Important Announcements for Importers
As we head into the final stages of pre-christmas cargo rush a few noteworthy elements.
·        There have been no seasonal BAF, general rate or peak season surcharges applied so far
·        Capacity ex Asia is good but strikes, congestion in Australia and work place uncertanty are affecting ready and smooth seafreight access.
·        Any seafreight not already on the way from Europe will be caught up in the Christmas rush. Asian shipments will also run into this problem if not moving in the next 2-3 weeks.
·        Airfreight back logs persist in LA, Singapore and other key hubs and can be expected to worsen as seafreight movement become too late to be usefull.
·        If you are planning deliveries for air on seafreight between now and Christmas we recommend you contact us for likely arrival and access timing before you commit to a promise to your customers in the coming period.
·        Deliveries in the Christmas period are always problematic. You can assist us with advise on any planned closures on limited staff availability so that we can arrange storage at reduced rates in this period.
Maritime Union of Australia Action
Due to the planned work stoppages in Sydney and Melbourne, this will impact on cargo operations over the coming days commencing 4th November, 2011. Please expect delays to your cargo shipping to/from Sydney and Melbourne over the next few weeks.
All Asian Ports to Sydney – Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS)
Effective – 15th November, 2011 on all shipments from all Asian Ports to final destination of Sydney a Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) will be implemented.
Northern Europe and the Mediterranean to Australia - Emergency Surcharge (EMS)
Effective – 15th October, 2011 on all shipments transiting the Gulf of Aden from the above ports to Australia a revised Emergency Surcharge (EMS) will be implemented.
East Coast of South America to Australia – Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
Effective – 1st November, 2011 on all shipments from the above ports to Australia a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) will be implemented.
South East Asia to Australia - General Rate Increase (GRI)
Effective – 1st November 2011 on all shipments from South East Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam) to Australia there will be a General Rate Increase (GRI).