Section 28-1-02-130 - CREDIT POLICYI. Upon application, the MISSISSIPPI STATE PORT AUTHORITY AT GULFPORT at its discretion may extend credit privileges to any user of Port facilities. Users desiring to establish credit should make written application to the Port Authority at least thirty (30) days prior to the use of Port facilities. A. Steamship Agents, and Stevedores are required to have approved credit to comply with license requirements.B. Direct bill customers may be extended credit upon approval of credit application.II. Responsibility for payment of charges is as follows: A. Upon execution of a "berth application," steamship agents will be responsible for all vessel charges incurred by the agents' client and for all wharfage charges accrued against cargo booked aboard agents' client vessel. Demurrage charges accrued against cargo in storage at the Port will be billed to the U.S. cargo interest (i.e., receivers of import cargo; shipper of export cargo) as listed on the ship's manifest and/or bills of lading, unless otherwise stipulated in writing prior to the arrival of the cargo at the Port.B. Execution of an "application for cargo space" will evidence applicants responsibility for payments of all cargo related charges incurred.C. Certain port users, with prior approved credit, may be billed direct with the Port Authority acting as temporary agent.D. Port users with contractual commitments are responsible as specified in the terms of the contract.E. Invoices are due upon receipt.F. All invoices will be billed a minimum of $25.00.III. Invoices are considered "Past Due" if not paid by the end of the month following the month the invoice is dated. Failure to pay invoices when presented shall cause vessel Owners and/or Agents or other users of the facilities to be subject to the Credit Policy of the Port Authority. The Port Authority does not recognize all shippers, receivers or consignees and cannot attempt or assist in collecting any Port invoices or bills which may be passed on to shippers and consignees by the vessel, its Owners and/or Agents. Such bills are due when presented to the vessel and must be paid regardless of when the vessel, its Owners and/or Agents are reimbursed.
The Port Authority reserves the right to estimate and collect in advance all charges which may accrue against vessels, their Owners and/or Agents, or against cargo loaded or discharged by such vessels, or from other users of the facilities of the Port Authority, whose credit has not been properly established with the Port Authority or who are habitually on the Delinquent List. Use of such facilities may be denied until such advance payments or deposits are made.
In addition to prescribed statutory penalties, the Port Authority may, at its sole discretion, levy fines for non-compliance with Port Authority regulations, suspend licenses for cause, assess reasonable interest charges and collect reimbursement of attorney's fees and other related costs.
28 Miss. Code. R. § 1-02-130