Revised Empty Box Fee at NY-NJ Misses Mark on Accountability: Analyst

Why It Matters

Unclear cost allocation could push higher fees onto shippers and exacerbate congestion, affecting East Coast trade efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Revised empty‑container fee starts May 1, 2026 at NY‑NJ ports
• Analysts say fee lacks clear accountability for end‑user payment
• Truck queue at Port Newark showed space shortage for empties
• APM Terminals contracted Gemini Cooperation to handle off‑dock empties
• Potential cost pass‑through could increase shipping rates for importers

Pulse Analysis

Empty‑container fees have become a staple of major ports worldwide as carriers grapple with the costly logistics of repositioning containers that travel without cargo. By charging for storage, handling, and the opportunity cost of idle chassis, ports aim to incentivize quicker turnaround and offset environmental impacts. New York and New Jersey, the busiest U.S. gateway, have long struggled with container imbalances, prompting the latest fee revision to recover rising operational expenses while aligning with global best practices.

The NY‑NJ revision, effective May 1, introduces a per‑container charge that analysts criticize for its opacity. Without a clear mechanism to trace the fee to the party that decides container movements, shippers fear a hidden surcharge that could be passed down the supply chain. The April 10 incident at Port Newark, where a three‑mile line of trucks stalled because the depot ran out of space for Maersk and Hapag‑Lloyd empties, illustrates how capacity constraints can quickly translate into costly delays. APM Terminals’ February 2025 contract with Gemini Cooperation to manage off‑dock empties was meant to alleviate such bottlenecks, yet the fee’s design may undermine those efforts.

Looking ahead, the lack of accountability could trigger regulatory scrutiny and push carriers to renegotiate contracts that more explicitly allocate empty‑container costs. Industry observers suggest that transparent fee structures, combined with technology‑driven inventory visibility, can reduce congestion and prevent cost inflation. As import volumes rebound post‑pandemic, ports that balance revenue needs with clear cost‑pass‑through mechanisms will likely retain competitive advantage, while shippers will seek alternative routes or negotiate rate adjustments to mitigate the impact of ambiguous fees.