Harbor Maintenance Fees (HMF)

Harbor Maintenance Fees (HMF) are charges imposed by the U.S. government on importers, domestic shippers, and passengers to fund the maintenance and improvement of port infrastructure. These fees are calculated based on the value of the cargo transported through U.S. ports and are used to support dredging, facility upgrades, and overall port efficiency. HMF applies to imported goods, domestic shipments, and even cruise passengers. By ensuring well-maintained ports, these fees contribute to smoother logistics operations, enhancing the efficiency of supply chains and facilitating international trade.