Importers say new trucking surcharges over empty container depot congestion increase logistics costs without resolving operational bottlenecks, urging government intervention and broader consultation with cargo owners and industry.
Indonesia’s National Importers Association (GINSI) has objected to additional charges imposed by trucking companies to offset congestion at empty container depots around Tanjung Priok Port, arguing that the measure raises logistics costs without addressing the underlying causes of delays.
The trucking industry introduced the Depot Congestion Surcharge (DCS) after prolonged congestion at empty container depots outside the country’s busiest seaport, including facilities in Tanjung Priok, Cilincing, Marunda and Cakung.
Erwin Taufan, deputy chairman of GINSI, said trucking operators should have consulted cargo owners and industry associations before implementing the surcharge.
“The government and relevant authorities must improve the management of empty container depots because they are the root cause of congestion and disruptions to logistics flows,” Taufan said.
He questioned whether the surcharge would deliver measurable improvements in cargo movement.
“If DCS is imposed, is there any guarantee that the movement of imported cargo and the return of empty containers to depots will become smoother?” he said.
Taufan said the surcharge increases logistics costs at a time when the government is seeking to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce national logistics expenses.
He argued that congestion stems from operational constraints at empty depots, including limited storage capacity, inadequate facilities and uncertainty over container handling, rather than from cargo owners.
“The problem is that depot capacity and facilities are insufficient to handle the growing number of empty containers. Why, then, should importers bear the additional costs?” he said.
Taufan added that while surcharges may be justified under exceptional circumstances, they should be introduced only after discussions with cargo owners rather than through unilateral decisions.
“If the surcharge amount is determined without consultation, it is no longer a genuine business-to-business arrangement,” he said. “There should be prior study and discussions with cargo owners.”
Congestion at empty container depots has become a persistent challenge for Indonesia’s export and import supply chains, with industry participants warning that prolonged delays are disrupting logistics operations and increasing transportation costs.
Industry officials attribute the congestion to an imbalance between import and export container flows. Strong import volumes have not been matched by export activity, leaving large numbers of empty containers stored at depots for extended periods.
As a result, average yard occupancy rates (YOR) at container depots around Jakarta have exceeded 80%, with some facilities operating beyond full capacity.
Earlier this month, trucking companies under the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Trucking Entrepreneurs Association (Aptrindo) introduced the Depot Congestion Surcharge, describing it as a business-to-business measure to compensate for additional operating costs caused by lengthy queues during the pickup and return of empty containers.
The temporary surcharge took effect on July 6 and will remain in place until Aug. 6. It is set at Rp600,000 ($36.8) per 20-foot container and Rp800,000 per 40-foot container.
Aptrindo said the policy was approved during a joint plenary meeting between its Jakarta regional board and national executive board as a short-term measure to offset mounting losses faced by trucking companies.
The association said prolonged depot congestion has increased operating costs, disrupted freight transport services and affected the financial sustainability of trucking businesses, while also reducing driver productivity.