Do you need warehouse space in Melbourne’s West? We can help!
It’s been over 12-months in the making, and the team has been hard at work getting our first contract logistics / 3PL site ready to receive our customers’ goods in time for peak season.
Our 12,500 pallet position ambient (non-DG) facility in Truganina goes live in just a few weeks’ time.
- Just 20 minutes from Port of Melbourne, very close to major roadways.
- Pallet height up to 1.35m and 1,200kg.
- WMS: Blue Yonder Dispatcher:
– RF-scanner driven processes for accurate inventory management.
– Lot / batch / expiry capture on inbound and outbound. - 5-star green star environmental build with 99kw solar system.
– Recess docks and covered hardstand for all-weather operations. - High-level security system.
- Current developments include:
– Food storage license
– HACCP certification (in progress)
– Bonded (Import and excise – in progress)
Contact us now to discuss your pallet space needs today!
Air Freight Update
Declines in air cargo volumes narrowed to their lowest level of the year so far in July and August as the market continued to show signs of bottoming out.
Asia: amid summer holidays, ample passenger capacities have been added to the market. At the same time, freighter capacity has been removed on an ad-hoc basis which could create some capacity issues for shippers that require freighter flights.
Europe: capacity, and demand are relatively stable. The overall low demand keeps the market relatively stable. Capacity on passenger aircraft is at its peak during this high-travel demand period.
America: Export demand from the United States remains relatively stable with capacity available.
Kindly remember to provide forecasts with lead times of at least 1 week prior for your bookings to get guaranteed space however we may find you booking for any last-minute urgent requirements.
We carry Temperature Controlled freight with due care.
We have weekly consoles available from USA and Europe into AU. Please contact our team of supply chain professionals who will continue to provide you with the most competitive options to support your supply chain needs.
Commencement of the 2023-24 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season
A reminder that the 2023-24 BMSB season commenced on 1st September 2023, further information is available here.
All target high risk goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries between 1 September 2023 and 30 April 2024 will require mandatory treatment. Solid six-sided containers may be treated offshore or upon arrival in Australia.
Break bulk cargo and goods shipped in open top or flat rack containers must be treated offshore prior to export. Untreated cargo arriving by this method will be directed for re-export by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Harders Advisory has successfully assisted three clients with their Safeguarding approvals which will help reduce cargo delays and associated costs, while also ensuring less harmful chemicals are released into the atmosphere.
If your business is impacted with rising costs and lengthy delays from BMSB target risk countries, speak with Harders Advisory to learn more about the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme.
Changes to the Import Requirements for Bivalve Molluscs and Bivalve mollusc Products
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has issued Imported Food Notice IFN 13-23 regarding the importation of bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products.
Commencing 9 November 2023, consignments of bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products – excluding those that are both retorted and shelf stable, or dried (not semi-dried) – must be accompanied by a recognised foreign government certificate on arrival.
This requirement does not apply to bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products imported from New Zealand.
Countries wanting to export or continue to export bivalve molluscs or bivalve mollusc products to Australia, must apply to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for a government certification agreement before 9 November 2023.
Further information is available here.
Landside Logistics
Melbourne Port Weight Mis-Declaration Fee
Like their Sydney cousins, DP World will now introduce a weighing machine (PONDUS Stand) within its Melbourne port precinct to check and weigh import containers against the manifested information provided by the shipping lines.
This important device will indicate discrepancies which are declared via the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) statement from the shipper.
Any misdeclaration of 1000kgs or more will trigger a $232.00 (+gst) fee which will be levied to the Transport provider collecting the container from the shipping terminal.
All importers must recognize the importance of their shippers declaring correct weights via the VGM on export. Mis-declared weights have health and safety ramifications for all parties within the supply chain, especially those moving containers from one place to another. The fee should serve notice in ensuring correct procedures are followed when packing containers.
If you need further information around Verified Weight Declarations, please contact our Key Account Team.
Container Port Volumes and Increased Costs
Container import volumes across all major container ports in Australia are down 6% over the previous corresponding period. In Sydney TEU volumes were down 10% making it the port with the largest downturn in import trade.
It is clear to see that the economy and demand is playing a large role in volumes declining plus the increasing cost to businesses. Fuel alone is approx. 0.40 cents per litre more in July 2023 than two years prior and the last two month’s further increases are placing the average price of diesel over the $2.00 per litre mark.
Trucking companies will be increasing their fuel surcharges over the coming weeks to cover these costs and increasing fuel excise, which has increased 6% per year over the past three years to date.
Shipping Update
Due to the ongoing impact of macroeconomic factors on global demand, several major shipping line consortiums have recently revealed plans to remove over 30,000 TEUS of capacity through blank sailings from Northeast Asia.
These blank sailings are set to commence during the upcoming Golden Week Holidays, which are scheduled to take place from October 3rd until October 15th.
In the previous month, the freight rates experienced a notable increase after a prolonged period of historically low rates that had been negatively impacting the revenue of shipping lines.
A significant factor in this achievement was the series of cancelled voyages on the Northeast Asia trade lanes, which led to a shortage of space, thereby driving the freight rates to more sustainable levels plus a traditional increase in demand in preparation for the holiday season.
Carriers were finally able to successfully implement three rate increases in August and early September, which resulted in 40’ container rates reaching four-digit figures.
However, based on recent indicators of weakened demand, it is our projection that a decisive approach by the shipping lines will be necessary to prevent a decrease in rates.
In response, carriers are expected to promptly take measures to manage their available supply and will omit ports, and dry dock ships, enter into partner vessel agreements, and cancel voyages to minimise the impact on their bottom line. These factors and adverse weather conditions will no doubt continue to cause delays affecting supply chains.
Some carriers have slightly lowered their rate levels prior to the Golden Week holidays to attract more cargo and build their roll pool, thereby ensuring that their vessels are fully utilized during this period.
On the Transpacific Trades, it appears that most shipping routes have encountered a decrease in freight rates. The most significant is on the Shanghai to New York route reporting a major drop of 11% in comparison to the previous week. We can anticipate that rates on this trade will remain stable in the coming weeks.
In anticipation of potential market volatility, it is imperative to remain informed and up-to-date on current developments.
Our team, comprised of experienced professionals, is dedicated to providing tailored supply chain solutions that align with your unique requirements and are ready to attend to your needs.
This is particularly relevant given the anticipated impact on vessel schedules resulting from the current market conditions.
Harders Takes BIC Australia on a Tour of Patrick Terminals
Our Victorian Sales Manager, Sally Boyle (pictured far right) was delighted to take our long term customer BIC Australia on a recent tour around Patrick Terminals, East Swanson Dock, VIC. The team were hosted by Acting Terminal Manager, Elizabeth Pinkerton of Patricks who gave a detailed presentation of the terminal operations and history followed by guided tour of the port.
Patrick Terminals are one of three Stevedores in Melbourne Port and is home to 3 Berths which are situated on 40 hectares and boast a capacity of 1.4 Million TEU and 1,202 available Reefer plugs.
Many thanks to Liz and the team at Patrick Terminals for hosting us and the BIC team and for a fantastic overview of the terminal operations.