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Aurizon has signed CEVA Logistics, a global logistics leader, and NYK, one of the world's leading roll-on/roll-off shipping companies, as customers of its new vehicle logistics service.

The agreements expand rail transport of motor vehicles across Australia and advance Aurizon's landbridging strategy through the Port of Darwin. Vehicles are already moving via Aurizon's containerised freight network, ahead of auto wagon delivery from mid-FY2028.

International supply chains continue to navigate a period of heightened uncertainty, with several developments highlighted in this report demonstrating how quickly operating conditions can change. While trade activity remains resilient, cargo owners face growing pressure from elevated freight costs, deteriorating schedule reliability, geopolitical instability and weather-related disruption across key shipping networks.

Among the most significant developments is the increasing pressure on Asian shipping services. Successive typhoons have disrupted Chinese port operations, with vessel delays and congestion flowing through to major transhipment hubs, including Singapore. Intra-Asia freight rates have risen sharply, while South East Asia–Australia services face tightening capacity and higher pricing. Further rate restoration announcements and increasing blank sailings ahead of China's Golden Week are adding to uncertainty for Australian shippers.

At the same time, renewed hostilities in the Middle East continue to threaten reliable passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while fresh Houthi threats raise questions over the sustainability of returning Red Sea services. Separately, water constraints affecting the Panama Canal highlight the vulnerability of critical trade corridors to environmental pressures. Together, these developments reinforce the importance of contingency planning and routing flexibility.

The report also highlights worsening global schedule reliability, increased empty container repositioning and continuing equipment availability challenges for Australian exporters. Domestically, significant landside delays at DP World West Swanson demonstrate how vessel bunching and terminal capacity constraints can translate into additional costs and operational pressure. Air cargo markets remain comparatively stable, although higher fuel costs and constrained aircraft supply present ongoing risks.

For importers, exporters and logistics providers, the challenge increasingly lies in managing the combined impact of these disruptions. Close monitoring of carrier schedules, equipment availability, surcharges and cargo collection arrangements remains essential as businesses balance freight costs, inventory requirements and delivery commitments in an unpredictable operating environment.

For the full report, please click HERE (downloadable PDF)
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FTA / APSA Shipping Report - Edition 29 2026 Sponsored by Aurizon