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Concurrently, and not by coincidence, recent congestion and port challenges have resulted in a swathe of charge increases applied to arriving cargo. Increases effective from 1st January 2021 are varied across wharf terminals, carriers and by state. They include:

 

  • Shipping line destination charges
  • Terminal infrastructure charges
  • Maritime Security Fees
  • De-hire Fees
  • Wharf booking fees

 

The average cost impact of Infrastructure, de-hire and wharf booking increases appears to be AUD 30.00  – 45.00 per container.

 

Container park capacity continues to be stretched causing significant delays in de-hiring containers and this is particularly evident in Sydney. Waiting times of up to 3 hours for each event is becoming average and of course this significantly increases the operating costs of transport carriers. Transport carriers general rule of thumb allows for 30 mins for this process.  In the event waiting time charges are accrued we will have no choice but to pass the costs on.

 

Chain of Responsibility

 

Wharf Terminals have advised usage of weigh-in-motion weighbridges within terminal yards.  The load measurement devices are in place to ensure transport operators comply with Chain of Responsibility axle loading requirements that pertain to all vehicles using public roads.

 

Subsequently, the terminals have introduced a Chain of Responsibility Overweight Fee/Amendment Fee to be levied should a container breach state regulation.

 

  1. In the event a vehicles axle weights breach the state roads legal limitations or weights not be evenly spread across the axles
  2. Have a weight variance of greater than +/- one metric tonne of the documented weight.

 

Per container : AUD 200.00 – 250.00 ( varies by terminal)

 

If load weights are non-compliant the vehicle will be required to return back into the terminal to have the container removed and held until a suitable vehicle/trailer combination can be sourced.

 

Melbourne toll Fees

 

Citylink have continued to increase toll fees on a quarterly basis throughout 2019/20. Our annual financial year revision of these fees was placed on hold last year, with increases absorbed by Specific Freight, in a bid to assist our clients facing financial pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised toll fees, that are effective from January 15th 2021, are based upon current pricing . The increases vary from $4.00 to $12.50 depending on the delivery suburb location.

 

Infrastructure Surcharges

 

Our industry body continues to advocate for exporters and importers facing increased Infrastructure Fees.  This will be an ongoing discussion and we hope to see greater accountability through this transparency of process.

 

Should you have any queries relating to this subject  matter please contact our office directly.

 

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