Vessel delays from Asia:
Severe weather events, including typhoons, the recent earthquake off the Russian east coast and general port congestion is leading to vessel scheduling being severely disrupted from China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan at present, with most sailings being delayed at load ports in these countries.
The irregular scheduling to Australia implemented by some shipping lines over the past 6-8 weeks following deployment of some vessels from the Australian trade to the US trade has also added to delays in shipments from these areas, it is hoped we will see the return of some vessels to the trade in coming weeks and that the traditional weekly services will again be available from main load ports.
GPSM Customer Service staff are closely monitoring all shipment movements at present, that job being more difficult when local shipping lines in Australia are often unable to give reasons for vessel delays or to have the latest scheduling on hand.
Trucking Charges:
As a trucking operator, we have been seeing all operating costs increasing almost every month including vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, spare parts and tyres. Wages have also increased and the cost of replacement vehicles and trailers has seen some dramatic cost increases.
Our trucking rates have remained stagnant for the past 3-4 years despite all the above increases and we have seen annual rate rises applied by other Sydney and interstate based truckers during this period. For us to continue to provide a premium daily delivery service for air and FCL/LCL sea shipments for all clients, we find it necessary to increase our trucking costs from 15th August, 2025.
An average increase of around 3.33% will be implemented on airfreight and LCL services from the above date. A flat fee of $ 15.00 per 20ft container and $ 25.00 per 40ft container (approximately 3.33%) will be implemented for all FCL movements effective from 1st September, 2025.
We trust you understand this action is necessary for us to remain both competitive and viable and to provide all clients with a regular and above average service level.
Tollway Charges:
Tollway charges are increased by operators in line with indexation every 6 months in NSW, VIC and QLD. GPSM have not increased our toll charges in some 4-5 years (up to 7 years in some cases) as we have tried to support our clients whenever and wherever it is possible.
A recent toll audit revealed that we need to increase these out of pocket expenses on air and LCL shipments with effect from 15th August 2025. The overall increase to clients is minimal ($ 2.00) but will allow us to continue to operate efficiently and effectively moving forward.