Port Everglades Waives Tariff Charges for Earthquake Relief

Broward County’s Port Everglades, one of the largest containerized cargo seaports in the Eastern United States, is waiving all tariff charges for qualifying cargo and the ships delivering relief supplies to Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on January 12.

“Ocean shipping will become important to get building supplies and other materials to Haiti as they begin to repair damage and rebuild,” says Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl. “In the meantime, individuals are being encouraged to donate money to relief organizations. Because of distribution problems in Haiti, monetary donations are the quickest and most efficient way to help at this time.”

In accordance with Port Everglades Tariff Item 950 (the seaport’s governing rules and associated fees), the port director and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners may waive any and all tariff charges for humanitarian relief efforts being shipped to a country that has suffered from a natural disaster that is served by an ocean shipping line that sails from Port Everglades. Tariff charges typically include fees for docking a ship at the Port along with other related marine services.

“Our tariff is written purposely to be able to respond readily to a disaster of the magnitude that has hit Haiti,” said Phil Allen, port director. “Our thoughts are with those who have lost family members and friends during this painful catastrophe.”