TPT postpones new breakbulk tariff

Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) controversial new breakbulk tariff structure – where all quayside costs are to be thrust upon the cargo owner/agent – which was due to come into effect from October 1, has now been postponed to January 1 next year. The reason, said TPT, was the discovery that certain major customers, who had not been part of the Shippers’ Council preimplementation discussions, were not aware of the changes. “In order to ensure that the full spectrum of clientele will be reached, and to allow these customers to engage with relevant parties, TPT has decided to extend the implementation date to January 1, 2013,” said Don MacLean, GM commercial at TPT. In the new structure both the ships’ gear and labour (SGL) and the port cranes and labour (PCL) charges will be combined into a new all-inclusive terminal handling charge (THC). “The party presenting the landing or shipping document at the respective TPT revenue office will be accountable for paying the new all-in-one tariff,” said TPT. The new tariff will be limited to the breakbulk business at the roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro), breakbulk and agricultural terminals. At this stage it will not affect the tariff application for business at the TPT automotive terminals.