California Cartage Seeks Approval for New CES Fee Schedule
Importers moving cargo through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach may soon see higher Customs examination costs.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that California Cartage Company, LLC (Cal Cartage), a Central Examination Station (CES) operator serving the Los Angeles/Long Beach gateway, has submitted a request to increase numerous examination-related fees. The proposal is currently under review and open for public comment.
If approved, the revised fee schedule would affect a broad range of services associated with CBP cargo examinations, including devanning, storage, tailgate inspections, refrigerated container handling, hazardous material surcharges, and other exam-related activities.
Key Proposed Fee Increases
Among the proposed changes:
Container Devanning Fees
Cal Cartage is requesting approximately a 4% increase for container devanning services, citing higher labor, equipment, and operating costs.
Examples include:
- Full devan of a 40-foot container: $647 to $673
- Full devan of a 45-53 foot container: $731 to $760
- Minimum examination fee: $233 to $242
Facility Charge for Full Container Exams
The facility charge for full container load (FCL) examinations would increase:
- Current: $500
- Proposed: $520
Tailgate Examination Fees
For containers selected for tailgate inspections:
- Non-refrigerated containers: $50 to $52
- Refrigerated containers requiring agricultural inspection: $100 to $104
Refrigerated Container Charges
Refrigerated container yard fees would increase from:
- $4.25 per hour
- To $4.42 per hour
Storage and Handling Fees
Additional increases are proposed for:
- LCL storage charges
- On-hold cargo storage
- Palletizing services
- Hazardous material surcharges
- Container flips
- Multiple agency examinations
Several miscellaneous services would increase between 4% and 10%.
Why This Matters for Importers
While the individual increases may appear relatively small, examination costs can quickly escalate when shipments are delayed or subject to intensive inspections.
Importers may experience:
- Higher landed costs
- Increased exam-related expenses
- Additional storage and handling charges
- Greater financial impact for refrigerated cargo
- Higher costs during peak import seasons
Businesses importing through Southern California ports should review the proposed fee schedule and evaluate the potential impact on budgeting, landed cost calculations, and supply chain planning.
Public Comment Period Open
CBP is accepting public comments regarding the proposed fee schedule changes for 30 days from the date of the notice.
Following the review period, the Port Director will evaluate the request and determine whether to approve the fee changes in accordance with applicable CBP regulations.
Ask Alba
Examination fees, storage costs, and cargo holds can significantly impact total import costs. Alba’s customs and trade professionals can help importers navigate CBP examinations, manage compliance risks, and identify strategies to minimize supply chain disruptions.
Contact Alba to discuss your import operations and examination-related concerns:
https://albawheelsup.com/contact/
Sources
CBP Trade Information Notice (TIN #68763237)
Notice of Proposed Changes to the California Cartage Company, LLC Central Examination Station Fee Schedule, Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport.
