Key Takeaways
- ✓Free days at Port of Long Beach vary by terminal: most offer 4 free days for dry imports, 2–3 days for reefers
- ✓LBCT (Long Beach Container Terminal) is fully automated — appointment scheduling and gate procedures differ from conventional terminals
- ✓Storage rates at Long Beach terminals escalate in 3–4 tiers, reaching $200–$250/day by day 9+ over LFD
- ✓Terminal LFD and carrier LFD are independent — a container can owe terminal storage while still within carrier free time
- ✓All four major Long Beach terminals use online portals; appointment systems are mandatory at LBCT and ITS
Free Days at the Port of Long Beach
Understanding free days at the Port of Long Beach is essential for any freight forwarder routing import cargo through Southern California. The port handles more than 9.5 million TEUs annually across four major container terminals, each with its own free time policy, storage rate structure, and appointment system. A container that misses its LFD at Long Beach can easily accumulate $150–$250 per day in terminal storage charges — on top of whatever the ocean carrier charges for demurrage.
This guide covers every active import terminal at the Port of Long Beach: LBCT, SSA Marine (Pier J), ITS, and PCT. For each terminal you'll find the free day allowance, tiered storage rates, special policies, and the portal URL you need. For a side-by-side comparison with the Port of Los Angeles, see Port of LA free days. For the national picture, see our US port free days comparison.
Long Beach Terminal Overview
The Port of Long Beach operates on the San Pedro Bay, directly adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles. Together they form the San Pedro Bay port complex — the busiest cargo gateway in the Western Hemisphere. Long Beach's four terminals handle distinct carrier alliances and vessel calls, which affects which terminal your container arrives at and therefore which free time rules apply.
Terminal storage free days are set by the terminal operator, not the ocean carrier. They run independently of carrier (line) demurrage. Both clocks start from different dates — carrier demurrage typically from vessel discharge, terminal storage from container availability. Always check both.
Terminal-by-Terminal Free Days Breakdown
LBCT — Long Beach Container Terminal (Pier E)
LBCT is one of the most technologically advanced container terminals in North America. Operated by a consortium including COSCO Shipping Ports and Orient Overseas Ports, the fully automated terminal handles vessels from the OCEAN Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, OOCL). Its automated stacking cranes and AGV (automated guided vehicle) system mean terminal procedures differ significantly from conventional Long Beach terminals.
Import free days: LBCT grants 4 free days for dry import containers, counted from the date the container is made available for pickup (not vessel discharge). Reefer containers receive 2 free days of free storage, reflecting the higher cost of maintaining continuous shore power connections at their reefer plugs.
Storage rates after LFD (per LBCT's published tariff, effective Q1 2026):
- Days 1–4 over LFD: $75/day per 20' or 40' dry container
- Days 5–8 over LFD: $125/day
- Days 9–14 over LFD: $175/day
- Day 15+ over LFD: $225/day
- Reefer surcharge: add $75/day to the applicable tier rate
Appointment system: LBCT requires a gate appointment for all container pickups — no appointment, no gate access. Appointments are booked via the LBCT customer portal (lbct.com). Appointment windows are 2 hours long; missed windows require rebooking and may push pickup to the next available slot, potentially past LFD. Build appointment lead time into your LFD management workflow.
Automation impact on LFD: Because LBCT's yard moves are executed by automated cranes, container retrieval is generally faster once an appointment is confirmed. However, the automated system has no capacity for on-demand or walk-up pickups. During system maintenance windows (published on lbct.com), gate operations may be suspended, which can constitute an OSRA-protected hold if your LFD falls within the closure period.
Contact: Customer service via the LBCT portal at lbct.com. No published direct phone line for demurrage inquiries — all communication is portal-based.
SSA Marine — Pier J (Long Beach Container Terminal at Pier J)
SSA Marine's Pier J terminal is the largest conventional terminal at the Port of Long Beach. It handles vessels from multiple carrier alliances and independent services, making it one of the most frequently used terminals for non-OCEAN Alliance cargo. Pier J spans two berth groups (J1 and J2) and operates around the clock on weekdays with reduced weekend hours.
