Here are the high points:
Changes in free time available at the ramp per rail officials, is intended to accommodate the increase in volume at the ramps, reduce chassis shortages, and reduce congestion. The hope is that this will spur quicker turnaround times and free up chassis to assist in clearing out congestion at some ramps.
NSRR changed their free time for their shipments, just two short weeks ago, and BNSF if following suit. BNSF has advised that they will eliminate the “5 p.m. rule” used for calculating free time at all its facilities effective 6/7/21. (5PM rule is if the shipment becomes available for pick up and notification is issued by the rail prior to 5PM, then day of arrival is ‘first free day’ at the ramp-notification after 5PM, moves first free day until following day.)
This potentially means more charges for rail storage and demurrage since there will not be as much free time available at the ramps for NSRR and BNSF shipments. Indications are, other rails will follow suit with this change.
Reactions of some truckers is that this change in free time could not come at a worse time. Chassis shortages at various ramps, as well as a lack of drivers in some areas are going to cause issues for customers receiving cargo timely, as well as the usual question of who will be responsible for additional fees incurred for storage and demurrage.
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
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