Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is initiating a groundbreaking pilot project to tackle longstanding issues of backlogs and underutilized bookings at the Durban Port Container Terminal. This move follows the recent launch of an investigation into the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) within the port's truck booking system, where an astonishing 300 slots were reportedly filled within just two minutes.
Addressing Backlogs and Wasted Slots
Engagements with transporters last week have led TPT to consider significant changes to the truck booking system at Durban Port. Historically, fierce competition for available slots has meant that fewer than 10% of all transporters could secure more than four slots during each booking window, with slots filling up in a mere 30 seconds. Astonishingly, about 200 booking slots go unused daily, adding to the inefficiencies.
The pilot phase of TPT's proposed solution is set to commence at the Pier 2 terminal, lasting for two weeks. The initiative will extend the period transporters can make bookings and increase the number of available slots. This change aims to level the playing field for smaller transporters, allowing them to compete more effectively against larger companies with more booking resources. The new system could be introduced as early as this week.
Enhanced Access and Efficiency
Previously, TPT provided six booking windows every four hours, offering 325 truck slots within 24 hours. The new reform will adjust this to two windows every 48 hours, increasing the available booking slots to approximately 2,840. Moreover, transporters with 50 or more import releases per vessel can bypass the booking queue altogether.
TPT emphasized in their statement that wasted slots are a critical concern and transporters responsible for such wastage will face penalties. The specifics of these penalties remain undetermined. Last month, the terminal managed 224,944 trucks, with 1,950 slots available daily, yet an average of 203 slots were wasted each day.
To enhance operational efficiency, TPT plans to improve equipment availability. Sixteen straddle carriers—vital for lifting containers from stacks—will be made available for truck service, with parts for 20 additional carriers expected later this year.
Transporters' Concerns Persist
Despite the welcomed booking system reforms, transporters are concerned about enduring long queues and inefficiencies at the port, leading to demurrage fees and, in some cases, bribery incidents. Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association, highlighted the challenges transporters face with long queues outside the port, averaging seven hours and sometimes extending up to two days. These inefficiencies not only increase costs but also delay the removal of cargo, exacerbating the problem.
Kelly advocates for solutions that improve container stacking processes, as current practices often require transporters to move containers from the bottom of the pile, further delaying operations. TPT has responded by pledging to move and firm stacks 24 hours in advance to streamline the process for transporters.
Proceeding with Caution on Penalties
Kelly also urged TPT to exercise caution when imposing penalties for wasted slots, ensuring that the penalties address genuine cases of wastage rather than penalizing transporters for delays caused by the port's inefficiencies. "They need to penalize for the correct things and be certain [that they punish transporters who are guilty of wasting]," he stated.
Bribery: A Symptom of Larger Issues
Bribery at the port has been a contentious issue, with allegations of transporters jumping the queue to access their cargo. While these allegations persist, Kelly points out that desperation often drives such actions. "Bribing is a symptom of queues and delays at the port. We need to address the root cause: the management of port operations and the efficiency of truck and container movement," he explained.
Transnet's Forensic Investigations Unit is actively investigating allegations of corruption related to the truck booking system, including potential misconduct by both users and employees of the state logistics company.
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