Challenge fronting sea freight imports

1st June, 2021

Non-stop demand for ocean freight, port congestion and weather issues continue to cause a severe lack of capacity and is keeping ocean rates elevated, while also driving air cargo rates up as importers and exporters seek alternatives. This is being felt globally with space still a serious issue from Asia, USA and Europe and we continue to advise clients add at least 3-4 weeks on top of booking dates. General Rate increases are still being applied on top of already high base rates from most major origin regions.　

While this situation is already being navigated, it may now well be further exacerbated by additional MUA action here in Australian ports. Below list details imminent action taking place at Patrick terminals in Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle. Similar to what was experienced last year, these bans do not represent a complete work stoppage, more of a disruption to normal processes and restrictions on labour numbers and the inevitable effect of slower operations. Some carriers may seek to divert calls from Patricks to the other terminals, but it is not a fail proof solution.

Many clients are now seeking to hold extra inventory levels this side so as to avoid the massive shortages felt during last year’s stoppages. If space is an issue in your current facility, please let us know asap as we can seek to support you with our new warehouse facility in Brisbane or 3PL locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Patrick Terminals – Sydney AutoStrad

• A ban on the performance of overtime at Port Botany (Sydney) from 6am Thursday 20th May 2021 for 14 days finishing 6am Thursday 3rd June 2021.

• A ban on the working of shift extensions at Port Botany (Sydney) from 6am Thursday 20th May 2021 for 14 days finishing 6am Thursday 3rd June 2021.

• A ban on the performance of overtime at Port Botany (Sydney) from 6am Thursday 3rd June 2021 for 14 days finishing 6am Thursday 17th June 2021.

• A ban on the working of shift extensions at Port Botany (Sydney) from 6am Thursday 3rd June 2021 for 14 days finishing 6am Thursday 17th June 2021.

• A ban on the performance of upgrades and/or work in higher levels at Port Botany (Sydney) commencing at 10:00pm Friday 4 June 2021 until 10:00pm Sunday 6 June 2021.

• A ban on the performance of upgrades and/or work in higher levels at Port Botany (Sydney) commencing at 10:00pm Friday 11 June 2021 until 10:00pm Sunday 13 June 2021.

Patrick Terminals – Brisbane AutoStrad

• A ban on attending work on days an employee is rostered as “off/avail” commencing from 7am Saturday 15th May 2021 and finishing 11pm Sunday 16 May 2021.

• A ban on working overtime commencing from 7am Saturday 15th May 2021 and finishing 11pm Sunday 16 May 2021.

• A ban on attending for work on days an employee is rostered as “off/avail” commencing from 11pm Friday 28 May 2021 and finishing 11pm Sunday 30 May 2021　

• A ban on working overtime at Fisherman Island (Brisbane) from 11pm Friday 28 May 2021 and finishing 11pm Sunday 30 May 2021　
  　

Patrick Terminals – Fremantle

• A ban on attending work on days an employee is rostered as “off/avail” commencing from 7am Saturday 15th May 2021 and finishing 11pm Sunday 23 May 2021.

• A ban on attending work on days an employee is rostered as “off/avail” commencing from 7am Tuesday 25th May 2021 and finishing 7am Tuesday 8 June 2021.

• Work stoppages of 1-hour duration at 0600, 1400 and 2200 each day from 27 May 2021 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) finishing on 4 June 2021.
  　

Patrick Terminals – Melbourne

• No notifications to date

Please contact us at sales@sccargo.com.au if you require further information.