KARACHI: Exporters are facing additional costs on air cargo shipments as ground handling companies have introduced new operating charges ranging from Rs25 to Rs50 per kilogram amid rising fuel and logistics expenses linked to the Middle East conflict.
According to details Gerry’s dnata Pakistan has imposed an ad hoc charge of Rs50 per kg on export cargo handled at its facilities, excluding applicable taxes. The amount will be collected from the party presenting the cargo before it is accepted at the warehouse.
The company said the charge has been introduced to offset increasing operational costs and will apply to cargo processed through its facility. Shippers or their authorised representatives are required to provide NTN or CNIC details at the time of cargo acceptance.
Menzies Ras Pakistan has also introduced an ad hoc operating charge of Rs25 per kg on export cargo, effective from March 17. The company attributed the increase to higher fuel prices that have raised the cost of transportation, ground support services and other supply chain operations.
According to the company, the additional charge is a temporary measure aimed at covering the increase in fuel-related costs and will be reviewed periodically depending on market conditions.
The Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan has objected to the move, saying the Rs50 per kg charge imposed by Gerry’s dnata was introduced without prior consultation with industry stakeholders.
In a notice issued to its members on March 12, the association advised agents not to deposit export cargo at Gerry’s warehouse until further notice. Members were also asked to avoid booking cargo with airlines handled through the facility, including DHL, Saudia, Emirates and Turkish Airlines, until the matter is resolved.
Exporters have already been dealing with rising freight costs and war risk charges following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
War risk and emergency conflict surcharges imposed by shipping lines currently range between $3,500 and $4,000 per twenty-foot equivalent unit depending on the carrier.
