New dunnage ruling causes concern for MPT users

Another loud voice has joined in the criticism of the multi-purpose terminal (MPT) at the Port of Durban. Craig Evans of Cargoserv slammed the MPT management’s “arrogant” attitude with port users, most unlike the relatively co-operative stance taken by management at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT). The DCT, he told FTW, has an excellent working relationship with transporters entering this facility, mainly as a result of mutual respect and a mature attitude and understanding between the respective parties. Ongoing meetings with DCT management and Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA) members, he added, ensure problems are openly discussed and solutions found to confront these problems. “Unfortunately,” Evans added, “this cannot be said of the arrogant port staff at the northern end of the harbour, whose decisions are based on unresearched data and can only lead to confrontation of some sorts. “There will come a time when loading of cargo by all parties affected by these decisions will be boycotted until TPT management comes to its senses.” He reckoned that the management was unaware that they were beginning to slowly aggravate more and more users of Point. One instance, Evans noted, is that the latest port “rule” is that dunnage coming off vessels belongs to the port and not the client. “I am investigating this matter with certain importers and clearing and forwarding agents.” Since the port is now claiming this dunnage, importers will have to pay a further R200-R300 per trailer, he estimated – as the port demands trucks cannot enter without dunnage. This is the cost to equip a trailer with dunnage , depending on how high it is loaded – with high loads, for example, being the likes of pipes and tubes. “If the importers are happy to pay this additional cost,” Evans added, “then there is no problem, but I doubt it. We will see what develops.”