Author: GPSM

DP World Brisbane Terminal Closure

DP World have announced they have closed their Brisbane terminal due to critical power infrastructure to four of the Automated Stacking Cranes that have been damaged during civil works, resulting in power disruption and significant delays to container movements.

Their teams are implementing back-up power solutions as quickly as possible, with refrigerated containers prioritised to ensure the continued protection of temperature-sensitive cargo. In parallel, they are activating a manual handling plan for container moves where safe and possible to keep operations moving.

An early estimation is that they expect the impacts of this outage to extend for 48 hours. DPW have shared this early estimate to give all parties the best opportunity to plan around the disruption, and they appreciate this may require adjustments to your own operations.

The GPSM Transport Team will keep any affected clients updated with details that may impact their deliveries.

Shipping Charcoal in Containers? New IMO Rules Coming in 2025

Charcoal has been linked to several serious fires on container vessels—mainly because it hasn’t always been declared correctly or handled safely. To reduce the risk, the IMO is updating the IMDG Code, and new rules will apply from 2025.

Here’s what shippers need to know:

1. Charcoal Must Be Declared as Dangerous Goods

From 2025, all charcoal must be treated as Dangerous Goods.

No exceptions, no exemptions — Special Provisions 925 and 223 are gone, and a new provision, SP 978, now applies.

This means more detailed documentation and stricter compliance.

2. Mandatory Treatment Before Packing

Before charcoal can be packed, it must go through:

  • A weathering process after production, or
  • A specific treatment after pyrolysis

Unless an alternative method has been officially approved by the competent authority.

3. Temperature Limits

On the day it’s packed, the charcoal must be 40°C or below.

Packaging requirements have also been updated, and loose/bulk charcoal in containers is still banned.

4. New Stowage Rules Inside Containers

A few key spacing rules now apply:

  • Leave 30 cm clearance between the cargo and the top of the container.
  • Two stowage options:
    • Keep the stack height under 1.5 m, or
    • Use blocks up to 16 m³, with at least 15 cm between each block.

(Some carriers may have their own approval steps, so coordination is recommended.)

Shipments with Charcoal must be loaded into UN-approved and certified packaging and the requirements for marking, labelling and placarding of packages and containers apply. Partner lines and feeder operators might introduce this even earlier.

Shipping Update

LCL Booking Fees in Fremantle:

LCL depots in Fremantle have again increased booking fees with little notice, they have hiked fees to around $ 65.00 per booking. The new rate is well above all depots in other states and the increase offers no new benefits to truckers or importers/exporters. Unfortunately, GPSM will have to pass on these out of pocket costs to all clients effective from 17th November, 2025.

 

Qantas Brisbane Freight Terminal Delays:

Qantas have announced that their Brisbane Airport Freight terminal is experiencing delays in inbound services due to an equipment outage.

Retrieval and processing of inbound freight has been affected resulting in longer than usual delays for inbound cargo.

 

DP World Brisbane Terminal disruption:

DP World Terminal in Brisbane will be offline due to an IT outage from Noon until 4.00pm on Wednesday 12th November 2025.

All zones will be shut down during this period, clients affected with cancelled time slots and delayed deliveries will be contacted directly by the GPSM Transport Team.

 

Hutchinson Ports Sydney Terminal Closure:

Hutchinson Ports Sydney Terminal will be closed for a MUA stop work meeting from 10.00am until 3.00pm on Tuesday 25th November, 2025. All operations will cease and no time slots will be available during the above hours.

 

Major Changes to Melbourne Tollway Charges:

The West Gate Tunnel opening is fast approaching completion with opening expected in mid-December. At this time all heavy vehicles and trucks will incur tolls regardless if they use the new tunnel, the West Gate Bridge or the Hyde Street ramp.

This will be a major change for heavy vehicle operators and freight users, even if a truck does not use the tunnel, it will still be tolled on the freeway. Light vehicles, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles will still have the option of using the West Gate Bridge and upgraded freeway toll-free (except when accessing the tunnel or ramps).

For heavy commercial vehicles, the charge model is not optional based solely on tunnel use, the new rates are yet to be announced officially however the industry is predicting a two-way charge of approximately $ 80.00 per truck will be applied. We will advise further as soon as final details are released.

GPSM HONOURED WITH 2025 FAMILY BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you!

GPSM has been announced as the Winner of the Founder’s Family Business – NSW/ACT category at the 2025 Family Business Excellence Awards, presented by the Family Business Association (FBA).

This prestigious recognition celebrates family businesses that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and long-term commitment to their people and communities.

The judging panel highlighted GPSM’s growth from a proudly Australian-founded business into a nationally established company with an international client base — supported by our strategic acquisitions, innovative in-house technology (including our Communicater software), and strong family involvement across multiple generations.

This achievement reflects not only our team’s dedication but also the continued trust and support of our valued customers and partners.

Thank you for being part of our journey — we couldn’t have done it without you.

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