Shipping containers arriving in Thailand from across Asia often carry significant business opportunities. However, unexpected additional fees upon arrival at Thai ports can disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs. Maersk has recently implemented adjustments to its Port of Origin Import (POI) fees for containers arriving at two key river terminals in Bangkok.
Revised Equipment Handling Fees Take Effect
Effective May 14, 2021, Maersk modified its POI fee structure for containers transported by barge from Laem Chabang Port to two inland terminals along the Chao Phraya River: Sahathai Coastal Terminal and Thai Connectivity Terminal (TCT). The fee applies to all import containers from intra-Asia trade lanes.
Key Fee Details:
- Fee name: Port of Origin Import (POI) charge
- Rate: 1,200 Thai baht per container (applies equally to 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high cube containers)
- Payment method: Payable at destination port
- Transport mode: Barge transport only
Understanding the Fee Application
The POI charge applies specifically to containers exceeding Thailand's road weight limits - 26 metric tons for dry cargo and 25 metric tons for refrigerated goods. When containers exceed these thresholds, they must be transported by barge rather than truck, triggering the POI fee.
Maersk emphasizes that truck transport remains the default option for containers within legal weight limits. The barge transport option with its accompanying POI charge serves as an alternative for overweight shipments that cannot legally travel by road.
Rationale Behind the Fee Adjustment
Shipping industry analysts note several operational considerations behind the fee implementation:
- Resource optimization: Barge transport offers an environmentally friendly alternative for heavy cargo, reducing road congestion and wear.
- Equipment management: The fee structure helps streamline container movements between ports, potentially reducing equipment turnaround times.
- Service quality: Dedicated funding for barge operations aims to maintain reliable service levels for this specialized transport option.
Strategies for Cost Management
Businesses shipping to Thailand's inland river ports can consider several approaches to manage transportation costs:
- Precise weight measurement before shipment to avoid unexpected overweight situations
- Comparative analysis of transport modes based on cargo specifications
- Early consultation with logistics providers about current regulations and fees
Key Takeaways:
- The POI fee applies to overweight containers arriving from Asia to Bangkok's river terminals
- Standard truck transport remains available for shipments within legal weight limits
- The fee adjustment took effect May 14, 2021
- Accurate weight measurement and transport planning can help mitigate costs
The fee adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to balance operational efficiency with infrastructure constraints in Thailand's growing logistics sector. As trade volumes continue to expand, such measures aim to maintain fluid cargo movement through the country's transport networks.