CTAA eNews - Latest Container Logistics News

CTAA eNews - 6th February 2017

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This CTAA eNews is sponsored by leading mobile & integrated compliance solutions provider
Transtech

National Payment Times & Practices Inquiry - Have Your Say!

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is conducting an inquiry into payment times and practices in Australia.

In part, the Inquiry was prompted by the fall-out from the now abolished Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) Contract Driver Minimum Payments Order.

Ahead of the Inquiry, the ASBFEO is conducting an On-Line Survey. The purpose of the survey is to understand experiences with late payments as well as trends and the effects these have on small business.

Research shows that smaller businesses struggle with the payment practices of bigger businesses pushing out to over 90 days (and beyond) - read a Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) article on this below.

Participate in ASBFEO Payments On-Line Survey

ASBFEO Payment Time and Practices Inquiry - Terms of Reference

SMH - Big Business Needs to Pay Small Business On Time

Passing on Massive Toll Hikes in Melbourne

CTAA Alliance companies in Melbourne met on 1st February to discuss the massive increases in heavy vehicle tolls on the CityLink network due to commence on 1 April 2017.

Few operators can afford to absorb these increases commercially, many indicating that they will be passing them onto customers through a "toll surcharge" to be implemented on customers' invoices.

CTAA has prepared a Notice to assist transport operators to explain the reasons for the "toll surcharge" to customers (available to CTAA Alliance companies only).

The Age has covered the story - click below:

The Age - "Consumers Will Pay More When CityLink Truck Tolls Soar"

CTAA Media Release: Toll Surcharge

CTAA Toll Surcharge Notice - Request a Copy (CTAA Subscribers)

Container Detention Update

Last week, our colleagues at Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) had a good "win" in seeking the withdrawal of a CMA-CGM policy to levy container detention for "Hazardous Containers" after 4 days for imports and 15 days for exports.

We understand that CMA-CGM has reverted to the standard dry tariff of 7 days for imports and 18 days for exports. But, the Notice to Clients hasn't been removed yet from the CMA-CGM Australia website - see: Here

Be careful with this one and advise your import clients accordingly!

A separate concern has been raised by CTAA Alliance companies in Brisbane where Maresk has been attempting to charge container detention for empty containers returned to Patrick CargoLink.

One CTAA Alliance company reports having to deal with 10 to 15 of these "claims" for detention per month, even though a simple check by the shipping line with their service provider would demonstrate that the container(s) have been returned within "free time". Extra administrative effort & costs arising from this continue to erode slim margins.

Experiencing similar issues? We want to hear from you - click on the link below:

Container Detention Issues - Feedback Here

Electronic Fleet Registration System (EFRS) to Close

VicRoads is closing its Electronic Fleet Registration System (EFRS) this month. But, is it's replacement - myVicRoads Business Account - ready, and will it have inferior functionality for fleet operators?

CTAA has investigated and is writing to VicRoads about transport operator concerns:

VicRoads EFRS to Close - What's Happening? - Click Here

Moorebank Intermodal Terminal -
Financial Close

The Sydney Intermodal Terminal Alliance (SIMTA - owned by Qube Holdings) and the government-owned Moorebank Intermodal Company (MIC) have reached financial close on the development of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal site in south-west Sydney.

Qube will develop and operate the open access freight terminal and warehousing precinct under a 99-year lease on the combined Commonwealth and Qube owned sites. Stage 1 of the project, which received planning approval in December 2016 and is scheduled to open in 2018, will see the construction of the IMEX terminal with initial capacity of 250,000 TEU, rail links to the Southern Sydney Freight Line, and container processing areas.

The eventual annual throughput IMEX capacity is estimated to be 1.05 million TEU, an interstate rail terminal with capacity for 500,000 TEU. and 850,000 sqm of integrated warehousing when fully developed.

Qube Holdings Managing Director, Maurice James, has described the project as "a game changer that will deliver huge long term benefits to both business and consumers."

Qube / Moorebank Intermodal Company ASX Announcement

CTAA's Alliance Partner, Transtech (a division of Teletrac Navman), has embarked on a ground-breaking trial of real-time heavy vehicle route adherence using its SmartNav technology.

Read More: Here

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