Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited reports reduced turnaround time for truckers after strike
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) says it has managed to reduce the average truck turnaround time at its port by 26 minutes, resulting in the processing of over 930 container arrivals and deliveries on Thursday.
This announcement follows a strike on Wednesday by trailer drivers who complained about poor working conditions at the port, including long wait times for loading cargo. According to the drivers, it can take them up to three hours to do a single move, causing truck owners to lose profits. The drivers are paid per trip.
READ: Trailer drivers protest working conditions at Kingston port
But KFTL, in a media release on Friday, said it managed to surpass its record for single-day gate transactions on Thursday, processing over 930 container arrivals and deliveries.
“On this record-setting day, we managed to reduce the average truck turnaround time by 26 minutes. This achievement was made possible through the joint efforts of port stakeholders, in particular the Jamaica Customs Agency, Port Authority of Jamaica and our own KFTL team, to respond to the needs of the domestic market and enhance service delivery,” it said.
“It is remarkable to work with such customer-focused stakeholders! We also extend our gratitude to the truck drivers who attended Wednesday’s meeting, where we had the opportunity to hear first-hand their challenges and improvement ideas. KFTL is looking forward to more exchanges with the men and women on the ground moving the goods,” KFTL continued.