PierPass Explained: TMF Fee, OffPeak Hours & 2026 Updates
What Is PierPass?
PierPass is a not-for-profit company created by the marine terminal operators at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. It manages the OffPeak program, which moves a portion of container truck traffic outside peak daytime hours, and collects the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) on container moves through the two ports. Every importer or exporter with cargo moving through LA or Long Beach pays the TMF.
If you are a freight forwarder, NVOCC, or US importer, the PierPass TMF shows up on almost every ocean import invoice for shipments arriving at the LA/Long Beach gateway. It is a flat fee per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) or FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit), set by PierPass and updated annually. This guide explains what PierPass is, how the TMF works, current OffPeak hours, and what shippers and forwarders need to know in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- PierPass applies only to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. It does not apply to Oakland, New York/New Jersey, Houston, or any other US port.
- The Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) is a flat per-container charge that funds the OffPeak gate program. Both daytime and OffPeak moves are charged the same TMF since OffPeak 2.0 launched in 2018.
- The importer of record pays the TMF in practice, but it is typically passed through by forwarders and brokers as a line item on the freight invoice.
- Current TMF rates are published on PierPass.org and are updated annually. Verify the current rate before quoting customers.
- A "TMF hold" prevents a container from being released until the fee is paid. This is the most common cause of delays for first-time importers.
What Is the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF)?
The Traffic Mitigation Fee is the fee that funds PierPass's OffPeak program. The program was created in 2005 to reduce truck congestion at the LA/Long Beach terminal gates during daytime hours and to lower diesel emissions in the surrounding communities. Every container move through the LA/Long Beach ports is subject to the TMF, regardless of whether the truck arrives during peak daytime hours or OffPeak hours.
Before 2018, the TMF was charged only on daytime moves to incentivize OffPeak gate usage. Since the OffPeak 2.0 program launched in August 2018, the TMF is charged as a flat fee on every container move, and the appointment system (rather than fee differential) is what manages gate flow. This change made TMF charges more predictable for shippers but also meant every container move now carries the fee.
Who Pays the TMF?
The fee is paid by Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs), which usually means the importer of record. In practice, the fee flows through the supply chain:
- The terminal operator bills the ocean carrier (or directly bills PierPass for collection).
- The ocean carrier or the customs broker invoices the freight forwarder.
- The freight forwarder bills the importer of record as a line item on the destination charges invoice.
For forwarders, the TMF appears under "TMF", "Pier Pass Fee", or "PPF" on the destination charges section of the invoice. Always pass it through as a separate, identified line item rather than bundling into general port charges.
Current PierPass TMF Fee Structure (2026)
PierPass publishes the TMF rate on its website at PierPass.org. Rates are updated annually and apply per TEU (20-ft container) or per FEU (40-ft or larger container). The exact 2026 amount changes periodically, so always check PierPass directly before quoting.
| Container Type | TMF Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20-ft (TEU) | Per container | Flat fee, applied to import and export moves |
| 40-ft / 40-ft HC (FEU) | Per container (typically 2x TEU rate) | Most common rate forwarders see |
| 45-ft / specialty | Per container (FEU rate) | Same FEU treatment |
Exempt moves: empty container moves, transshipments staying on the terminal, and certain bonded transfers are exempt from the TMF. Empty repositioning and intra-port moves typically do not carry the fee.
OffPeak Hours and the Appointment System
OffPeak is the late-shift gate window managed by the terminal operators. It exists to spread truck traffic across more hours of the day and reduce daytime congestion. While daytime moves are now allowed without a TMF discount, the OffPeak program continues to operate.
Typical OffPeak schedule (verify with the specific terminal, as schedules vary):
- Monday to Thursday evenings: approximately 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Saturday day shift: approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Some Saturday late shifts at select terminals
The terminals use an appointment system (eModal, PierPass Termpoint at most LA/LB terminals) to manage truck arrivals. Drayage operators book a slot in advance for the dual transaction (drop empty, pick up loaded, or vice versa). Without an appointment, the truck risks being turned away or sitting in long queue lines.
How PierPass Works at LA and Long Beach (Process)
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1Container arrives at the terminalThe vessel discharges the container at one of the LA or Long Beach marine terminals. The container is recorded in the terminal's system and PierPass is notified of the arrival.
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2TMF assessed on the containerPierPass posts the TMF charge against the container record. The fee is held against the container until paid, regardless of whether the truck moves it during peak or OffPeak hours.
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3Importer or forwarder pays the TMFPayment is made through the PierPass online portal (PierPass.org) by the freight forwarder, customs broker, or the importer's drayage provider. The container's status flips from "TMF hold" to "released" once payment clears.
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4Drayage truck books a gate appointmentThe trucker (or trucking company on behalf of the forwarder) reserves a gate appointment through the terminal's appointment system. Appointments fill quickly during peak weeks; book early.
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5Container picked up and deliveredThe truck enters the terminal, picks up the container, and delivers it to the warehouse or transload facility. Any subsequent demurrage or detention charges accrue separately from the TMF.
