Shipping Companies To Face Fines For Backlogged Cargo

The Los Angeles and Long Beach harbor commissions voted to begin fining shipping companies if they let cargo containers stack up.

The Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex will begin fining shipping companies if they let cargo containers stack up as the nation's busiest twin harbors deal with an unprecedented backlog of vessels.

The Los Angeles and Long Beach harbor commissions voted Friday to implement a 90-day "container excess dwell fee" that sets time limits on how long containers can stay at marine terminals.

About 40% of all shipping containers entering the U.S. come through the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. The number of ships waiting to unload has risen to record volumes.