Taipei Port Container Terminal Corporation (TPCT), a joint venture between Evergreen Marine Corporation, Yang Ming Marine Transport and Wan Hai Lines, has launched an express customs clearance warehouse facility at Taipei port as demand for e-commerce grows.
Lockdown has seen many Taiwanese consumers purchasing goods from online Chinese retailers, resulting in more cross-strait container cargoes.
TPCT manages two terminals in Taipei port, which is the primary destination for cross-strait cargoes. Evergreen owns 50% of TPCT, with Wan Hai and Yang Ming owning 40% and 10% respectively.
The 120m2 customs clearance facility was built at the warehouse in the container terminal in Taipei port, and was officially opened on 18 May 2020. The facility uses high-performance X-ray machines, synchronous displays, and dynamic weighing systems to expedite customs clearance. Backup systems are in place, ensuring that processes will not be disrupted.
TPCT’s management said, “Through working with various liner operators, we can offer vessel berthing, unsealing of containers, customs clearance and transportation. This allows e-commerce companies on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to enjoy faster, more convenient and safer logistics customs clearance services.”
The facility will start with two shipping express customs clearance lanes and, depending on market demand, the facility will expand to cater for growing e-commerce sales.
The management added that the proximity of Taipei port to Taoyuan International Airport facilitates a combination of air and sea freight, enabling the port to become a logistics hub for cross-border e-commerce.
By Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
