Contrary to industry worries, the new United Nations rule on weighing containers before they are loaded onto ships went without a glitch as it went into effect last week.
Prior to its effectivity, shippers feared the United Nations International Maritime Organization’s would cause delays and additional costs as a result of the new procedures outlined in the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) rule.
The UN adopted SOLAS as a measure in preventing maritime accidents caused by overweight containers.
Agricultural, retail, and other shippers have locked horns for months with ocean carriers and ports over the cost, liability, and other details of the new rule. There were also worries about disruptions in shipping schedules as companies struggled to comply with SOLAS guidelines.
However, reports from several ports across the globe belied such fears.
Among others, Los Angeles operator West Basin Container Terminal manger Ryan Molinaro reported that traffic was smooth upon implementation of the new rule and that shippers were able to transmit the necessary information properly.
Also, The Dependable Companies director of intermodal services Shane VanDerWaag said he has yet to observe the “SOLAS effect” in the company’s operations in its Los Angeles and Long Beach hubs.
