A shortage of trailer drivers at Container Freight Stations (CFSs) has severely disrupted the evacuation of import containers from terminals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai.

While port operations reportedly remain unaffected, the import inventory in the yards has risen to enhanced numbers forcing JNPA to announce additional measures to handle the situation.

JNPA said it had already facilitated en-bloc movement of containers to CFSs through pooled vehicles via green channels, while also enabling additional evacuation by rail and extending support to trade members.

Though import inventory levels have been stabilised to certain extent, further steps have been announced to restore normalcy, it said.

JNPA waives storage/dwell time charges for stranded containers 

The department has agreed to grant the necessary approvals promptly.

Importers or their agents who have opted for CFS delivery (DPD-CFS) and are willing to directly lift their cargo from the import yards have been asked to apply to Customs Department and convert their Bill of Entry to Direct Port Delivery (DPD-DPD) status. 

Customs Department has agreed to grant necessary approvals promptly.

Terminals and Shipping Lines have agreed to extend full cooperation to facilitate the conversion and container release, JNPA said.

Importers or their representatives gave been asked to coordinate with the concerned Shipping Line for amendment of Delivery Order and arrange evacuation of containers from terminals using their own vehicles.

“JNPA will facilitate smooth movement of all such converted containers from Terminals. In case of any difficulty the users can contact D.A. Gawade, Dy. manager (Traffic), mob no. 9819030492. Importers are requested to utilise this facility with immediate effect,” JNPA said in a statement.