Container demurrage charges push up unpacking/storage demand

HIGH CONTAINER detention and demurrage charges levied by shipping lines and billed in US dollars have pushed up the demand for unpacking and storage of import containers, says Shipping & General Transport managing director Regan Moodley. “We unpack, stage and store the cargo in a safe and secure environment until delivery is requested,” says Moodley. “Holding full containers in storage for lengthy periods is not costeffective, which is why the unpack option has become increasingly popular.” On the export leg Shipping & General offers what Moodley describes as an ‘infancy to coming of age’ service. “We collect the cargo and ensure that it’s tallied, manifested and checked before being packed and line-hauled by our own fleet to any of the South African ports nominated by our client. “By taking charge and eliminating a multitude of service providers, we are fully accountable for the entire shipment.” Specifically targeting the clearing and forwarding industry, the company’s total transport and warehouse solution includes unpacking/packing, palletising, shrink-wrapping, crating, weighing, craneage and country-wide distribution. Its fleet of seven forklifts ranges from 1.5 to 15 tons with a 13 and 14 tonner assigned to its 7000 m2 container park where full containers can be staged and unpacked. Custom-designed software has contributed to a track record of zero pilferage, he added.