All US ports to Australia and New Zealand – General Rate Increase (GRI)

Effective – 5th Nov,2012 on all shipments from all US ports to Australia and New Zealand.

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea to Australia – Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)

Effective – 31st Dec, 2012 on all shipments from the above origins to Australia the Peak Season Surcharge will be removed.

 

North East Asia to Australia - Slack Season Program

In order to improve operational efficiencies and ensure a sustainable trade, shipping lines have decided to pull out on average 15% of capacity from early December 2012 to the end of July 2013 from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan Japan and Korea to/from Australia.

The capacity adjustments will take place through a Slack Season Program consisting of a structured number of blank sailings and slot selling and buying.

Avoiding Detention Charges this Summer - Return Containers in Adequate Time

During previous peak season summers, too many importers have been caught out with containers that could not be returned in time prior to detention charges coming into effect. Experience shows that each year a large number of importers have faced unnecessary costs through oversight. Invariably disputes then arise over these charges and large amounts of effort are expended in resolving these issues.

The decision on the part of a few lines to reduce the allowable free day period earlier this year, combined with the reduced number of working days and the high level of activity at container parks means that importers will have to be extra vigilant in ensuring timely container returns. Through very careful monitoring and planning of container returns, extra charges and disputes can be avoided.

While brokers and transport companies usually assist importers in monitoring container hold times, importers must also plan their own internal processes to allow sufficient time for their transport company to book and return containers in time. In the end, it is the importer who controls the timing of container unloads, is contracted with the shipping line and, therefore, is responsible for any resulting detention costs that may arise.

 Most shipping lines advise that requests for relief will not be considered after the invoice is issued. This is yet another reason for there to be careful monitoring of the container tracking process by importers.

Remember:

* Give your transport operator plenty of time to return the container
* Use vigilance in understanding where your container is with respect to the free detention period and
* Communicate with your broker about any issues to avoid unnecessary charges.

 


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