Terminal consolidation causes transport delays
August 13th, 2009
It’s case of one step forward and two steps back for clearing and receiving containers by road from the wharves at Ports of Auckland container terminals following the consolidation of operations at the Fergusson terminal. Trucking companies are complaining of delays of up to two hours for trucks waiting to pick up and drop off containers at peak service times. Tapper Transport director Simon Tapper claims congestion levels are approaching those experienced when Maersk introduced higher capacity container ships last year.
Further complicating the situation and adding to the delays is the diversion of container vessels to Bledislow terminal when the Fergusson terminal is full. The booking office for trucks is at the Bledisloe terminal has been closed so drivers have to divert to the Fergussion terminal booking office if trucks are outside their VBS booking time or do not have the required electronic identification number.
Port Operations GM Grant Jorey says the concerns of trucking companies are being addressed. He says 76% of all shifts have recorded average truck processing times of just 30 minutes and claims some of the extended delays last month were caused by a power cut. However, Jorey warns the causes of the delays are complex and the port is working to resolve the problems. Initiatives include increasing the number of straddle carriers, altering Bledisloe receival and delivery hours, and implementing further improvements to the Fergusson truck handling facilities.
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