PPA eyes more incentives for shippers clearing cargo on weekends

0
454

ATI_containerhandling_72dpiThe Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is looking for more ways to provide incentives to companies that will clear cargoes on weekends.

Government agencies PPA, the Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) urged shippers to withdraw and clear cargoes on weekends to greatly reduce congestion and traffic at Manila ports, initially brought about by the truck ban.

Extended work hours at PPA, the Bureau of Customs, banks and shipping lines meanwhile are also expected to help clear the backlog.

Shippers and consignees prefer to clear and withdraw cargoes on weekdays to avoid premium payment during weekends.

“While there is a premium to be paid in clearing and withdrawing of cargoes on Saturdays and Sundays, bigger savings will be recorded over time through faster delivery of goods and lower cost relative to demurrage and storage fees,” PPA general manager Juan Sta. Ana said in a July 7 meeting between government agencies, port operators, international shipping lines and truckers.

PPA is in particular considering a 90% discount on berthing fees for vessels calling Batangas port as well as charging vessels based on the hour as opposed to by the day.

Photo courtesy of Asian Terminals Inc.