Some shipping companies have refused to provide financial statements and invoices to the Working Group to check freight rates and review seaport service charges in Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau and many other localities. There is a listed company but the listed price is not in accordance with the actual contract signed with the customer…
List price and actual price are different
Behind the story of service charges at seaports and international and domestic shipping rates of port businesses, foreign and domestic shipping lines, there are many more things that need to be transparent.
Recently, the Vietnam Maritime Administration has sent a report to the Ministry of Transport on the results of inspection and review of service charges at seaports and international and domestic shipping rates in Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau according to the Decision No. Issued by the Ministry of Transport in September 2021. In addition to these two areas, the Maritime Administration also inspects the areas of Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Quang Nam, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh.
A corner of Tan Cang Cai Mep international port. Illustration: mt.gov.vn
According to the report, there are 33 enterprises inspected, including: 9 seaport enterprises, 6 pilot companies, 9 towing companies, 5 shipping companies and 4 forwarding and warehousing companies.
Shipping companies all list freight rates and other extra-price surcharges on their web portals. Through checking the posted freight rates and invoices, the working group found that the listed freight rates did not reflect the actual prices the enterprises signed contracts with customers. The actual price depends on each customer and is usually lower than the listed price. The actual price is not disclosed by the enterprise due to the shipping company’s business secret. Some businesses refuse to provide financial statements and invoices for reasons of business secrecy.
At the group of seaport enterprises (providing container loading and unloading services, berths, mooring buoys and other services at seaports), cAll businesses provide complete records and documents as required. Basically, businesses apply the price of container loading and unloading services and the service of using bridges, wharves and mooring buoys within the price bracket as prescribed in Circular No. 54/2018/TT-BGTVT. For the price of import and export container handling services, most businesses apply the minimum price. Particularly, Cai Lan International Container Port Company Limited applies the maximum price.
As for the price of domestic container handling services, the price depends on each business and customer but is still within the prescribed price bracket. All enterprises have to declare prices with competent authorities. The listing of prices is also done according to regulations. However, some listed companies have not fully provided services, or have not specifically classified each type of service price.
In this regard, Tan Cang Cai Mep International Port Company Limited (TCIT) proposes to soon issue a Circular amending Circular No. 54/2018/TT-BGTVT, in which the price bracket for container handling services in the area is proposed. Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep-water port is adjusted up by 30% compared to the current price bracket to ensure business efficiency for port enterprises. client.
Cai Mep International Port Company Limited (CMIT) proposes to adjust the price bracket for container handling services at Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep water port from US$52/cont20′ (20-foot container) to US$65/ cont20′, from $77 /con40′ to $96 /cont40′. Adjusting up 30% of loading and unloading price from the floor to the port yard compared to the current price bracket.
Many other port enterprises also proposed to increase the service price of using wharf and wharf to ensure a source of revenue to offset the cost of wharf investment and operation and maintenance costs.
Will adjust the minimum service price
Deputy Director of the Maritime Administration Hoang Hong Giang said that in cases where enterprises have not properly implemented the prescribed prices, declared prices, listed prices, etc., the Vietnam Maritime Administration assigns the Maritime Inspector to coordinate with The regional maritime authority continues to work with businesses to review inappropriate contents and impose administrative penalties for violations according to regulations.
Regarding the proposal of enterprises related to the adjustment of the minimum service price for loading and unloading containers for import and export in the deep-water seaport area and the service fee for using bridges, berths and mooring buoys, in September, the Department Maritime has sent a document to the enterprise requesting to build the cost of container handling services, wharf services, mooring buoys and maritime pilot services. In order to have a basis for adjusting the price bracket in accordance with the provisions of the Circular No. 25/2014/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance, providing the general pricing method for goods.
services, the Department assigns an independent price appraisal agency to appraise the enterprise’s price plan.
On the basis of the price appraisal results, the Department recommends the Ministry of Transport to consider adjusting the price bracket in accordance with reality; promulgate a Circular amending Circular 54/2018/TT-BGTVT in 2022, after the Covid-19 epidemic is pushed back.
According to TheSaigongitmes.vn
