Truckers threaten to blockade DCT

Independent truck operators
are threatening a full blockade
of the Durban Container
Terminal against a background
of lengthy delays for trucks
delivering/collecting containers
at the terminal.
When quizzed by FTW
about the cost of such a
protest, one trucker said: “It’s
costing everybody so much
already, what difference would
the blockade make? And, if
completely shutting down their
business brings TPT senior
management to their senses,
it could persuade them to
listen to our suggestions for a
change.”
The Durban Harbour
Carriers’ Association (DHCA)
has complained of TPT’s
unwillingness to comply with
agreements and has now
given TPT an ultimatum. The
association has demanded
a meeting with senior
management on June 14 (next
Tuesday). And, if nothing
beneficial transpires, the
truckers will go their own way
– including, if the independents
have their way, shutting down
the TPT shop.
The official words from Sue
Moodley, MD of Transport.com
and chairman of the DHCA,
are: “There has been ongoing
congestion taking place at DCTPier
2, and we held a Transport
Imbizo in May 2016. Transnet
management was present and
committed to ensuring that
they would put plans in place to
alleviate the congestion.
“One of the key problems
at Pier 2 is the shortage of
equipment, and this is adding
to the congestion. And one of
the key commitments made
was that Transnet would have
bathtub trailers come in on
June 2 to service Tower 108 –
which would then be set up to
assist in easing the congestion.
“This did not materialise
and DHCA were not advised
accordingly.
“We believe that we are
transparent, have served the
interests of the transport
industry honestly and have
always negotiated in good
faith. But we believe that this
partnership has not been
upheld by TPT.
“Therefore, DHCA has
taken a decision to suspend
negotiating with Transnet if the
June 14 meeting fails to achieve
a satisfactory result.”