FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

FTA and APSA have intensified advocacy in response to the renewed surge of conflict-related shipping surcharges impacting Australian exporters.

Following formal correspondence to the Prime Minister and a broad cross-section of government and opposition leaders outlining significant, unbudgeted cost pressures imposed by global shipping lines, FTA and APSA have escalated engagement with the Federal Treasurer, seeking inclusion of targeted, short-term financial relief for exporters in the upcoming Federal Budget.

This advocacy highlights both the immediate need for financial assistance to offset emergency surcharges and the importance of longer-term regulatory reform to improve transparency, fairness and balance in carrier–shipper relationships.

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

DCN - FTA makes border, biosecurity & logistics appointment

Fines, Duties & Uncollected Cargo - 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series

Join James Cotis, John Thomson, and Karim Bizri for the fourth session of the 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series, focusing on Fines, Duties, and Uncollected Cargo. This session will provide practical guidance on managing financial and operational risks in freight forwarding and supply chain operations. 

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights

Join us for our eighth session as we break down the FTA Monthly Shipping Report – April 2026

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights

Join us for our eighth session as we break down the FTA Monthly Shipping Report – May 2026

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

Notices:

LOGISTICS

Just a reminder that Anzac Day this year falls on Saturday 25th April, However in NSW and WA they have opted to take Monday 27th April as an extra holiday - Stevedores may have adjusted hours and most empty container parks will be closed. We recommend members monitor notices from OneStop and Cargowise VBS alerts

Operational Notice – Simblist Road Works and Access Changes at Port Botany 

NSW Ports have engaged Northshore Paving to complete the Simblist Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project; a deep pavement reconstruction on Simblist Road in the main southbound incoming lane leading into the port area - from the intersection of Bumborah Point Road through to Gate B60 (stage 2 works).

To enable port traffic to continue passing by the construction area for the duration of the project and create a safe work zone, a vehicle contraflow arrangement will first be constructed from Bumborah Point Road (Stage 1 works) by removing a section of the median of the road
READ MORE

DP WORLD (PORT BOTANY) - MUA Authorised Stop Work Meeting - Friday 1 May 2026

An authorised MUA stop work meeting will be held in DP World Port Botany from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on Friday, 1 May 2026.

All terminal operations will cease during this period. - Please contact CCT Schedule if you require any further information.

Email: CCT.Schedule@dpworld.com.au  Phone: +612 9394 0131

The NSW Government, together with the Australian Government, is responding to ongoing issues and preparing for a range of fuel disruption scenarios linked to the conflict in the Middle East. 

They encourage everyone to stay informed so have prepared an updated online communication toolkit to help you share important fuel security information. READ MORE

How fuel cost recovery rules will reshape freight payments

Australia's road transport sector is entering a new regulatory phase, with the Fair Work Commission introducing a fuel cost recovery order that sets minimum standards for managing fuel costs across freight contractual chains.\

Rather than acting as a direct subsidy or price control, the fuel cost recovery order establishes a framework to ensure that increases in fuel costs are addressed through structured contractual mechanisms. READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

Burnie berth fix underway

Tasmania's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent said the remediation investment reinforced the importance of Burnie as a critical enabler of Tasmania's economy. "The Port of Burnie plays a central role in how goods move in and out of Tasmania, handling around 45% of the state's containerised freight," Mr Vincent said. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

This month's insights highlight how digital tools are reshaping risk, efficiency, and assurance across the transport and logistics sector. We explore how digital site induction is helping ports and terminals improve safety, reduce congestion, and support sustainability, alongside an examination of load boards and the growing need for careful information control, governance, and training to balance operational efficiency with security risk. We also reflect on the 10th iteration of the TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards highlighting how operational insight is driving safer, more resilient outcomes across the supply chain. READ MORE

MEDLOG Oceania completes strategic acquisition of freight forwarder

Transport and logistics provider MEDLOG Oceania has announced a strategic acquisition of a fellow global freight forwarding service.

MEDLOG's regional intermodal network strengthening sees it acquire Seaway's intermodal business. READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

Container hardstand storage running out for operators

THE PRESSURE is on to find land for container-rated hardstands in the east coast's major cities, with the availability of industrial-zoned land in Sydney now under 8%. With infrastructure such as data centres "starting to take up a lot of industrial space", property owners looking to get the best return on investment for their land meant a container-rated hardstand may not be prioritised as an option.

Container Transport Alliance Australia director Neil Chambers said operators in Sydney and Melbourne faced "the same problem". READ MORE ( story credit DCN)

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

MSC hits 1,000 boxships

In another milestone along its sensational growth path, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) has become the first container carrier in the world to operate 1,000 ships, according to Asian container shipping consultancy Linerlytica.

The delivery this month of the 11,480 teu MSC Migsan from China's Zhoushan Changhong shipyard brought about the four-digit world-first for container shipping.  READ MORE (story credit SPLASH)

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

Qantas Freight - Updates to international billing processes - Removal of PreCass

From the first international billing cycle in May 2026, Qantas Freight will discontinue the PreCASS process for Australia-based agents. As billing accuracy has improved significantly over recent years, PreCASS is no longer required and its removal aligns with standard international billing practice.PreCASS files will continue to be issued through to the end of April 2026. READ MORE

Brisbane Airport - Brisbane demand takes off as Malaysia Airlines add extra services

Please refer the Qantas Freight website for updates on operational matters. 

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Luckens Fumigation Services

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 21st April 2026

National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources  

LOGIN REQUIRED

Expert team assembles to support Aussie exporters

A TEAM of "highly skilled trade and logistics experts" has been assembled to help Australian exporters combat significant shipping and cargo disruptions from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Commonwealth Government says.

The government's Trade Resilience Service is to deliver "practical, real-time logistics advice" to help businesses and exporters get their goods through the Middle East, or find alternative markets.

The service is to be delivered by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and is to ensure exporters continue to get their goods moving into international markets.

READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Notices:

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 21st April 2026

FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources 

BORDER

Brokers key to preventing ciggie piggybacking, says FTA

In a joint formal submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, the FTA said they would  like to see customs brokers, as Australian Border Force license holders, held in a "privileged position' by the ABF for reporting suspicious imports.
READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Notices:

WEBINARS & RECORDINGS

Stay at the cutting edge through participation in live webinars and access to recordings – all are FREE & EXCLUSIVE to Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members.     LOGIN REQUIRED

Operational Support
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send requests for operational support to support@FTAlliance.com.au

Training, Finance & Events Enquiries
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send training, finance, events and general administration enquiries to Training@FTAlliance.com.au

To select your communication preferences please click on "Update Subscription Preferences" at the bottom of any FTA notice -  READ MORE

SPONSORS

FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.

Sponsorship prospectus is available HERE