Kingston Wharves opens its doors on Saturdays this Dec

Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) will be open for business on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas - December 4, 11 and 18. This is part of a number of initiatives to improve service and clearance of cargo throughout the upcoming busy Christmas season.

Normal business hours will be observed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will specifically facilitate warehouse delivery of 'personal effects' and commercial cargo.

"We know that many of our customers are excited, and in some instances anxious, about receiving gifts and other items sent from their loved ones abroad. As an ongoing exercise at Kingston Wharves, we are doing our part to make the experience of the clearing of barrels and other packages as hassle-free as possible this season," said Grantley Stephenson, chief executive officer, KWL.

Customers expecting items from friends and relatives overseas are encouraged to clear their barrels early to avoid the Christmas rush and storage charges. Also, the flat rate for Customs Duty on 'personal effects' barrels has not changed. It remains at $5,000 per barrel.

New measures in place include the stripping of containers at nights between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. This move allows cargo to be ready for clearance during normal day-time business hours. Improvements have also been made to the information technology systems at Kingston Wharves which will help to identify any bottlenecks customers may experience while clearing their cargo, so that they can be immediately addressed. As a result of these combined measures, customers should experience fewer delays in clearing their cargo this festive season.