OUR EXPANDING ALLIANCE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Forwarders critical of IATA changes to Direct AWB framework: 
FTA / APSA Meet with FIATA Executive  

FTA/APSA has continued high-level international engagement on IATA's scheduled changes to Direct Air Waybill arrangements, meeting with FIATA Director-General Stéphane Graber and Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs Andrea Tang to convey the strong concerns raised by Australian members.

The engagement focused on the potential misalignment between liability, operational control and insurable risk, particularly where freight forwarders act as agents under DAWB arrangements.
Under the changes to the DAWB framework, freight forwarders could become liable for the shipment even when they are acting as a shipper's agent and are not the named shipper on the air waybill.

FTA/APSA has formally supported FIATA's call for a review through the IATA–FIATA Consultative Council process and will continue working with FIATA, the Global Shippers Forum and other global stakeholders to ensure both freight forwarder and shipper interests are properly represented. 
READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

Tom Jensen said is was great to co-host last week's Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) QLD Border Compliance Program alongside Paul Zalai at the Brisbane Airport Convention Centre.

A strong turnout and excellent engagement already for Session 1 covering biosecurity reforms, HCI developments and evolving border compliance obligations impacting our sector.

These events are so important in helping industry stay informed, connected and prepared in an environment where regulatory change never seems to slow down. There's enormous value in getting government, industry and service providers all in the same room having practical discussions about real-world challenges.

planning, and workforce development to ensure the west continues to thrive as a genuine economic powerhouse for Melbourne. SEE MORE

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

Effective this year, the CBC activity includes both the learning and assessment component, which will only be delivered through the department's education and training platform, Learnhub.

All accredited persons must complete the CBC activity by Thursday, 23 July 2026.

Further details are available HERE

The face to face Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) 2026 CPD Border Compliance Program brought together customs brokers, regulators, presenters, sponsors and industry colleagues across six national events.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed throughout the series.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

Understanding the Australia–EU FTA: What Customs Brokers and Forwarders Need to Know

Join us for a webinar presented by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), providing a practical overview of the goods market access outcomes under AEUFTA — including tariff elimination, tariff rate quotas and what these changes mean in real terms for trade with the European Union.

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights

Join us as we break down the latest FTA/APSA Shipping Report - May 2026

Australian Sanctions Laws – Compliance, Risk and Resilience

Join us for an exclusive webinar presented by the Australian Sanctions Office (ASO), providing a practical overview of Australia's sanctions framework and its direct impact on customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers operating at the frontline of international trade.

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

LOGISTICS

Victoria International Container Terminal were among a list of high profile winners at the 2026 ALC Supply Chain and Logistics Business Awards

Congratulations to Victoria International Container Terminal for being awarded the Supply Chain Productivity Partnership Award at the recent ALC Supply Chain and Logistics Business Awards . The award was presented for demonstrating how technology, infrastructure investment and commercial partnerships can support safer, smarter and more productive terminal operations.

Port of Melbourne recently participated in the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Melbourne Press Club's State Budget Lunch, where Saul Cannon, CEO highlighted the importance of clear economic strategy, disciplined investment, and strong partnerships between government and business.

This focus is reflected in Port of Melbourne's own progress, reinforcing the critical role of effective government–industry collaboration in driving sustainable, long-term economic growth.
READ MORE

Charter Hall is proud to partner with Western Sydney International Airport to deliver WSI Business Precinct Stage One.

Be a part of the changing shape of Sydney's fastest growing region, and take your place on Western Sydney International Airport READ MORE 

Port of Mackay Container Depot hits a major milestone

Central Queensland's logistics companies involved in mining, manufacturing and agriculture industries will be cheering this week with concrete proof that the Port of Mackay Container Depot is one step closer to completion.

With the groundworks well underway, this week marks the first pour of concrete for the site's hardstand space – an area that is expected to eventually cater for up to 7,000 TEUs per annum. The 1.3 hectare facility is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience, improve turnaround times and lower logistics costs for Central Queensland industries. READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

Port Authority website draws 1.8 million visits

New data shows Port Authority of NSW's 12-month-old website has delivered faster access to critical port and safety information, with users racking up 2.5 million page views and 1.8 million visits as demand grows for shipping, cruise and safety information. 
 

Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said its website is a core operational and public information channel, relied on daily by mariners, port users, government agencies, cruise passengers and communities living near busy working ports.  

READ MORE

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

PART X Competition & Consumer Act

One in three containers shipped today is empty, up from one in four before the pandemic

Trade imbalances have pushed the share of empty container shipments to record levels, with one in every three containers now moved without cargo – a sharp deterioration from one in four before the pandemic, according to new analysis from Danish consultancy Sea-Intelligence.
READ MORE (story credit Splash247.com)

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AIR FREIGHT

Mainfreight officially opens Australian air and perishables facility

the airport precinct off Airport Drive and close to major airfreight terminals. READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

US forwarders hit out at plans to cut customs operations

US airforwarders, airlines and supply chain organisations have warned that moves to reduce Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at US ports of entry could create disruption to time-critical supply chains.

Reports suggest that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering reducing or halting CBP  processing of international flights at sanctuary cities, which are places that have banned or limited local police from cooperating with federal immigration.
READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)

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

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BIOSECURITY

Please click  HERE   the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Tutt Bryant Quarantine Services

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TRADE

FTA have added the Xe exchange rate widget to the right sidebar on our FTAlliance.com.au home page, so members can easily convert using live rates provided by our affiliate partner in Xe.

It also has a link to the Xe/FTA landing page for members to create a free account with Xe.

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 2nd June 2026

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

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Notices:

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 2nd June 2026

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

BORDER

ABF seizes 34kg of cocaine concealed in RORO cargo

The Australian Border Force has seized 34kg cocaine concealed within a luxury bus in Fremantle, Western Australia. ABF officers examined a roll-on/roll-off vessel (known as a RORO) on Wednesday 6 May 2026, using a combination of targeted intelligence, physical search, detector dogs and advanced technology.

During the inspection, officers located approximately 30 packages concealed in the roof cavity of a bus.Presumptive testing returned a positive result for cocaine, with an estimated weight of 34kg. READ MORE (story credit ABF newsroom)

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