by Terry Hutson WITH THE pre-Christmas import rush now underway, coupled with the imminent annual close-down of many companies over the festive period, Portnet's container terminal has indicated that it will be unable to store uncleared containers for longer than the three day free period presently allowed.
To accommodate the expected build-up of uncleared containers, Cargo Management Centre (CMC) has advised that it has made additional space available to handle up to 400 teus to assist importers and Portnet over the coming period.
CMC operates a full container depot under a customs licence and has placed a 41-ton Kalmar reach stacker which is capable of handling both 6m and 12m full containers on a 24-hour standby at its Bayhead premises in Durban.
CMC's Paul Wolfaardt told FTW that tracking and releasing of overstay containers would be conducted via a state-of-the-art computerised system which allows for accurate logistics to be provided for clients.
Customs stopped containers Customs-detained containers can also be attended to at CMC in its adjacent LCL (less than container load) warehouse. Tailgate or full unpack inspections can be conducted with the minimum delay.
This is in keeping with Customs' requirement of ensuring that goods have been correctly entered. According to CMC, FCLs (full container loads) that are placed in overstay can also be unpacked by CMC to minimise any demurrage that shipping lines raise on their boxes.
