Landside Logistics
Fuel volatility and levy pressure
July began with a continued downward trend in fuel prices as military tensions in the Middle East eased. Conditions changed by the second week of the month, with renewed conflict in the region creating greater volatility in global oil markets and higher terminal gate fuel prices across Australia.
At the same time, the Federal Government’s temporary fuel excise relief has been progressively reduced and is due to cease entirely on 2 August. Combined with scheduled CPI indexation of fuel excise and recent increases in wholesale fuel costs, these factors are expected to place further upward pressure on fuel levies across the transport sector in the coming months.
Harders will continue to monitor fuel movements closely and work with carrier partners to minimise the impact on customers wherever possible.
CPI baseline increases
With the new financial year underway, many transport providers are seeking to apply baseline CPI increases to transport rates.
Harders continues to challenge and negotiate these adjustments to ensure any increases are kept to an absolute minimum. Customers may still see pricing changes applied to some transport lanes.
For questions about the impact on your freight movements or pricing arrangements, please contact your Account Manager.
Container weight management
Importers and exporters are reminded of their responsibilities under the Chain of Responsibility framework when managing container weights.
While efficient use of container space and equipment remains important, safety must remain the priority. Containers must be packed within the weight limits of the container, transport equipment and applicable road network restrictions. Weight must also be distributed appropriately throughout the container to support safe handling during transport, lifting and storage.
Incorrectly declared container weights can create significant safety risks and may lead to:
- delivery or shipment delays
- additional handling charges
- fines and penalties from regulators, terminals, shipping lines or other supply chain participants
- prosecution under Australian Chain of Responsibility legislation and international maritime regulations in serious cases.
Customers should ensure container weights are accurately verified and correctly declared before collection and shipment.
For support with container packing, weight compliance or Chain of Responsibility obligations, please contact your Account Manager.
Sea Freight Update
As peak season approaches, container markets remain broadly stable, although carriers continue to actively manage capacity to support higher freight rates.
Additional vessel deployment on Asia to Oceania trades has limited the impact of recent rate increases. However, carriers remain focused on rate restoration, including a recently announced USD 500/TEU increase effective 15 August from both Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia to Oceania.
Capacity management measures, including blank sailings, are expected to remain a key feature of the market through August and September.
Northeast Asia to Oceania
Additional capacity introduced in July has eased pressure and helped stabilise rates.
The 1 August General Rate Increase gained limited traction due to improved vessel availability and increased carrier competition. However, carriers have announced a USD 500/TEU Rate Restoration effective 15 August.
Key conditions include:
- significant port congestion in North Asia, particularly Shanghai and Ningbo
- vessel queues affecting overall supply chain performance
- challenged schedule reliability due to port omissions and service adjustments
- the re-emergence of blank sailings as carriers manage capacity during peak season.
Southeast Asia and Indian Subcontinent to Oceania
Southeast Asia is experiencing heavy schedule disruption, particularly through Singapore. Congestion and weather-related delays have resulted in vessels operating up to a week behind schedule, reducing effective capacity and affecting reliability.
Indian Subcontinent conditions remain highly constrained, with severe space and equipment shortages, booking rejections, service disruptions and extended lead times creating significant supply chain challenges.
Europe to Oceania
Market conditions remain relatively balanced despite the European summer holiday slowdown, with no major disruption to supply-demand fundamentals.
Schedule reliability continues to be affected by Red Sea-related diversions, with carriers maintaining longer routings via the Cape of Good Hope. This continues to extend transit times.
Freight rates have remained largely stable, with less upward pressure than seen on Asia to Oceania trades. Export activity is expected to gradually normalise as the European holiday period concludes towards the end of August.
Sea freight outlook
Peak season demand is expected to strengthen through August and September.
Carriers are likely to continue capacity management measures, including blank sailings and service adjustments, to support rate restoration efforts. Further Rate Restoration and General Rate Increase announcements are expected throughout Q3.
Port congestion, weather disruption and network adjustments will continue to place pressure on schedule reliability and transit times.
Attention is also turning to China’s Golden Week in October, with the potential for increased September demand and additional pressure on vessel space and freight rates.
For shipment planning, market intelligence or tailored supply chain support, please contact your Key Account Manager.
Air Freight Update
Western Sydney International Airport adds cargo capacity
Western Sydney International Airport has commenced cargo operations, adding new capacity to Sydney’s air freight network.
Qantas Freight will operate overnight freighter services from July 2026, with its new terminal designed to support 24/7 curfew-free operations, increased capacity, faster truck turnaround and automated cargo handling.
Menzies Aviation handled the airport’s first cargo flights on 27 July 2026 and has opened a 12,500 sqm cargo facility with capacity for up to 200,000 tonnes annually. The facility is designed to support pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce shipments and heavy freight, with direct airside access and advanced cargo handling technology.
This is a positive development for future air freight capacity in Western Sydney. Operational arrangements, service availability and booking processes through airport partners are still developing. Harders will continue to monitor how Western Sydney International Airport cargo services progress and provide further guidance when confirmed handling and routing options become available.
Customs and Compliance
Container cleanliness measures shift towards industry-led action
The international debate over sea container cleanliness has taken a positive turn, with the International Plant Protection Convention Focus Group on Sea Containers recommending practical, industry-led measures instead of new mandatory global regulations.
For exporters, importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines and depot operators, this reduces the immediate risk of additional compliance requirements, mandatory declarations and container cleaning obligations that could have increased costs and administrative burden.
For several years, governments and industry have explored ways to reduce the spread of invasive pests through international container supply chains. This included consideration of a new International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures covering sea containers.
Industry groups raised concerns that mandatory container cleanliness declarations, washing programs and verification systems would significantly increase supply chain costs while providing limited additional biosecurity benefit.
The International Plant Protection Convention Focus Group has endorsed several practical initiatives, including:
- improved pest-resistant container design
- an updated Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units
- voluntary custodial responsibility arrangements across the supply chain
- recognition programs for accredited shippers
- expanded education and industry awareness initiatives.
Businesses will not currently face new global requirements for container washing, cleanliness certification or additional shipper declarations. Instead, the focus remains on voluntary best practice and stronger supply chain cooperation.
The issue has not disappeared. The International Plant Protection Convention will continue assessing regulatory and non-regulatory options through 2026 and 2027. The Focus Group’s recommendations will be presented to the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures in April 2027, which will determine the future direction of international biosecurity measures for sea containers.
Organisations that maintain strong container inspection, packing and cleanliness practices will be well positioned to meet evolving customer, regulatory and biosecurity expectations.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug season preparations
The 2026–27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug season is approaching.
Current indications from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are that there are unlikely to be changes for the 2026–27 season. Official advice has not yet been issued.
Affected importers should prepare by:
- reviewing existing Brown Marmorated Stink Bug processes
- engaging early with overseas suppliers about treatment options
- identifying shipments that may be affected by seasonal measures
- confirming that previously used treatment providers are approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for the 2026–27 season.
Harders Advisory will continue to monitor Department notices for the release of official measures and provide an update when available.