News
Industry Update – October 2026
Attention: Shipping Manager
Middle East Conflict
As previously noted, we are monitoring developments from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The situation has resulted in severe disruption to global air cargo and containerised sea cargo, with flow-on consequences for Australian supply chains.
While regional ports, bookings, and limited flight operations have resumed, the overall geopolitical setting remains highly unstable and the issue is no longer whether key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz or the Red Sea remain navigable, but whether cargo can move with certainty to support production schedules, inland logistics, inventory planning and contractual obligations.
Operational warnings to commercial shipping remain severe, with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issuing four attack warnings in short succession earlier this month regarding separate incidents where vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles. No casualties or environmental damage was reported when the warnings were issued.
Renewed attacks follow a mounting human toll across the region. The Cape Dao attack last month resulted in the death of one seafarer and evacuation of 27 surviving crew members.
With the US and Iran still at war with no progress towards diplomatic resolution, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted in practice, heavily militarised and unpredictable. Industry guidance continues to emphasise that “open on paper” does not equate to safe or commercially viable transit. The continuing threat to merchant vessels is likely to create further uncertainty around vessel availability and the restoration of normal shipping in the region.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
Typhoon Disruption in China
East Asia’s 2026 typhoon season saw above-normal activity, with several severe typhoons causing severe flooding, congestion and delays in vessel operations throughout the region. Ningbo and Shanghai were two of the worst affected ports with terminal operations recently brought to a standstill.
Schedule adjustments, congestion and capacity constraints continue to impact the busiest ports across the region and result in operational delays, closures, interruptions, omissions, congestion and container availability issues as the region continues to be affected by severe weather.
(Source: Loadstar/Maersk)
Europe Port Disruptions
We previously advised of disruption to commercial barge traffic in major European inland waterways caused by severely low water levels.
Additionally, industrial action affected several major ports across Germany and the Netherlands last month. Though, potential further strikes have now been averted due to a new agreement being made.
While this agreement staves off the potential for further cargo backlogs, Germany’s three major ports are still facing congestion caused by low water levels on the Rhine.
Please note that we expect potential delays to vessel operations, container movements and inland transport, leading to congestion and backlogs, may continue.
(Source: Loadstar)
General Rate Increase from Asia to Australia
We received notifications this month from a number of shipping lines in regards to a General Rate Increase (GRI) from Asia to Australia, details as follows:
This will come into effect from 20 October and 1 November 2026, affecting North East 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.
Destination Airline Terminal Fee Increase:
Destination Airline Terminal Fee has increased for Adelaide and Perth, effective immediately.
Updated fee is given below:
Destination Airline Terminal Fee = Minimum AUD 88 / $0.88 per kg
Destination Timeslot Booking Fee:
Destination Timeslot Booking fee for LCL and airfreight shipments has increased for all ports, effective immediately. Updated surcharge is given below:
Destination Timeslot Booking Fee (LCL/AIR) = AUD 70 per delivery.
Destination Fuel Surcharges
As previously reported, the situation in the Middle East has caused disruption to international energy markets, directly affecting Australian domestic freight costs.
The reinstatement of the Government’s fuel excise has increased the cost of diesel and other transport-related fuels, and we are seeing fuel surcharges increase accordingly.
Please note that the increasing fuel surcharges do not represent an increase in margin for our business, but reflect the rapidly rising costs being passed through by our suppliers, and it is necessary for us to ensure our operating costs are covered so we can continue to move cargo to its destination and maintain efficient service for our customers.
- Destination Fuel Surcharge Update
Current fuel surcharges are given below for reference:
Sydney Fuel surcharge = 44%
Melbourne Fuel surcharge = 39.5%
Brisbane Fuel surcharge = 50%
Adelaide Fuel surcharge = 53.5%
Fremantle Fuel surcharge = 41%
The fuel surcharges will continue to be applied based on the applicable rate during the period in which the transport movement takes place. Where services span multiple days, the surcharge may be adjusted to reflect the rate in effect on each day of the movement.
Given the volatility of the price of fuel, we will continue to assess these surcharges weekly. However, if you would like to clarify the latest updates, please contact your sales representative.
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