Import free days: SSA Pier J grants 4 free days for dry imports and 2 free days for reefer containers. The free time clock starts on the day the container is posted as available in the terminal system — which may be 1–2 days after vessel discharge for heavy-lift or out-of-gauge cargo.
Storage rates after LFD (per SSA Marine's Pier J tariff, Q1 2026):
- Days 1–3 over LFD: $90/day
- Days 4–7 over LFD: $150/day
- Day 8+ over LFD: $198/day
- Reefer surcharge: $65/day added to applicable tier
Special policies: SSA Pier J does not require pre-booked appointments for all pickups, though appointments are strongly recommended during peak periods (Monday–Wednesday, 07:00–11:00). Walk-up transactions are accepted at the gate during off-peak hours. LFD extensions for government-held containers must be submitted in writing to SSA Pier J customer service with CBP hold documentation attached.
Contact: SSA Marine Pier J customer service: +1 (562) 495-7600. Container availability and storage status: SSA's container tracking portal at ssacontainers.com.
ITS — International Transportation Service (Pier G)
International Transportation Service (ITS) at Pier G is operated by Pacific Maritime Services and handles primarily THE Alliance vessel calls (Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Yang Ming). ITS has undergone significant modernization in recent years, including deployment of an automated gate system that has reduced truck turn times. It remains a conventionally operated terminal — human-driven yard equipment — despite the gate automation.
Import free days: ITS allows 4 free days for dry import containers and 3 free days for reefers — the most generous reefer allowance among Long Beach terminals. Free time starts from the day the container is posted available in the CSTS (Container Status Tracking System).
Storage rates after LFD (per ITS Pier G tariff, Q1 2026):
- Days 1–4 over LFD: $80/day
- Days 5–8 over LFD: $140/day
- Day 9+ over LFD: $200/day
- Reefer surcharge: $60/day added to applicable tier
Appointment system: ITS requires appointments for all pickups, booked through their web portal at itslb.com. Appointment windows are 3 hours. ITS publishes gate hour advisories on their portal — operations may be reduced during union-related work actions or storm events that affect terminal safety.
Contact: ITS customer service: +1 (562) 590-9400. Container status and LFD queries: itslb.com portal.
PCT — Pacific Container Terminal (Pier G)
Pacific Container Terminal (PCT), also located at Pier G and operated under the Ports America umbrella, handles a mix of vessel calls including some 2M and independent operator services. PCT is smaller in footprint than LBCT or SSA Pier J but handles a meaningful volume of Pacific trade lanes, particularly trans-Pacific services from smaller carriers.
Import free days: PCT grants 4 free days for dry imports and 2 free days for reefer containers. Free time calculation follows the container availability date posted in PCT's terminal operating system.
Storage rates after LFD (per PCT tariff, Q1 2026):
- Days 1–4 over LFD: $85/day
- Days 5–8 over LFD: $150/day
- Day 9+ over LFD: $210/day
- Reefer surcharge: $65/day added to applicable tier
Special policies: PCT accepts gate-in without appointments during designated open-gate periods (published weekly on their customer portal). Appointment scheduling is available and recommended for time-sensitive pickups. For containers on CBP exam hold, PCT will not charge storage for the duration of the hold, provided the hold documentation is submitted to PCT customer service before LFD — this aligns with OSRA 2022 requirements.
Contact: PCT customer service: +1 (562) 590-8800. Container status: PCT terminal portal via the Ports America platform.
