Overtime bills rocket as landside delays persist

Many companies have seen their overtime bills for drivers doubling in the past few months thanks to the time spent loading and offloading containers at the Port of Durban. “The delays are unacceptable,” says Gerald Naidu of South African Inland Logistics. “Waiting time for loading or off-loading sometimes amounts to nine hours and that means not only an increase in cost, but also severe backlogs in delivery schedules.” According to Naidu it compromises service to clients. “Cost is also a major concern as the delays increase. It means that our overtime bill for drivers has doubled in the past few months.” He says the neglect of landside activities is a matter of growing concern that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. “We believe that the port’s main focus is on turning vessels around. We have noted with growing concern that ships are completing their discharge a few minutes before midnight thereby reducing the free period at the port to two days as opposed to the normal three days.” This, says Naidu, severely impacts on landside activities