Letter: 'Agents were not notified of Saldanha surcharge'

I REFER to the article "Saldanha surcharge addresses cross-subsidisation" (FTW May 24, 2002).
As ASABOSA chairman for the Saldanha region, I would like to notify you that this R10 000 surcharge was not thoroughly discussed with any of the role-players as stated.
The shippers were the only parties that received written notification of the intended charges (on 02/05/02), but at no stage was this discussed in detail. We, as agents, who are responsible for the vessel's port account, were advised via the shippers.
Together with the shippers, we intend meeting with the executive marine manager in Johannesburg as soon as possible to discuss this issue.
Eric Barnard, chairman, ASABOSA Saldanha branch.