Some big changes are coming for drivers who operate in and out of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Registration began on May 23 for OffPeak, a program designed to reduce daytime trips to the ports by adding fees for drivers who enter the port during peak hours. The fees – which are set to begin later this summer – range from $40 per 20-foot equivalent unit to $80 for a 40-foot container.

However, during the initial start-up phase of the program, fees will only be $20 per TEU. This start-up is expected to begin in mid-June.

Drivers wishing to use the port during peak hours – defined as weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – must register with the OffPeak program. Pick-ups and deliveries outside of those hours will not be charged a fee.

PierPass Inc., a private company, is administering the program. It can be found on the Web at www.pierpass.org. The registration site can be found at www.pierpass-tmf.org.

To further encourage more off-peak traffic, the ports will begin operating under extended hours in July. Gate hours at the ports will extended to 3 a.m. each day beginning July 1.