SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Truck traders inside this premier freeport formed a collective front to provide a more efficient dealing with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

During a stakeholders meeting and election at the Urban Deli Café here on July 4, traders from truck companies owned by various nationalities discussed plans to create a collective front wherein they could do business with the SBMA seamlessly and without hassle.

Newly elected president Rey Nadar of the new Subic Truck Importers Association said that by creating a group, a representation will be made for the group to liaise with SBMA and other government agencies.

He added that local- and foreign-owned companies such as Jan Japan, Subic 361, Lino Khan Intl. Corp., Japhil Intl. Trading Corp., K&B, Subic Auto, Northeast, JP Matariss, and AJS Subic Intl. Corp. joined the association.

"SBMA Chairman Eduardo Aliño liked the idea of having a group that will represent the whole truck traders inside this premier freeport since it will be easier for the agency to discuss matters," he said.

"The SBMA board of directors were also interested in having discussions with our group."

During the election, Vice President Taqel Husnain tackled issues the truckers are facing such as the change of cubic meter measurements based on the bill of lading and in actual measurement affecting the fees that they are paying for the arrastre (entity who performs portside cargo handling operations).

He also shared the good news that the Amerasia International Terminal Services Inc. will be giving the members of the Subic Truck Importers Association a 20 percent discount based on the bill of lading for terminal charges.

Bill of lading is a document of title, a receipt for shipped goods, and a contract between a carrier and a shipper. It is the final document for importation and declaration of goods.

Elected as directors are Engr. Muodasac of Karmanwala; Chaudry Iftahar of Subic Auto; Shammad Warraich of Jan Japan; Shahzad of Japhil; Malik Shabir of Tramway; Usman Saeed of Subic 361; and Nelson Jaro of Kansai.

The group's consultant Michael Sullivan, meanwhile, proposed the creation of a Facilitation Assistance Office for truckers that will assist the members regarding their concerns with the SBMA, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Transportation Office, and other government agencies. Sullivan discussed the problems that truckers are encountering.

He also cited the importance of truckers in the economy, employment, and investments of Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Creation of an organization that will represent them is the best way to avoid harassment and ensure equal treatment among truckers regardless of the nationality.