It was pleasing that the commission made specific reference to the submissions from the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), highlighting the difficulties being faced by importers concerning ongoing delays in biosecurity inspections, unfair container detention practices, increased terminal access charges and empty container park congestion.
 
Australia’s underperforming container ports are costing importers A$605m per year, according to the commission.  “Use of market power is a problem”, noted Commissioner King. “Truck drivers have to pay whatever price the terminal operator demands to pick up or drop off a container. The shipping lines choose the terminals so they should pay these charges”.
 
“Transport operators and importers have to pay fees to shipping lines when they return containers late because empty container parks, which they are directed to, are full. This doesn’t seem like fair conduct”, said Commissioner Julie Abramson. “Australian consumer law exempts these contracts and this should be remedied”.
 
This is an important step forward and let’s hope for some form of regulatory intervention which removes increased costs for importers and the resultant inflationary pressures on the economy.   

Thank you for your continuous support.

Sam Curro
Executive Business Manager – Oceania