Truckers welcome PPA proposal on logistics fee

MANILA, Philippines — The Confederation of Truckers Associations of the Philippines (CTAP) said yesterday it is open to the Trusted Operator Program Container Registry and Monitoring System being proposed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to address the soaring logistics costs imposed on truckers.

Mary Zapanta, president of CTAP, said the program presented by PPA general manager Jay Santiago is viable in implementing an alternative insurance fee of only P980 compared to the current system wherein a deposit fee of P15,000 per shipping container is being imposed on truckers.

“I think it is one of the potential solutions to our problems. We are open to it, and we welcome it,” Zapanta told The STAR.

She expressed hope that the scheme would be part of an administrative order that will be issued by the PPA to address the issues raised by the group.

“For the longest time, our biggest issue in the logistics sector is dealing with the various charges imposed on us. Napakalaki na,” Zapanta said.

“Before, the fees ranged from P10,000 to P15,000 for a 40-footer shipping container. Now, it costs up to P120,000. We hope that this insurance fee system could be a solution,” she added.