Saudi border delay bleeds transport companies

Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Transport companies say they are losing money and future business as their trucks remain stuck on the Saudi border.

Millions of dirhams are being lost in the chaos, with more than 8,000 trucks stranded and firms incurring charges of around Dh4,000 for one trip from Dubai to Jeddah.

Video: Stranded drivers voice frustration
Video: Trucks stranded at border
Read in-depth report on border chaos

The average cost incurred for the shorter Dubai to Dammam or Riyadh route is around Dh3,200.

Anthony D'Souza, an executive of Dubai-based transportation company International Maritime said: "Around 30 of our trucks are stuck on the border.

"This means our trucks, which need to make four to five trips a month to Saudi Arabia to be cost effective are now making only one or two trips, which is a loss to us. As this is a force majeure situation, we cannot bill our clients separately for the delay," he added.

Gunter Rochau of Trans1 company said the drivers have to wait at least week to enter Saudi Arabia.

"It's a disastrous situation for the truck drivers, who have to brave it out in the heat with very little food and water," he added.

Firms which deal in perishable goods and foodstuffs have also complained that they are potentially losing millions of dirhams because of the border chaos.