According to the director of the Freight and Trade Alliance, Paul Zalai, facilities nominated by shipping lines for the return of empty containers have adopted a cost recovery model.
"Transport operators must return and collect containers to facilities contracted to the shipping line and must pay an access fee with no ability to influence service or price. These empty-container parks are also experiencing happy days with their 'money tap' generating increases as high as 60%," he said.
Mr Zalai estimated the cost of this charging regime alone, across all Australian stevedores and empty-container parks, is costing more A$850m a year.
Strikes at DPW ports across Australia exacerbating empty box shortage - The Loadstar