Industry Briefing January 2019
Fumigators Lose their License:
Last month, The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) cancelled licenses of 3 Italian fumigators who were non-compliant with DAWR BMSB regulations. LCL Cargo fumigated by these fumigators is now subject to fumigation in Australia. This is not the first time the DAWR has acted in such a manner to ensure BMSB regulations are maintained.
MSC ZOE loses 270 containers in a Storm:
The BBC has reported that extensive debris has washed up on islands off the Dutch North Coast after some 270 containers including chemicals fell off a container ship in a storm. MSC has asked a salvage company to use Sonar equipment to help with retrieval of missing containers. The Panama registered MSC Zoe is one of the largest containerships in the world and is considered to be the largest in operation in Europe.
Chinese New Year:
As the Chinese New Year is around the corner, Dieterle & Victory would like to advise our clients who ship from China to make their bookings as early as possible. The official holiday period for Chinese New Year is from 4th February to 10th February, but local trucking services will significantly reduce from 23rd of January 2019 to 15th February 2019. Similarly, a lot of companies will cut off too during this period. To ensure smooth service, it is advised to book for vessels with ETD before 26th of January 2019.
Movements in Freight and Charges
Alameda Corridor USA
Starting from 8th of January 2019, all containers to Australia and New Zealand moving through Los Angeles and Long Beach via rail, have an increased Alameda Corridor Surcharge as follows:
USD 26 for 20’
USD 51 for 40’
LCL USD $2 w/m
Low Sulphur for Taiwan, China and Hong Kong
Starting from January 2019, Taiwan has joined the likes of Hong Kong and China and has implemented a Low Sulphur Surcharge for all imports/exports. The latest charge is same for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan and is as follows:
USD 25 for 20’
USD 50 for 40’
LCL USD 2 per cbm
General Rate Increase (GRI) Southbound from USA
Effective February 15th , 2019 all carriers operating from USA are imposing the following GRI. Cargo received on or after this date will have the GRI applied;
US$250 per 20ft container
US$500 per 40ft container
LCL US$10 w/m
Empty Container Park Fee, Time Slot Booking Fee and Port Infrastructure Levy:
For all sea freight imports and exports to/from Australia, the following revised trucking charges will apply, effective immediately:
Empty Container Park Fee: AUD 35 per container
Time Slot Booking Fee: AUD 35 per container
Port Infrastructure: AUD 82 per Container
Port Infrastructure LCL: AUD 3.5 Minimum and AUD 3.5 per cbm.
Stink Bug Fumigation Charges:
All LCL goods manufactured in or coming from BMSB High Risk countries, and all FCL containers with targeted high risk goods coming from BMSB high risk countries are seeing increased holds and scrutiny from DAWR. This has resulted in delays and additional costs during the stink bug high risk season. To cover these costs, we have no option but to implement a BMSB admin fee of 30 AUD per HBL, effective immediately, for both LCL and FCL cargo which fall into this category.