Long Beach Terminal Free Days: Master Comparison
The table below consolidates free time allowances and first-tier storage rates across all four Port of Long Beach terminals. All rates reflect Q1 2026 published tariffs. Reefer rates shown are the surcharge added to the dry tier rate.
| Terminal | Pier | Dry Import Free Days | Reefer Free Days | Storage Tier 1 (Days 1–4) | Storage Tier 2 | Storage Tier 3+ | Reefer Surcharge/Day | Appointments Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LBCT | Pier E | 4 days | 2 days | $75 | $125 (days 5–8) | $175–$225 (days 9+) | +$75 | Yes — mandatory |
| SSA Pier J | Pier J | 4 days | 2 days | $90 | $150 (days 4–7) | $198 (day 8+) | +$65 | Recommended |
| ITS (Pier G) | Pier G | 4 days | 3 days | $80 | $140 (days 5–8) | $200 (day 9+) | +$60 | Yes — mandatory |
| PCT | Pier G | 4 days | 2 days | $85 | $150 (days 5–8) | $210 (day 9+) | +$65 | Optional |
Rate source: Individual terminal tariff schedules as published on each operator's customer portal, Q1 2026. Rates are subject to change — verify current tariffs directly with each terminal before relying on these figures for invoicing.
Port of Long Beach-Specific Policies and Considerations
LBCT Automation and LFD Management
LBCT's full automation has meaningful implications for LFD risk that don't apply at conventional terminals. Because all container moves are executed by automated cranes and AGVs, there is no mechanism for gate staff to manually expedite a pickup outside of the pre-booked appointment system. If your appointment window falls on the LFD and the terminal is running behind on appointment fulfillment, your container may not physically exit the gate until after LFD has expired.
Best practice at LBCT is to book your appointment for the day before LFD, not on LFD itself. The automated system is efficient, but appointment slots during congestion surges can book out 12–24 hours in advance. Building a one-day buffer eliminates the risk of a last-minute appointment failure triggering avoidable storage charges.
Appointment System Coordination
Three of the four Long Beach terminals (LBCT, ITS, and to varying degrees SSA Pier J) use appointment-based gate systems. For drayage operators coordinating across multiple Long Beach terminals in a single day, each terminal has its own portal login, its own appointment booking window (typically 24–72 hours in advance), and its own cancellation policy. Confirm that your drayage provider has active accounts at all relevant terminal portals and has capacity to secure appointments within the booking window.
San Pedro Bay Port Complex Fees
Both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles participate in several joint fee structures. The Clean Truck Fund Rate (CTFR) applies to drayage truck moves at both ports and adds per-TEU fees to terminal transactions — separate from demurrage and storage. These fees do not affect LFD calculations but do add to the total cost of a late pickup.
OSRA 2022 Protections at Long Beach Terminals
Under the FMC's implementing rule for OSRA 2022 (46 CFR Part 545, effective May 2024), marine terminal operators at Long Beach — like all regulated US terminals — cannot charge storage fees for periods when the container is inaccessible due to a government-ordered hold (CBP, FDA, USDA), a terminal-imposed restriction, or a carrier administrative hold. If your container is on a CBP exam at ITS and the exam lasts 3 days, those 3 days should not count against your free time.
In practice, this protection requires proactive documentation. Submit the hold notice to the terminal customer service team before LFD, not after. Keep the CBP release confirmation as well. Attempting to recover hold days from a terminal after LFD has expired and charges have accrued is significantly harder than preventing the charge in the first place.
LFD Tracking Strategy for Long Beach Imports
Managing LFD across multiple Long Beach terminals simultaneously requires tracking both the terminal LFD (from each terminal's portal) and the carrier LFD (from each ocean carrier's portal). For a single shipment, you may be monitoring LBCT for terminal storage, Maersk for carrier demurrage, and CBP for customs clearance status — all simultaneously.
Automated LFD monitoring aggregates these data sources into a single feed and alerts you when LFD is approaching, when it changes, and when a container becomes available. For freight forwarders with more than 20 active containers at Long Beach on any given day, manual portal checking is not a viable strategy. To understand how to check LFD for specific carriers, see how to check Last Free Day on Maersk.
For a cross-port comparison including Long Beach, LA, Savannah, and NY/NJ, see our US port free days comparison.