This time its Hutchison Ports Brisbane with an "Infrastructure Levy Revision" increasing the rate from $33.10 to $50 + GST for laden containers – effective from the 19 August 2019.

In a notification disseminated on Saturday 6 July 2019, Hutchison thanked customers for their acceptance of the levy increase and continued support.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) can assure members this cost recovery methodology is neither accepted or supported, nor are we are aware of any level of industry engagement in the lead up to this announcement.

While there is no suggestion of collusion [Hutchison is still significantly cheaper in Brisbane than Patrick ($71.50) and DP World Australia ($65.15)], stevedores are conveniently sequencing a rapid series of national increases in infrastructure surcharges – a complete list of infrastructure surcharges are listed HERE (FTA/APSA MEMBER LOGIN REQUIRED).

FTA and APSA are continuing advocacy with relevant state governments, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and federal departments in search of regulatory intervention.

Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA

Stevedores turn on the “money tap” … again !