According to the company’s website news release on September 22, 2022, Maersk would like to inform you that, effective immediately, to improve billing accuracy and enhance Maersk’s invoicing, there will be a change in the charge categories for drops/bobtails. Charges for drops/bobtails will now be invoiced as De-coupling Import (for imports) and De-coupling Export (for exports). Previously, these charges were invoiced as Pick-Up Charge (PIC) and Drop Off Charge (DRP).
A drop/bobtail charge is required when a container is dropped for loading or unloading at the warehouse, the driver departs from the warehouse and later returns to retrieve the container at a subsequent time. This requires that two trips be made to the loading/unloading facility. One trip to drop the container and another separate trip to then pick up the container. The drop/bobtail service remains the same, with the charge categories changing as mentioned above.
Many customers operate under a drop/pick model, wherein containers are dropped and picked on a 1:1 basis. Provided volumes remain consistent and cargo flows are balanced pursuant to the terms in your contract, Maersk will execute on a one-in, one-out basis, without assessing a charge for drop/bobtail.
Please feel free to reach out to your local Maersk Customer Service representatives for more details.
Thank you for your understanding. Maersk look forward to continuously serving your global transportation needs.
