A perfect storm of weather storms, record cargo and COVID-19 surges have contributed to the current backlog of vessels.

Shipping operations have never been in a worse state with our ports congested, limited services, record high freight rates, increased detention charges…

There is currently a critical shortage of empty 40’GP and 40’HC containers, which is forecasted to worsen this month.

Although the industrial action at the ports has been resolved or delayed depending on how you read it, the ramifications from it continue and all importers and exporters are experiencing significant delays.

While we have been advised that the industrial action has been suspended at DP World terminal, it is still ongoing at Patricks causing massive disruption Australia wide.

The DDP term requires the shipper to be the Importer of Record into Australia and this makes charges incurred in Australia, including import duty, GST and government entry charges, the responsibility of the shipper.

Current industrial action at all 3 terminals across various parts of Australia is exacerbating the serious congestion issues at Sydney port.