Back on December 16 2022, Ports of Auckland introduced PortConnect’s Shuttle Connect which came into effect on February 1 2023. Information on this notice can be found here. This was to allow all customers to advise the Port whether their import container/s would be collected via road or rail off the Port.
The purpose of this request was to improve the flow of import containers from vessel discharge through to loading on the intended train/truck for departure, creating an improved service to customers and to facilitate the 24/7 port operations that Shuttle Connect provides with the ability to update containers immediately when changes occur.
Additionally, with the notification of a container destined for rail prior to export vessel cut-off, the Port can plan the move more effectively to reduce additional re-handling of the container and better optimisation of resources.
Nexus will be making the request via PortConnect on behalf of all our customers that require a rail service to South Auckland Freight Hub. However, Nexus must be able to do so prior to Export Cut-Off to avoid incurring a Change of Status (COS) fee.
We require the Import Order to be sent through to our Customer Services team one working day prior to the Export Cut-Off date. Even if the container has holds on it, we need the Import Order as Shuttle Connect can still be updated.
The Change of status fee will apply when either of the following eventuates:
- Containers are changed from a road nomination to a rail nomination or vice versa once cut off has passed.
- If containers are changed from road to rail and the container is already discharged there will likely be yard move charges also applicable.
- Container information received after Export Cut-Off (for rail nominated boxes)
If a Change of Status fee applies to a container, there will be a charge of $37.50 + GST per container applied automatically to the respective transport invoice.
For any assistance on this matter please contact your Account Manager.