CONFERENCE WEBSITE LAUNCH

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Stevedore Fee Hikes Undermine Voluntary Guidelines

Major container stevedores – Patrick, DP World, Flinders and VICT – have announced further increases to terminal access and ancillary charges across Australian ports, effective 1 January 2026.

While the 60-day notice aligns with the National Voluntary Guidelines for Landside Charges, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been proactive in communicating to regulators (and via the below media links) the failure of the scheme resulting in increases – mostly 5% to 15% and up to 45+% at DP World Fremantle.

FTA and APSA are calling for stronger regulatory intervention and removal of foreign-owned shipping line exemptions from Australian competition law, ahead of the ACCC's 2024-25 Container Stevedore Monitoring Report.

Airport Master Plans Open for Consultation

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been invited to provide feedback on three major airport planning documents currently open for public consultation. With Australia's aviation and logistics sectors evolving rapidly, these consultations present an important opportunity to ensure that freight and supply chain priorities are fully represented in airport planning. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

DCN - Paying more, getting less: Australia's ports under the microscope

directly contradicts the intent of the Voluntary Pricing Protocols (VPP). This is why the call for stronger regulation continues to grow. The industry isn't asking for intervention for its own sake, it's asking for fairness, transparency, and a clear link between cost increases and measurable efficiency outcomes. Price hikes should be justified by performance improvements, not simply passed through as routine business practice.READ MORE
(pic credit doublelee / Shutterstock / DCN)

DCN - From Chaos to Continuity

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FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

Even more impressive was hearing about C.H. Robinson's in-house mentoring program, guiding junior customs staff all the way through to mock interviews. Six team members have already earned their Customs Brokers Licence this year — proof that investing in people pays off!

Earlier this week John Park, Head of Business Operations - FTA | APSA met up with two FTA members to see how both global events and local service issues are impacting their clients. Transitainer WA are seeing strong growth in their field however delays with certain DAFF appointments, mainly east coast, are impacting clearances. A big congrats to you also on your 2nd Women in Logistics lunch coming up this Friday November 7.

KTL Australia Hosts Gala Dinner Celebrating Nearly Two Decades of Excellence in Logistics in Australia – Celebrating Cultural Connections.

Sal Milici, General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA | APSA was recently privileged to attend a gala dinner held by KTL Australia Pty Ltd gala dinner at the iconic Eureka Tower in Melbourne to celebrate their 17 years of business in Australia. Sal said it was great to connect with new faces and catch up with familiar ones against such a stunning backdrop.

A big thank you to the entire KTL Australia team for hosting and for the invitation — especially MATT ERYUREK , Makaela Cramp, and Rick Tankir for putting together such a well-run and genuinely enjoyable night.

Read full media release and pics from KTL HERE

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

Join Patrick Seares, Westport's Managing Director, for an update on the future of Western Australia's container port and what it means for the freight and container transport sector.

Monthly Shipping Report

Join Tom Jensen and Amanda Bradfield for our third session as we break down the FTA Monthly Shipping Report – October 2025,

What Forwarding & Customs Technology Would Look Like
If It Was Built Around You

Join John Park in conversation with Yojee CEO Mark Connell and CRO Shane D'Aprile as they unpack what modern freight forwarders and customs brokers actually need from their systems today across operations, management and I.T.

2025 Industry Awards Nights - Recognising Excellence 

DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards - Thursday 20 November, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - Tickets HERE

ASCLA Awards Gala Dinner - Friday 14 November, Melbourne Town Hall - Tickets HERE Registrations close this Friday 7 November.

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

MANDATORY ABF CPD MODULE
 
FTA has received confirmation from the Australian Border Force that the Mandatory ABF Module for the customs broker licensing period ending 31 March 2026 will be scheduled in January 2026 and will need to be completed by 31 March 2026. The Department will publish an ACN closer to the date with further details.

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LOGISTICS

Port of Fremantle Supply Chain Awareness Workshop

CTAA's Port of Fremantle Supply Chain Awareness Workshop delivers a greater understanding of how container logistics chain works in practice, through an interactive Workshop and associated Port logistics facilities tour. Whether you are a seasoned industry participant or at entry level, there will be something for you REGISTER HERE

WA government hails research findings for Kwinana box port

and an open breakwater design to reduce impacts on ocean currents which support snapper spawning.  READ MORE (story/ pic credit DCN)

Victorian container transporters prepare to recoup tunnel tolls

container transport operations to and from the Port of Melbourne will increase by about 13 per cent, and up to 30 per cent, compared to the current market driven base container road cartage rates. READ MORE (story/ pic credit ATN  magazine)

Contact John Park to feature your organisation or service in an upcoming edition - prospectus HERE

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Veritas offers a comprehensive solution for customs depots and warehouse license holders to meet their WADSIC compliance obligations. By using a dedicated WADSIC portal, authorised representatives can effectively manage their personnel as prescribed in both ACN 2022/46 and ACN 2024/21.READ MORE

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SEA FREIGHT

Gladstone seeks terminal interest

a premier location for scalable marine and landside infrastructure, GPC says. The site benefits from deepwater access, a sheltered harbour, and direct connections to national road and rail freight networks.READ MORE ( story and pic credit DCN)

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AIR FREIGHT

First jet lands at Western Sydney Airport

According to airport management, the new airport freight hub is expected to increase Sydney's air cargo capacity by around 33 per cent upon opening and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road and proximity to growing freight and logistics centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.  READ MORE (story/pic credit DCN)

Qantas - Festive season operating hours

During the festive season, our terminals may have slightly different operating hours. So before you arrive at the terminal, we recommend you check our lodgement and collection hours to see when we're open. Some terminals will be closed on public holidays. READ MORE

NB: During this holiday period, we're offering free storage on Christmas Day and New Year's Day in our international terminals. 

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

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BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by WiseTech Academy

BORDER

New Chair appointed to the National Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Committee (NCBLAC)

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has announced the appointment of Ms Rosemary Martin GAICD as the new independent Chair of the National Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Committee (NCBLAC). Ms Martin commenced in the role on 20 October 2025 and has already presided over a number of matters. READ MORE

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TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 4th November 2025

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 4th November 2025

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

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

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