'Ignorant shippers overpay wharfage'

A LOT of cargo owners are paying higher wharfage amounts than is necessary, according to Geoff Epstein, operations manager of Safcor Panalpina. This because they are not supplying Portnet with sufficient proof of the dimensions, weight and volume of their cargo consignments to justify a reduction in the wharfage. Writing in the company newsletter, SafcorRapport, Epstein said: "Reductions in the amount of wharfage payable to Portnet are only allowed by the authorities under stringent conditions. "Although the harbour tariff provides for a maximum amount of wharfage to be payable, Portnet also places an onus on the importer/exporter to provide documentary evidence to their satisfaction regarding the weights/volumes of cargo shipped in any particular consignment." The sort of documentary proof required by Portnet includes packing lists and packing specifications detailing all the necessary measures. "Where such evidence is not provided at the time of clearance," said Epstein, "an agent has no option but to comply with Portnet's requirements that wharfage is paid on an assumed volume of 28-cubic metres per 20-foot container." So, the warning is: Make sure you can prove what you declare, or you'll end up paying maximum ad valorem wharfage.