Date: Friday, May 27, 2005

Re:	VIRGINIA PORT AUTHORITY - SECURITY SURCHARGE

Dear NASA Member:

The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) announced that effective July 1, 2005, it will begin assessing a security surcharge on cargo moving through The Port of Virginia.  According to Port officials, the surcharge rates will be $2.00 per container and $0.10 per short ton for breakbulk cargo.  A flat annual rate will be assessed on terminal auto import operators and will be based on volume.

In making the announcement, Port officials said that the security surcharge will be used as a means to finance the additional security measures mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The security surcharges will be administered by VPA's operating company, Virginia International Terminals, Inc.

The Virginia Port Authority is an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, reporting to the Secretary of Transportation.  It is the State's leading agency for international transportation and maritime commerce.  The agency owns and operates four general cargo facilities on behalf of the State:  Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal, and the Virginia Inland Port in Warren County, Virginia.  The terminals are operated by Virginia International Terminals, Inc., the non-stock, non-profit operating affiliate of the Virginia Port Authority.

Best regards,

North American Shippers Association (NASA)
Joan Barrett
NASA Administrator