Ports America Inc — Local services in Newark

Came into Ports America on 06/02/2024.

-TIPS TO MAKE THIS EASY: --SHOW UP EARLY: 6AM will get you out quickly, 7AM will get you out before the 11:30AM shut down for lunch. 8:00AM onward is a gamble for that day. Likely out that afternoon but could be pushed off until the next day.

--BRING THE CORRECT PAPERWORK: Almost every issue I saw in my 4 hours here was folks with paperwork issues. Confirm you have your paperwork, it has the correct details, the item has been released, and it's storage has been paid for.

--BRING MANUAL ITEMS: You need your paperwork, a vest, and a government ID.

--CALL BEFORE YOU GO: You can call their contact Stacey Webb at Ports America to check your item and paperwork! This saved me headaches. She can also walk you through the online payment to PNAT at PayCargo

-GOOD: The layout of the yard has lines to go to each cargo area type good layout. The folks that work here that I ran across: security, desk, and mechanic were all good. People do get frustrated with the wait times and paperwork issues, and the workers don't bother to acknowledge it. If you had to deal with these issues day in and day out - would you care either?

-BAD: The overall organization of getting people in and out of this yard could be so much better. Even a deli number counter from a grocery store would help this move along better. In 2024, a quick, cheap piece of software could save these folks hundreds of hours per week between 30-50 drivers a day.

If you're loading an individual vehicle, they do kick you out into the street to load. The driving of the vehicles is technically illegal, and a small designated load area would be safer for everyone.

-SUMMARY: This place isn't as bad as everyone writes, but you have to show up early and be ready for long lines. It's like Newark Port...

Important Instructions for Drivers:

Opening Time: The location opens exactly at 8:00 AM. Plan accordingly! Early Arrival: You can arrive 3-4 hours early to beat the queues. Parking: Parking is available on the sides of Distribution Street. Security Check-in: Bring your Bill of Lading (BOL) or Delivery Receipt Bring your Driver's License Bring a High Visibility Vest (Mandatory) Be prepared for a security check-in process Waiting Times: Be prepared for long queues Long waiting times are common Long lunch times, so plan your schedule accordingly Premises: Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions Be careful while navigating the premises

Overall: Plan ahead, arrive early, and be prepared for a thorough security check-in process. Don't forget to wear a High Visibility Vest, as it is mandatory. Be patient and cautious while waiting and navigating...

Nice people, terribly inefficient. Waited all day to get loaded and that included a 2 hour wait outside in line while raining. No respect for drivers time. They were polite though, that much I can say. Although I see the customers get ripped off because on my invoice they charged $600 for loading/unloading and I (The carrier) did that all alone. They do not touch the freight. Anyway, won’t ever go back there ever again if I...