- Freight sector warns total haulage costs could surge up to 400%
Import and export container transportation charges will be increased by 20% from midnight yesterday (22) following the recent fuel price hike, according to the Container Transport Owners’ Association.
The Association’s Chairman, Sanath Manjula said the decision was taken to ensure the continued operation of the import and export sector amid the prevailing situation.
He further noted the decision was reached collectively by the executive committee representing all associations operating at the Colombo Port and that all relevant stakeholders were being informed of the revised pricing structure.
Speaking further, Manjula said that continuing container transport services without a price increase had become impossible under the current conditions. “We request the Government to take immediate action to expedite the clearance process. At present, prolonged waiting in queues results in additional costs as well as significant fuel wastage,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ceylon Freight and Logistics Association stated that container haulage charges were likely to increase further in response to rising fuel costs.
The Association’s General Secretary, Inam Caffoor noted that when detention charges were taken into account, the overall cost of container haulage could rise by approximately 350% to 400%.
He pointed out the container clearance process currently takes between four to five days, during which detention fees of Rs. 15,000 per day are incurred.
Caffoor warned the situation could worsen further in light of the fuel price increase, making an increase in container detention charges unavoidable.
He further explained that a container truck typically charges around Rs. 25,000 for deliveries within the Colombo area. However, with detention fees amounting to Rs. 15,000 per day, a five-day clearance period results in an additional Rs. 75,000 in costs, significantly increasing the total expense.
He added that diesel prices had increased by approximately 30%, and when combined with delays in clearance, the overall cost increase could reach nearly 400%.