**Executive Summary**
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has introduced measures to reduce import container pendency at terminals caused by a temporary shortage of trailer drivers at Container Freight Stations (CFSs). Effective 24 May 2026, the initiative allows importers to transition from CFS delivery to Direct Port Delivery (DPD) to expedite cargo clearance. This measure aims to restore normal inventory levels at terminal yards while maintaining unaffected port operations.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Current Operational Challenges**
* A shortage of trailer drivers at CFSs has hindered the evacuation of import containers, leading to high inventory levels at terminal yards.
* While port operations remain functional, the increased pendency necessitates additional facilitation measures.
**Regulatory and Administrative Support**
* Importers or agents may apply to the Customs Department to convert their Bill of Entry status from DPD-CFS (Container Freight Station delivery) to DPD-DPD (Direct Port Delivery).
* The Customs Department has committed to granting these conversion approvals on a priority basis.
* Terminals and Shipping Lines are required to cooperate fully to facilitate the conversion process and the subsequent release of containers.
**Evacuation Procedures**
* Importers must coordinate with Shipping Lines to amend Delivery Orders.
* Evacuation of containers directly from terminals must be arranged by importers using their own vehicles.
* JNPA will oversee the smooth movement of converted containers and has designated a Deputy Manager (Traffic) to assist with stakeholder difficulties.
**Impact Analysis**
**Importers and Authorised Agents**
**Impact**
They are provided an alternative route to clear cargo directly from the port, bypassing the delays currently experienced at CFSs.
**Action Required**
Apply for Bill of Entry conversion, coordinate with Shipping Lines for Delivery Order amendments, and arrange private transport for container evacuation.
**Customs Department**
**Impact**
Responsible for the administrative processing of delivery status changes to ease yard congestion.
**Action Required**
Grant necessary approvals for Bill of Entry conversions on a priority basis.
**Shipping Lines and Terminals**
**Impact**
Required to adjust documentation and operational procedures to support direct delivery.
**Action Required**
Extend full cooperation for the conversion process, amend Delivery Orders, and facilitate the timely release of containers.
**Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)**
**Impact**
Acts as the facilitating body to ensure the movement of containers and the stabilization of terminal inventory.
**Action Required**
Facilitate smooth movement of converted containers and provide technical/traffic support to stakeholders via the Deputy Manager (Traffic).
Key Entities Referenced
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA): The primary authority implementing facilitation measures to reduce import container pendency and manage inventory levels at port terminals.
Customs Department: The regulatory body responsible for granting priority approvals for converting the status of Bill of Entry to facilitate direct cargo clearance.
Direct Port Delivery (DPD): An initiative and cargo clearance status (DPD-DPD) utilized to expedite the evacuation of containers directly from terminals, bypassing third-party stations.
Container Freight Station (CFS): Off-dock facilities whose operational delays due to driver shortages necessitated the shift toward direct terminal evacuations.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
JNPA facilitates measures to reduce Import
Container Pendency at Terminals
Posted On: 24 MAY 2026 1:05PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, 24 May 2026
Due to a temporary shortage of trailer drivers being faced by Container Freight
Stations (CFSs), the evacuation of import containers from terminals to CFSs has
been adversely affected. While port operations remain unaffected, import inventory
levels at terminal yards have increased, necessitating additional facilitation
measures.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has already undertaken several initiatives, including
en-bloc movement to CFSs through pooled vehicles via green channels, enhanced
rail evacuation, and extended support to trade stakeholders. These measures have
helped stabilise the import inventory situation; however, further steps are required
to restore normal pendency levels.
Accordingly, importers or their authorised agents who had opted for Container
Freight Station delivery (DPD-CFS) and are now willing to directly clear their cargo
from import yards may apply to the Customs Department for conversion of their Bill
of Entry to Direct Port Delivery (DPD-DPD) status.
In this regard, the Customs Department has agreed to grant necessary approvals on
priority. Terminals and Shipping Lines will also extend full cooperation for facilitating
the conversion process and release of containers.
Importers or their representatives are advised to coordinate with the concerned
Shipping Lines for amendment of the Delivery Order and arrange evacuation of
containers directly from terminals using their own vehicles.
JNPA will facilitate smooth movement of all such converted containers from
terminals. In case of any difficulty, stakeholders may contact Shri D.A. Gawade,
Deputy Manager (Traffic) - 9819030492.
***
EC/PK
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