In international moving industry news, the Philippines Bureau of Customs estimates that approximately 75,000 mostly empty 20 foot containers are currently waiting to be collected at the port. Many believe the container congestion is due to a truck ban which was implemented earlier this year in Manila.
In February, a law was signed which enforced cargo trucks, gravel and sand trucks and other heavy cargo trucks from entering the city of Manila between the hours of 5:00am and 9:00pm. The restrictions were put into place after reports of multiple injuries involving trucks and congested lanes of traffic on a daily basis. If violators are caught, City Council stated that the truck drivers would be fined P5,000 along with possible impoundment.
Since the implementation of the restricted truck hours, empty container vans owned by shipping companies have occupied approximately 50% of the container yard space which has made it nearly impossible to pass through the roads. The clogging of the containers has caused more headaches because international vessels are unable to dock and unload their shipments.
Stakeholders on both sides have agreed to assist in moving containers this upcoming weekend to ease the congestion pressure. Reports have also stated there may be access for truckers to utilize the South Luzon Expressway starting Monday August 18th, 2014. For more information regarding this developing international story click on the following link.
