World loss log 6 - 19 January 2009

Property damage and business interruption

7.1, strike

India: container trailer movement to and from India’s Kochi port was affected following a strike by the trailer operators in protest against a new parking fee imposed by the port authorities. The port started collecting a parking fee at the rate of Rs15/hour for 40ft containers and Rs10 for 20ft containers after six hours of entry to the port area from Jan 5. The trailer operators pointed out that it would be difficult to complete loading/unloading operations within six hours as more time is required for trailers at the pre-stage as well as for customs examination. They also complained that the parking fee at the newly opened truck parking terminal was on the higher side at the rate of Rs125 for 20ft containers and Rs175 for 40ft, forcing the operators with no other option but to park their vehicles within the port area. The port authorities argued that the trailer operators had been involved in every stage of discussions before the regulations were implemented. The authorities also said the parking fee was necessary because of the higher cost of maintaining the roads leading to the port.