Business News - Shippers, truckers claim port fee logjam

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) note recent public commentary following the announcement that Fremantle Ports will increase charges from 1 October 2025.

While investment in port infrastructure is important, the increases come amid ongoing pressures across the supply chain. Landside operators continue to face rising terminal access charges imposed by stevedores and container park operators, fees that are not subject to regulatory oversight and are routinely passed on to importers and exporters.

As noted by Amanda Bradfield, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Head of International Freight & Logistics:
"Terminal access charges and empty container park fees are a double whammy for trucking operators – ultimately adding cost to the end user."

Amanda Bradfield also provided commentary on this subject to Business News which can be found here.

FTA / APSA supports calls for greater transparency and oversight of port-related charges and continues to raise these concerns directly with federal government ahead of the upcoming Productivity Roundtable.