Sapo gets tough on overstay penalties

ALAN PEAT
WITH THE Durban container terminal (DCT) currently being challenged by record container volumes at the height of the pre-Christmas rush of import cargoes, SA Port Operations (Sapo) has tightened the screws on import containers overstaying their welcome at the terminal. From November 6, Sapo changed its storage tariff – now allowing the first three days free, slapping on significant penalty charges thereafter. After the free period expires storage of a 6-metre container costs R463/day; R926 for a 12-m and R1 389 for a 13.7-m container. This replaces the previous procedure, where the first three days were the free period, but days four and five faced nominal charges of R75/day for a 6-m; R151 for a 12-m; and R226 for a
13.7-m. From day six, the same penalty charges as currently were imposed. These charges are all applicable to containers which have been customs cleared, but not uplifted. But, for those who don’t clear the containers in the three-day free period, the penalty is even more onerous. Failure to remove containers that have not been customs cleared (as well as containers where Sapo has not been provided with delivery instructions) from the DCT and Pier 1 container terminal after the three days free storage period, will result in Sapo requesting a licensed container depot operator to move the containers to a depot…. And if you’re the importer, it’s going to cost you. This move and storage at the depot, Sapo added, will be done “at the sole risk and cost of the cargo owner”.