REEFER IMPORT DWELL FEE REINSTATED AT PORT OF HOUSTON
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Port of Houston will impose incremental surcharges on loaded refrigerated import containers that remain on terminal beyond the standard seven-day free-time window. The policy seeks to accelerate cargo turnover during peak produce and protein season. Reefer volumes climbed steadily from February through May, surpassing 10,000 TEUs in May on rising shipments of frozen poultry, seafood, assorted meats, plantains, and pineapples; the new fee structure aims to maintain that momentum through the summer.
PORT OF HOUSTON TIERED FEE SCHEDULE (POST-FREE TIME)
The Port of Houston is using a tiered fee schedule to encourage early import retrieval and minimize dwell.
These fees apply at the Ports’ Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals:
- 1 – 3 gate days: $51.60 per container, per day
- 4 – 7 gate days: $77.40 per container, per day
- 8 – 13 gate days: $103.20 per container, per day
- 14+ gate days: $154.80 per container, per day
Importers should note that days count even when truck gates are closed for scheduled terminal holidays.
OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Importers with time-sensitive perishables should align drayage appointments, reefer plug-in capacity, and cold-storage availability well before the free-time clock expires. A proactive retrieval plan will curb unexpected dwell costs while preserving cargo integrity.
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