Patrick Terminals have implemented their "Pondus" weighing solution devised to help drive safety across the supply chain from transport companies to terminal operators and to vessels.
The new weighing solution is assisting to identify mis-declared weights by statistically sampling containers for weighing and then automatically notifying customers of weight discrepancies (+/- 1t) allowing parties to better meet their SOLAS and road transport Chain of Responsibility obligations – further background detail is available HERE
Following implementation in Brisbane during April 2021, Patrick Terminals have indicated that they will progressively deploy this solution at other container terminals with a commitment to provide industry with adequate notice prior to commencement.
In this context, on Monday 2 August 2021, Patrick announced that a Weight Amendment Fee will be introduced at East Swanson Dock effective from 4 October 2021 – refer HERE
Notably, this timeframe complies with the necessary with the Victorian Voluntary Pricing Protocol for stevedore landside charges.
Under the Voluntary Pricing Protocol the terminal is required to provide industry with 60 days' notice of intent to change charges which includes detailed justification. A final notice to industry 30 days' in advance of the introduction of the new charge summarising any industry feedback received is anticipated by 4 September 2021.
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) engaged with Freight Victoria yesterday (4 August 2021) indicating that we will make a formal submission incorporating member feedback.
To share your views for incorporation into the FTA/APSA submission, please contact me direct at avinson@FTAlliance.com.au
Tony Vinson - Head of International Freight & Logistics – FTA/APSA