Port upgrade promises shorter waits for container trucks

Truck drivers who wait days to collect containers may soon spend hours instead, under a port upgrade that starts next month.

The port will open two extra gates and require every truck to book a time slot online. Trucks without a booking will not be allowed into the waiting area.

Drivers welcomed the plan but asked for help with the booking app. "Many of us have small phones and little data," one driver said.

The port says the app works on basic smartphones and that booking by text message will be available for the first six months.

Importers say shorter queues would cut costs that are now passed on to shoppers through higher prices.