Patrick’s Infrastructure Surcharge
Following the Implementation by DP World Port Terminals of an Infrastructure Surcharge on all containers moving through the Australian ports, Patrick’s Terminals are also implementing a similar charge effective from 10th July, 2017 to all Australian terminals. This action comes as no surprise and has been expected for the last few months.
Infrastructure investment, port rental charges and operating costs are being blamed for the increase, why the costs are not being passed onto the terminal’s clients (the shipping lines) we will never know. Unfairly, in our opinion, there has been no room for negotiation and we believe the additional costs form part of Terminal Handling Charges that have been traditionally paid by us on your behalf to shipping lines, why these costs are now being levied directly on importers and exporters via their nominated trucking companies is a mystery.
Air Cargo Security Screening Requirements for all cargo shipped to USA.
From 1st July, 2017, United States Legislation requires that all air cargo being transported to USA is required to be examined at piece level or be supplied by a Known Shipper. The new screening requirements will result in delays to cargo departure, particularly if cargo is delivered directly to the airline, the sheer volume of cargo being received will be too great for the airline screening equipment to handle efficiently and quickly. The new screening requirements will also add extra costs to every shipment, we are negotiating costs at present and will update same to all clients as soon as possible.
GPSM are pleased to confirm that all the Australian off-airport warehouses we use for all export cargo from Australia are now fitted with the latest screening equipment, thus we will be able to avoid the expected airline screening congestion and departure delays.
While the new measures are applicable at this time only to cargo exported to USA, it is not inconceivable to expect that the requirements will be extended to several other destinations in the future.
Los Angeles/Long Beach Ports Truck Drivers and warehouse workers to Strike from June 19, 2017.
Southern Californian Trucking company drivers and warehouse workers who serve the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex are striking from June 19th in their latest protest against what they say are “greedy corporations” that are “illegally exploiting them”. The labour action is the latest in more than a dozen disputes that have been held at the port complex over the last few years as workers attempt to gain recognition as employees by the companies they work for, instead of being treated as independent owner-operators or contractors.
It is expected the strike action will last for five (5) days from June 19-23 and that 100 drivers and warehouse workers are expected to participate. It is expected there could be some disruptions to some local deliveries to/from the port complex. Notably, the strike has not gained the support of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which has not honoured the trucker’s picket lines.
Bio Security Requirements Pacific Islands
Bio Security requirements throughout all countries in the Pacific Islands are now being strictly monitored with imported containers being inspected for untreated and infested timber pallets, timber packaging material ad timber crates. In timer material that contravenes the local Bio Security requirements will be directed for fumigation.
To avoid the additional costs and delays in obtaining cargo, we suggest all cargo should only be loaded on treated timber or plastic pallets. Below is the international mark authorised for all treated timber pallets and packaging material, it is essential this trademark be clearly visible:
