Truckers object to new TPT ruling

A demand from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) could be forcing Durban container truckers to drive illegally, according to the Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA). According to a communique sent out by TPT: “With effect from September 10, Pier 1 will only accept containers where the doors are facing aft. This will improve truck turnaround time and assist with the flow of Mafis (diesel haulers) when loading the vessels.” The reason for this, according to TPT, is that the terminal is currently performing this function, and it has been identified as negatively affecting truck turnaround time. “Trucks that do not comply will be asked to return to the depot to correct the position of the container. The terminal will not be held liable for extending stacks and units that are short-shipped as a result.” But none of that meets with approval from the truckers. In a blistering reply to TPT, DHCA chairman, Kevin Martin, expressed extreme disappointment. “This matter has been discussed in the past, and, even with the passing of time, the circumstances for why containers are delivered with doors facing the front have not changed.” The reason is that, to ensure that only legal loads are run on SA roads – with the mass spread legally over all axle groups – certain heavy containers have to be transported by road with the doors facing the front. Container security, Martin added, is only a secondary issue. The DHCA also stressed that this requirement was an inconvenience for clients, depots, loading points and transporters. “If the road vehicle is as little as one millimetre outside your gates – it is on a public road – so repositioning at a depot is a non-issue,” said Martin. “It is, in effect, illegal.” The DHCA has demanded that this notice be withdrawn until they have had a chance to discuss it more fully.