Persistence has paid off for California State Senator Alan Lowenthal. After several attempts to introduce a container tax, ostensibly to fund port security, infrastructure programs and environmental improvements, his latest proposal was passed in a late session of the California Legislature August 31st. The bill, S.B. 927, calls for the owner of cargo passing through the ports of Los Angeles or Long Beach to be assessed a tax of $30 per twenty-foot-equivalent unit (TEU).
The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) has opposed the legislation, saying it was not explicit regarding the collection and disbursement of fees. As the bill goes to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for signature, NITL and other associations will be urging the governor to veto the bill.
To contact NITL: www.nitl.org
Previous story on the bill at:
California Bill Would Tax Containers
http://www.logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?sNO=8143
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