Port charges to rise 7.5% on average

WITH THE new financial year on the horizon, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has announced annual increases in cargo handling charges at the container ports of Durban (Pier 1 and Durban Container Terminal), Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. A Transnet release reveals that the average rise is 7.5% (below the inflation rate), and the increases are effective from April 1. As part of its professed battle against importers looking for free storage at port container terminals, Transnet has hiked its overstay rates significantly. It’s the import storage charges for uncleared containers at Durban, the country’s busiest port, that are the most punitive. After the first three free days, uncleared imports face charges of R528/20-ft; R1 056/40-ft; and R1 582/45-ft for day four. On day five, this kicks up to R860/20-ft; R1 720/40-ft; and R2 580/45-ft. From day six onwards, the storage charge really hits home, with rates of: R1 398/20-ft; R2 795/ 40-ft; and R4 193/45-ft being levied – PER DAY. “The rates for rail and road delivery of containers from the various terminals under merchant haulage conditions will also increase on April 1,” said Safcor Panalpina senior freight auditor Jeff Epstein. “These charges are not uniform because carriers set their own rates. The average increases for these services are in the region of 5%.”