Welcome to our April bulletin, where we share the latest updates across our operations, along with key insights into current freight market conditions.
1. Adelaide Warehouse Updates
Our Adelaide warehouse has welcomed several new clients this year — a warm welcome to all of you!
Our facility offers 4,500 sqm of premium storage space, designed to support businesses with reliable and efficient logistics solutions. We provide comprehensive 3PL services for both B2C and B2B customers, including inventory management, order fulfilment, and nationwide distribution.
The site includes a 2,000 sqm hardstand area, including undercover space, providing flexible storage and handling options. We also offer customisable shared office space, with both dedicated workspaces and flexible desk options available.
Our Adelaide facility is ISO 9001 certified and HACCP accredited, ensuring the highest standards of quality and food safety compliance. It is also equipped with a Colt Coolstream system, maintaining consistent temperatures and supporting our commitment to environmentally responsible operations.
We’re also pleased to welcome Vida, who has joined the team as Warehouse Admin Assistant, supporting Pooja across operations, administration, and coordination.
We still have capacity to support additional 3PL customers and welcome all enquiries.
Please contact us at sales@sccargo.com.au for more information.
2. Brisbane Warehouse Expansion & Team Updates
We are excited to announce that our Brisbane operation has expanded to a second warehouse.
We are also pleased to welcome Russell as our new Brisbane Warehouse Manager. Russell brings over 35 years of warehouse experience, most recently managing e-Commerce operations for another 3PL. He is very process-focused, which will enhance the consistency and timeliness of our services.
Sarah Kennedy has been appointed to the position of Warehouse Customer Service. Sarah brings a wealth of operational warehouse experience and will manage all communications with clients, along with orders and inventory in our Warehouse Management System.
These appointments will further enhance the quality of our fulfilment services for all clients.
3. ISO 9001 Certification – National Update
We are pleased to advise that SCC’s Quality Management System is now certified to meet ISO 9001 nationally, covering Forwarding, Brokerage, and Warehousing across Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide.
While Adelaide has always held ISO 9001 for warehousing, this certification now extends across all key operational areas nationally.
A special thank you to Katrina, who dedicated significant time to developing the documentation, systems, and processes required to achieve this certification. Achieving this on our first attempt is a tremendous accomplishment and a credit to the entire team.
4. Fuel Surcharges (Market Update)
Fuel surcharges continue to increase across all freight modes — air, ocean, and domestic transport — with ongoing volatility in global fuel markets.
- Air freight: Rising jet fuel costs are driving frequent surcharge increases, often reviewed fortnightly or at time of booking
- Ocean freight: Carriers have introduced Emergency Bunker Surcharges (EBS) and other fuel-related charges
- Domestic transport: Higher diesel prices are impacting local trucking and delivery rates
Fuel is currently the primary driver of freight cost increases, with surcharges becoming a significant component of overall pricing.
5. Global Freight Considerations
The ongoing Middle East conflict, despite signs of a temporary ceasefire, continues to disrupt global supply chains.
Air Freight:
- Capacity remains tight due to airspace restrictions and rerouting
- Rates have increased significantly, with continued upward pressure
- Longer transit times due to indirect flight paths
Ocean Freight:
- Introduction of war risk and fuel surcharges
- Vessel rerouting increasing transit times
- Ongoing schedule disruptions and equipment imbalances
Flow-on Effects:
Even shipments outside the region are being impacted due to global network disruptions, including congestion at major transshipment hubs and reduced schedule reliability.
6. Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Australia has recently signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, which is expected to provide long-term benefits for importers and exporters.
Once implemented, the agreement is anticipated to reduce or eliminate tariffs, improve market access, and streamline customs processes between Australia and EU member countries.
We will continue to keep customers informed as further details and implementation timelines are confirmed.
7. 3PL Domestic Transport & Courier Updates
Fuel increases are significantly impacting the Australian domestic transport sector.
- Australia Post fuel surcharge increasing to ~12%
- StarTrack fuel surcharge increasing to ~22–23%
- Effective 23 April 2026
These increases will directly impact eCommerce fulfilment, domestic distribution, and last-mile delivery costs.
8. Recommendations for Customers
Given current conditions, we recommend:
- Booking shipments early to secure space
- Allowing additional transit time buffers
- Budgeting for total landed costs, including surcharges
- Remaining flexible with routing and transport options
For more information on warehousing, 3PL services, or freight solutions, please contact us at sales@sccargo.com.au.