It is important your customers are aware that Ports of Auckland’s (POAL’s) Vehicle Booking System (VBS) booking charges will continue to increase each year. POAL’s commitment to improve efficiency and sustainability and how this impacts your business as a transport operator cannot be underestimated.

As your industry representative, NRC is in ongoing discussions with POAL and other stakeholders to ensure these increases remain transparent and all efforts are made to minimise their impact. We continue to advocate for greater efficiency and value in the VBS system.  

We encourage you to focus on optimising your operations to reduce waiting times, fuel consumption and other variable costs. Look at your technology: for example, an e-gate system will soon be managing entry to the Port and the right app and communication devices must be available to make this work to reduce your waiting times.  

You may recall that prior to the Port having a VBS system there were unpredictable surges in demand resulting in long queues. You also wait to be loaded or unloaded with cranes and forklifts often under-utilised or overwhelmed.VBS works using structured, allocated time slots. What doesn’t work is if you do not forward those charges to your customer in a timely manner.

The charges for the VBS system will be increasing on 1 January 2025 to $130.00 at peak time and $75.00 off peak. This is both at Fergusson and Multi-cargo as was discussed at the town hall meeting back in May this year.  

We understand the challenges posed by these rising costs and encourage you to reach out with any concerns or suggestions on how NRC can best support you during these times. Our goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of your operation and this industry.