On February 18, 2009 the Port of Long Beach will begin assessing cargo owners a “Clean Trucks Fee”.  These funds will be used to help trucking companies finance the new clean fuel trucks that the Port has required them to utilize.

I can appreciate the Ports efforts to protect and improve the environment.  Plus, the state has mandated a reduction in pollutants from the Port and its customers before any additional state funding can be obtained.  So, I understand the motivation behind the announcement.  However, I question the timing of the additional fee.

Here’s the scenario as I see it:

• The recession has reduced consumer spending and the ports have seen a corresponding reduction in volume.
• The West Coast ports are losing what business is left to the East Coast ports.
• The completion of the Panama Canal expansion will only exacerbate that problem.
• The Ports of Long Beach and LA already levy some of the highest per container fees in the country.
• Finally, a number of their competitive ports are lowering fees to weather the economic storm. (NY/NJ, Charleston, etc.)

Is this really the time when you want to make it more expensive for your clients to use your service and facilities?