Ports swap mysterious measurement tons for weight-based car fees
Published Date: 10/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Maritime Commission announced a new agreement between the International Longshoremen's Association and the New York Shipping Association that changes how shipping fees are calculated. Instead of using a complicated measurement ton, fees will now be based on weight tons or unit rates for certain vehicles. These changes start on October 14, 2026, and could affect shipping costs for new cars, trucks, RVs, and loaded Mafis.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Assessment basis shifts to weight ton
The agreement removes the "measurement ton" method and moves assessment and auditing to a weight ton basis starting 10/14/2026. This change applies to items assessed by weight (for example, used vehicles and other machinery) as described in the agreement.
New vehicles under 15,000 lb billed per unit
The agreement specifies that certain new-from-manufacturer vehicles under 15,000 pounds (autos, trucks, and RVs) will be assessed on a unit rate instead of a weight-ton basis, effective 10/14/2026. This applies specifically to new vehicles from the manufacturer as described.
Loaded Mafis assessed per unit
The agreement states that loaded Mafis (a type of roll-on/roll-off trailer) will be assessed on a unit basis, with the proposed effective date of 10/14/2026. The filing explicitly directs unit assessments for loaded Mafis.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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