Current Peak Season Period:
The current Peak Season Period has seen far greater traffic volumes than in past years and space is at an all-time premium from all Asian origin ports. We have not seen this volume of traffic moving for quite some time so early booking is essential to ensure movement of containers prior to Christmas.
Despite the strong volumes, GPSM has been able to obtain space with a minimum of delay in departure. It should be noted that many China CIF shippers have been prepared to pay premium rate levels to ensure movement.
Adding to the problem is a huge backlog of containers transhipping through Singapore and Port Klang, there are currently extensive delays in both ports for all Australian traffic, the feeder vessels to Australian ports being unable to clear the backlog at this time.
Increased Port Charges:
Further to our earlier Newsletter on 15th September advising that QUBE LCL Container Depots had implemented a new Container Infrastructure Levy, the other main LCL depots have now also implemented the same surcharge effective from Monday 13th November 2017.
Some of the depots are charging a flat fee of AUD 30.00/shipment, others are billing a per cubic metre rate of up to AUD 10.00/metre. GPSM will bill all clients at cost.
GST on low value imported goods international business
From 1 July 2018, the Australian Tax Office is planning on implementing GST to sales of low value imported goods made to consumers in Australia. This applies to merchants that sell directly, and other entities like online marketplaces (electronic distribution platforms) and re-deliverers who sell to consumers in Australia.
This change affects physical goods valued at A$1,000 or less, items like clothing, cosmetics, books and electronic appliances. GST already applies to imported services and digital products.
The ATO is currently conducting a series of seminars throughout Australia, USA, UK, Belgium, and Hong Kong/China during November 2017 and we will advise further on this matter once more information comes to hand.
Sydney Tollway Charges
Tollway charges in Sydney have again been increased particularly on the M4 Western motorway and regrettably, GPSM will have no option but to add these tolls to the cartage charges for those affected clients. We are currently updating our web charges portal to reflect the increased costs.
Airfreight Prohibition on Electromechanical Devices.
The Australian Government has announced a restriction on the carriage of any electromechanical devices by air from Turkey, airlines will be prohibited from carrying any such devices weighing over one kilogram that has transited or originated in Turkey. This includes any device that incorporates an electric motor.
The restriction is a preventative security measure based on the understanding by Government of the risk and threat in Turkey and countries shipping goods via Turkey. Government have advised there is no information to hand to suggest that there is any specific threat for flights to/from Australia.