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Per diem / Article 2

Vincent Thomas Bridge closure: what drayage companies should record for per diem

What is known about the closure, and what to record if a detour makes an empty return late.

The Vincent Thomas Bridge (SR 47) fully closed on November 7, 2026. It is expected to stay closed for about 16 months, and reopening is targeted for early March 2028.

For trucks that used the bridge, that means detours for a long time.

Who it affects

At the Port of Los Angeles, about 8% of port drayage truck traffic used the bridge. Detours may add time.

What this means for your bills

A detour on its own does not tell you anything about a bill. Whether a late return leads to a per diem charge, and whether that charge holds up, depends on the bill and your records.

That is why the records matter. If you do not write it down when it happens, it is hard to show later.

What to record if a detour makes a return late

  • 1. The container number. And the trip it was on.
  • 2. Gate times. Gate out and gate in times, from your gate records.
  • 3. The route. Which way the truck went, and on which date.
  • 4. The return appointment. The time it was booked for, and whether it was missed or moved.
  • 5. Appointment screenshots. If you had to rebook, a screenshot of the appointment system showing what was available.
  • 6. Notices. Any closure or detour notices you received.
  • 7. One folder per container. Keep all of it together, with the invoice when it arrives.

When the bill arrives

Check each per diem or detention invoice the same way as any other:

  • 1. The invoice date. An invoice must be issued within 30 days after the charge was last incurred, or it does not have to be paid (46 CFR 541.7).
  • 2. The required details. If a required detail is missing, the obligation to pay that charge is eliminated (46 CFR 541.5 and 541.6).
  • 3. The dispute window. You have 30 days to dispute, and the billing party must try to resolve it within 30 days (46 CFR 541.8).

Want a second look?

If a per diem bill arrives for a container that was on a detour, send it with your records. I will check every line and tell you what I find, including when a charge is fair.

Related: The per diem bill checklist (PDF)

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This article is general information, not legal advice.