Port Klang cuts storage times over industry objections

THE Port Klang Authority (PKA), the regulator of Northport and Westports, has reduced storage stays from five to three days for full container loads (FCL) with immediate effect, reports Bernama, the Malaysian news agency.

PKA went ahead with the new regulation over industry objections since August 2007 amending free storage time allocation, re-basing it on hours consumed rather than days with delays by customs, other government agencies, or the terminal to be waived.

A pilot scheme will remain in place for the first three months of the year to allow for feedback from stakeholders on the delivery system.

Five day storage will be maintained for those shipments from ports in ASEAN countries, which will remain in place until December 31, 2010 when it will be necessary for counterparts at the load ports to meet the revised period of three days only.

PKA advises importers and exporters handling large volumes to negotiate better terms with respective terminals which would include extended free storage periods.

Source: Schednet