LMTA Issues Request for Review – Unjust and Unreasonable Tariff and Gate Access Practices at U.S. Ports
LMTA Issues Request for Review – Unjust and Unreasonable Tariff and Gate Access Practices at U.S. Ports
*The text below is excerpted from a letter LMTA sent to select state trucking associations, highlighting growing concerns over new port access fees and requesting collaboration in reviewing similar practices in other states.
*Request for Review – Unjust and Unreasonable Tariff and Gate Access Practices at U.S.Ports
Dear Colleague,
We are sharing this correspondence to bring attention to a growing concern regarding port access fees and operational practices that are placing an undue burden on motor carriers. Our association recently submitted a formal Request for Investigation to the Federal Maritime Commission regarding a new tariff structure implemented by a terminal operator at the Port of New Orleans.
In short, the new terminal tariffs introduced in October 2025 replaced the long-standing, no-cost entry system with a paid “appointment” program. The structure charges $20 per container for guaranteed appointments and $75 for same-day access, while also imposing $65 rescheduling or cancellation fees. These changes have created an artificial scarcity of free appointment slots—forcing motor carriers to pay premium rates simply to maintain predictable operations.
Such “pay-to-access” systems are being justified as efficiency measures, but in practice they function as revenue-raising mechanisms unrelated to the cost or value of services provided. This structure effectively shifts operating costs from ocean carriers to trucking companies and, by extension, to shippers and consumers. Our concern is that similar practices may already be emerging at ports in other states.
We are asking our peers in the state trucking associations to review port operations in your jurisdictions for comparable appointment or gate-access fee structures that may warrant collective advocacy or regulatory attention. We believe a coordinated, multi-state industry response could highlight the widespread impact of these fees on supply chain efficiency and regional economies.
We have also provided copies of this cover letter to key port and state officials for awareness. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your members are encountering similar practices or if your association would like to discuss potential next steps in addressing this trend nationwide.
Sincerely,
Renee Amar
LMTA Executive Director