In the supply chain, the speed at which goods move determines operational efficiency—especially in export and import activities. Goods that are held up at the port for too long not only hinder distribution but also increase costs.

One indicator frequently used to assess the smooth flow of goods at a port is dwelling time. What is dwelling time? Why is it a key determinant of distribution efficiency?

What Is Dwelling Time?

Simply put, dwelling time is the duration measured from the moment a container or shipment arrives until it leaves the port area.

This duration can encompass various stages, ranging from document inspection, customs clearance, physical inspection of goods, payment of fees, to the readiness of transportation to carry the goods to their next destination.

Because it is directly related to the inflow and outflow of goods, dwelling time is always a key concern in port management.

A short dwelling time allows containers to continue their journey more quickly to warehouses, industrial zones, distribution centers, or other locations.

What Is the Ideal Dwelling Time?

There is no fixed duration for every shipment. The length of the process can be influenced by the type of goods, the completeness of documents, customs procedures, inspections, port operational conditions, and transportation readiness.

In practice, however, a dwelling time of less than 3 days is often considered short and relatively efficient. That said, all containers share the same target duration.

Goods with complete documentation and relatively straightforward customs procedures can naturally be cleared more quickly. Conversely, commodities requiring further inspection take longer.

Factors Affecting Dwelling Time

There are several factors that can cause cargo to be held up longer in the port area. These include the following.

Document Completeness

Incomplete, non-compliant, or documents requiring additional verification can slow down administrative and customs processes. Therefore, preparing documents before the cargo’s arrival is a crucial step.

Port Congestion

A surge in container volume can increase queues and intensify loading and unloading activities. Consequently, waiting times may be longer, especially when yard capacity is limited.

Importer and Transportation Readiness

Port procedures do not end once the documents are processed. Goods require a fleet to transport them to their next destination.

An unprepared fleet or unsynchronized pickup schedules can cause containers to be held up for longer periods.

Use of Systems and Technology

Administrative processes that are still largely done manually have the potential to increase processing time and the risk of errors.

Therefore, it is important to implement digital systems to accelerate information exchange while improving visibility into every process.

The Impact of Excessively Long Dwelling Time

High dwelling time can affect costs and “disrupt” the entire supply chain cycle.

One of the most noticeable impacts is the increase in storage and handling costs. The longer a container remains at the port, the greater the potential costs the company must bear.

Problems can also spill over into the distribution process. Delays in releasing goods clearly disrupt delivery schedules, cause production delays, and ultimately affect the fulfillment of customer orders.

In the long term, these conditions can drive up operating costs, which in turn undermines the company’s competitiveness.

How Can Dwelling Time Be Reduced? Reducing dwelling time isn’t just about speeding up port processes. Companies also need to ensure that all requirements for goods distribution are properly prepared. Some steps that can be taken include ensuring that import and customs documents are complete, utilizing digital systems to expedite data exchange, and ensuring the readiness of the fleet and distribution schedules. Companies should also consider utilizing Bonded Logistics Centers (BLCs) as needed and in accordance with applicable regulations. By managing storage outside the port area, pressure can certainly be minimized, thereby providing flexibility in inventory management. In addition, coordination between importers, shipping lines, freight forwarders, port operators, and other relevant parties must be carefully managed. Synchronizing vessel arrival schedules, customs clearance, and the readiness of the onward transport fleet will greatly help prevent unnecessary wait times.

More Planned Goods Distribution with SELOG

To improve the efficiency of export and import operations, partnering with a freight forwarder can be a more effective solution to help manage various processes, such as:

• Handling export and import documents
• Customs clearance process
• Selecting the appropriate mode of transportation
• Scheduling shipments
• Tracking the status of goods
• Coordination with ports, airlines, and other relevant parties

With the support of a professional freight forwarder, the risk of administrative errors can be minimized, making the export and import process more efficient.

One logistics company worth considering is SELOG, the logistics division of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA), which is also part of the Astra Group.

SELOG provides domestic and international freight forwarding services supported by various logistics facilities such as warehouses, a truck fleet, and Ro-Ro vessels to support the entire distribution process.

In addition to freight forwarding services, SELOG also offers a range of comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions, including:

• Trucking
• Shipping Services
• Warehousing
• Project Cargo

All of these services are supported by digital technologies such as the Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS) and the Warehouse Management System (WMS), which help improve operational efficiency and provide real-time shipment visibility.

For more information about SELOG’s services, please visit the official website www.selog.astra.co.id and follow SELOG on social media:

• Instagram: @selog_astra
• LinkedIn: SELOG