Jun 20, 2005 9:22 AM, from staff and wire reports

PierPASS Inc says more than 1,000 port users have registered with OffPeak, the new program to reduce congestion at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach by shifting cargo movement to nights and weekends.

All companies that use the ports are advised to register well before July 23, since most daytime cargo movement through the two California ports after that date will require a Traffic Mitigation Fee payment by a registered user.

Beginning July 23, all international container terminals at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports will start OffPeak shifts on nights and weekends. From that date, a Traffic Mitigation Fee will be required for cargo movement through the ports during peak hours (Monday through Friday, 3 am to 6 pm), with certain exceptions. Only registered users will be able to pay this fee. Registration is free and open to any company or person.

The fee has been set at $40 per TEU (20-foot equivalent unit), or $80 for all containers larger than a 20-ft unit.

To register for OffPeak or for information on the Traffic Mitigation Fee, access www.pierpass.org.