Import Fee Overhaul Could Improve Ports


import fee

Out of Washington comes news that the two state senators there, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, are planning to introduce a new bill next month that would dramatically overhaul how the country collects and spends money to improve freight infrastructure – specifically in seaports.

For those that don’t know how the current import fee system works, The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund receives money from the Harbor Maintenance Tax – a tax collected from shippers importing anything through U.S. shores. The problem is many shippers are avoiding this tax by shipping into Mexico or Canada and then driving across the borders under NAFTA.

The new tax that has been proposed, called the Maritime Goods Movement User Fee, would be collected anytime anything is imported through any point of entry, land or sea, effectively eliminating the current loophole. The senators believe that this new tax will double the amount of funds that can be re-invested in ports each year. A number of planned port infrastructure projects have been stopped in recent months due to budget shortages.

Should the bill pass next month when it is introduced, it could have dramatic effects throughout the industry. With the Canada-Mexico loophole closed, demand for domestic trucking and cargo professionals could see an uptick. The improved ports that could result from the added revenues could also increase shipping into the country to compete with foreign countries.

Be sure to stay tuned to this blog, as well as our Facebook page for any updates on this issue. If you happen to be in the market for trucking insurance for your fleet, visit our website.