News
Industry Update – December/January 2025-26
Attention: Shipping Manager
Red Sea and Suez Canal Transits
As previously reported, some carriers have begun to explore Red Sea and Suez Canal transits, however, the situation is ongoing and an immediate return is not guaranteed, with no carriers officially confirming their return to the waterway.
When shipping does resume, voyages will be shortened resulting in vessel bunching, port congestion in Europe and short-term upward pressure on rates.
However, once schedules stabilise, more capacity in the market may contribute to downward pressure on freight rates.
We will keep you updated as soon as we hear new information.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
US Tariffs
The White House has eased parts of its sweeping reciprocal tariffs, issuing a new executive order that removes a wide range of agricultural foods from upcoming import duties.
The shift comes as the administration faces criticism that broad tariffs could further fuel food inflation in the US.
This shift highlights another layer of uncertainty to the trade landscape, with further changes likely as the administration balances trade pressure against the economy.
(Source: Loadstar)
Port Congestion
Major global ports continue to see extended wait times, which may create upward pressure on rates. Key ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Singapore, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Antwerp and Rotterdam have been identified as ports that experts say are consistently experiencing significant congestion.
(Source: Loadstar)
General Rate Increase from Asia to Australia and New Zealand
We received notifications this month from a number of shipping lines in regards to a General Rate Increase (GRI) from Asia to Australia and New Zealand, details as follows:
The first comes into effect from 15 December, affecting North East Asia and South East Asia to Australia and New Zealand.
USD 300/20’
USD 600/40’
The second will come into effect from 1 January 2026, affecting North East Asia and South East Asia to Australia.
USD 500/20’
USD 1000/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
Due to the current global situation, we believe these increases may not eventuate. However, because shipping lines have announced them, we want to keep you informed.
If you need further clarification on pricing on these trade lanes, please contact your sales representative.
Southbound Peak Season Surcharge from Asia to Australia and New Zealand
We received notifications this month from a number of shipping lines in regards to a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) from Asia to Australia and New Zealand, details as follows:
These will come into effect from 1 January 2026, affecting North East Asia and South East Asia to Australia and New Zealand.
USD 500/20’
USD 1000/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
Destination Port Infrastructure Increases:
Destination Port Infrastructure surcharge has increased for all Australian ports, effective 1 January 2026. Updated surcharges are given below:
Sydney Destination Port Infrastructure surcharge = AUD 270 per container
Melbourne Destination Port Infrastructure surcharge = AUD 290 per container
Brisbane Destination Port Infrastructure surcharge = AUD 305 per container
Adelaide Destination Port Infrastructure surcharge = AUD 255 per container
Fremantle Destination Port Infrastructure surcharge = AUD 120 per container
Destination Empty Container Park Increases:
Destination Empty Container Park surcharge has increased for Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle, effective 1 January 2026. Updated surcharges are given below:
Melbourne Empty Container Park surcharge = AUD 240 per container
Brisbane Empty Container Park surcharge = AUD 210 per container
Fremantle Empty Container Park surcharge = AUD 170 per container
Empty Container Park surcharges have not been announced for Sydney yet, though we expect to receive these soon. Once known, we will update you.
Destination Timeslot Booking Fee Increases:
Destination Timeslot Booking fee has increased for all Australian ports, effective 1 January 2026. Updated surcharges are given below:
Sydney Timeslot Booking Fee = AUD 105 per container
Melbourne Timeslot Booking Fee = AUD 130 per container
Brisbane Timeslot Booking Fee = AUD 85 per container
Adelaide Timeslot Booking Fee = AUD 90 per container
Fremantle Timeslot Booking Fee = AUD 110 per container
Destination Weigh In Motion Fee Increase:
Destination Weigh in Motion Fee has increased in Fremantle, effective 1 January 2026. Updated surcharges are given below:
Fremantle Weigh in Motion Fee = AUD 35 per container
Destination Sideloader Levy Increase:
Destination Sideloader Levy has increased in Sydney, effective 1 January 2026. Updated surcharges are given below:
Sydney Sideloader Levy = AUD 120 per container (if applicable)
Westgate Tunnel Melbourne Update:
It has been reported this morning that the Westgate tunnel will be operational from this Sunday 14th of December.
Whilst there has been no official announcement from the project team or the State Government, it is front page of today’s news.
This commencement of operation will also trigger the new “no truck zones” which will push all heavy vehicles onto the Westgate freeway.
With the annual Westgate bridge works set to commence at months end and the extra traffic now pushed onto the freeway, we anticipate additional delivery time will be required.
This will also trigger the commencement of the new toll pricing from Monday.
We thank you for your understanding and continued support. If you require any further details please do not hesitate to contact us.
D&V Socials
Dieterle & Victory has launched our new social media on LinkedIn and Facebook, where we will post info, news, explainers, and anything of interest for our audience.
If you wish to like or follow, we would really appreciate your support.
You can find links below.
We will keep you updated with any further information.
