Transnet Strike Action // Transnet Levy // CMA CGM Tariff Increases

Contents: 

1. Update: Transnet Strike Action
2. Transnet Operations Stabilization Levy
3. CMA CGM Tariff Increases: JHB Drop Off Fee

1.Update: Industrial Strike Action

Transnet strike action is still underway and Durban port is currently semi-operational with skeleton staff. Bookings to uplift containers have been reopened but there is currently a major backlog. Please do expect delays as operations waterside and landside at TPT terminals have been negatively affected.

Vessels currently waiting to berth we will retain at anchor and wait for a berth to become available. Should the duration of the strike continue beyond a certain period shipping lines may plan to divert to an alternative port outside of South Africa where imports will be discharged and planned for loading back to South Africa on another vessel later. Details of specific vessel and cargo contingency plans will be notified as these firm up – contingent on the development and duration of the strike

Two important statements were issues by Transnet and refers:

• Transnet update on wage negotiations: Warning against an unprotected strike – that outlined the improved wage offer tabled at the Bargaining Council as well as stating UNTU’s strike notice served 03^rd October is defective in law. “This means that any sort of strike action by UNTU members or any other employee would be legally unprotected”.

• Declaration of Force Majeure due to anticipated strike action by recognised unions: Transnet Port Terminals has formally declared the occurrence of an event of Force Majeure – namely the strike action declared by the two recognised unions with Transnet SATAWU and UNTU. (Clause 11 of the Transnet Port Terminals Standard Terms and Conditions defines an “Event of Force Majeure” to mean an event beyond the control of TPT and the Customer).

Further Information: https://www.algoafm.co.za/local/impassioned-plea-from-road-freight-industry-as-transnet-strike-takes-hold

https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/transnet-declares-force-majeure-citing-strike-action?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-news-2022-10-06&utm_content=transnet-declares-force-majeure%2C-citing-strike-action

2.Transnet Operations Stabilization Levy

Further to previous communications regarding this levy, we can confirm that Transnet has implemented this additional charge of R110.00 per container. On LCL shipments this equates to R8.50 / wm which will be added into the current Degroup charges.

3.CMA CGM Tariff Increases: JHB Drop Off Fee

Please refer to the below advisory confirming updated JHB Drop off fee for empty CMA CGM containers.