PierPass TMF vs. Other Port Fees
TMF is just one of several fees an LA/Long Beach import shipment can incur. Understanding which fee is which prevents disputes with carriers and customers.
| Fee | Charged By | Triggered By | Avoidable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMF (Traffic Mitigation Fee) | PierPass | Every container move through LA/LB | No, but quick payment avoids holds |
| Clean Truck Fee (CTF) | Port of LA / Port of LB | Drayage truck visits at the ports | No |
| Demurrage | Terminal operator | Container stays past free time at the terminal | Yes, by picking up on time |
| Detention | Ocean carrier | Container held beyond free use time | Yes, by returning empty on time |
| Chassis usage | Chassis pool provider | Per-day chassis rental | Sometimes, with shipper-supplied chassis |
For the broader cost picture on US imports, see our Customs Duty and Import Tax guide.
How Forwarders Handle PierPass Charges Operationally
For freight forwarders moving high volumes through LA/Long Beach, PierPass TMF is a predictable but high-frequency cost line item. Best practices used by forwarders to handle the fee cleanly:
- Pay TMF immediately on container availability. Avoid TMF holds that prevent dispatch. Most forwarders set up automatic payment with PierPass once the carrier release is in place.
- Quote TMF as a separate line item. Customers want transparency. Bundling TMF into "destination charges" leads to disputes later.
- Verify the current TMF rate every quarter. Rate changes are published in advance by PierPass and missed updates lead to undercharged invoices.
- Track LA/LB volume separately. Use your forwarding software to filter shipments by port. This helps with budgeting and customer reporting.
- Coordinate with your drayage provider on appointments. Even with TMF paid, a missed gate appointment delays pickup and adds demurrage exposure.
Modern Ocean Import Freight Management Software handles TMF as a standard line item on the destination charges invoice, ties it to the carrier release status, and surfaces alerts if a container is approaching demurrage. For high-volume LA/LB forwarders, this single integration prevents the most common revenue leakage point.
Other operational pressures at LA/LB (chassis dwell, gate congestion, missed appointments) are covered in our 5 Ocean Import Bottlenecks That Slow Freight Forwarders Down guide.
Compliance Note: ISF Filing Still Required
PierPass TMF is a port fee, not a customs fee. It is separate from your CBP obligations. Every ocean import to the US still requires the Importer Security Filing (ISF) at least 24 hours before vessel loading, and AMS filing during the voyage. Paying the TMF does not cover any CBP compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PierPass?
PierPass is a not-for-profit company set up by the marine terminal operators at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. It manages the OffPeak program, which spreads truck traffic across late-shift hours, and collects the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) on container moves through the two ports. Importers, exporters, and freight forwarders moving cargo through LA/LB pay the TMF as part of their port charges.
What is the PierPass fee?
The PierPass fee is more formally called the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF). It is a flat per-container charge published by PierPass and updated annually. The fee applies to every container moving through the LA/Long Beach terminals, both imports and exports, with limited exemptions for empty containers and certain bonded transfers. Check PierPass.org for the current TMF rate.
How much does PierPass cost?
The exact TMF rate is published on PierPass.org and changes from time to time. Historically, the FEU (40-ft container) rate has been roughly double the TEU (20-ft) rate. Always verify the current rate before quoting customers, as the published rate is updated periodically and the difference between an old and current rate can show up as an invoice discrepancy.
What is the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF)?
The Traffic Mitigation Fee is the per-container fee that funds the PierPass OffPeak program at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. It is charged on both peak daytime moves and OffPeak shift moves at a flat rate since the OffPeak 2.0 program took effect in August 2018. Before 2018, only peak daytime moves paid the fee.
Which ports does PierPass apply to?
PierPass applies only to the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach. It does not apply to Oakland, Seattle/Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Houston, Savannah, Charleston, or any other US port. Other ports have their own fee structures and operating hours.
Who pays the PierPass TMF?
The fee is paid by the Beneficial Cargo Owner, which is usually the importer of record on the Bill of Lading. In practice, freight forwarders and customs brokers pay the TMF on the importer's behalf and bill it through as a destination-charges line item on the freight invoice.
What is a TMF hold?
A TMF hold is a release block placed on a container until the Traffic Mitigation Fee is paid. The terminal will not release the container to the drayage truck while the hold is in place. Most TMF holds are cleared in minutes once payment is submitted through the PierPass portal. Allowing TMF holds to sit unpaid is the most common cause of avoidable delays for first-time importers.
How do I log in to PierPass?
PierPass account login is at PierPass.org. Importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and drayage operators all use the same portal. The portal manages TMF payments, account history, and container status lookups. A registered account is required to pay the TMF and clear holds.
When did PierPass change to OffPeak 2.0?
The OffPeak 2.0 program launched on August 1, 2018. Before that date, the TMF was charged only on peak daytime container moves, and OffPeak moves were free of the fee. Since OffPeak 2.0, the TMF is charged as a flat rate on every container move regardless of shift, and the appointment system is what manages gate flow.
LA/Long Beach imports come with PierPass TMF, ISF compliance, demurrage risk, and gate appointment coordination. GoFreight handles every line on one cloud platform.
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