minutes during active port operations may result in load reassignment and applicable penalties.
By accepting port loads through the Carrier Portal, Carrier acknowledges that it has read, understood, and agrees to comply with all terms of this Port Policy, including escort requirements, TWIC compliance, container handling procedures, and all port-specific operational requirements. Carrier's drivers must be fully briefed on these requirements before proceeding to any port terminal.