ARROW BECOMES ONE OF ONLY THREE MANNED QUARANTINE DEPOTS IN MELBOURNE 'JUST IN TIME FOR STINK BUG SEASON' Arrow Transport and Quarantine Services, the fifth largest container transport operator in the Port of Melbourne, has announced that it has been given approval by the Australian Department of Agriculture (DOA) to become the third manned Quarantine depot in the Port of Melbourne. This approval will enable Arrow to provide the industry with a genuine increase in Quarantine capacity, at a crucial time. With the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season due to officially commence on 1st September 2019 and continue through to April 2020, the industry has been very concerned with Quarantine capacity in Victoria. At a time when manned Quarantine depots are already at capacity, Arrow's main depot will significantly help to address industry concerns. Arrow, in conjunction with the DOA, will have two Quarantine Officers at their site in Toll Drive Altona North, from 7am to 3pm every weekday. This new arrangement will commence from Monday 2nd September 2019, with Arrow taking pre-bookings for this service now. Arrow will also be the only manned depot outside the Port of Melbourne precinct. This will provide transport operators and importers from both metro and country Victoria, increased flexibility for Quarantine services than is currently available. This will enable a significant reduction in turnaround times and increased booking availability. Arrow and the DOA aim to ensure that this Quarantine service is used to its full capacity. The DOA have a limited number of qualified and experienced inspectors, and both Arrow and the DOA want to ensure that inspectors are kept busy during this crucial phase of Quarantine activity over the next few months. The Industry is strongly encouraged to support this new manned depot & highlight the need for Quarantine servicing within the state of Victoria. The DOA are anticipating the success of this new collaboration so that future reassignment of inspectors and Quarantine capacity won't be lost to the industry in Melbourne. Craig Webster, Managing Director of Arrow believes that, 'industry needs to come together with a 'use it or lose it' mindset to ensure Arrow's new Manned Depot status is pushed to capacity in support of DOA's recognition of capacity issues through prior arrangements." With BMSB season expected to drastically increase inspection and fumigation numbers at the Port of Melbourne, this additional capacity will allow industry a viable method to absorb the load and provide the highest possible level of service. This use of this service will result in minimum delay and disruption to import and export clients, or their nominated carrier. Arrow's manned depot will provide the full range of Quarantine services - rural tailgate, inspect/unpack, fumigation and machinery wash - every weekday from 7am to 3pm each weekday and by arrangement on weekends. The facility is open to anyone requiring Quarantine services, whether you are an existing Arrow client or not, as well as to all metro and country container transport operators. Arrow's manned Quarantine depot is located at 96-108 Toll Drive, Altona North. Bookings and enquiries can be made by calling 1300 277 698 (ARROWTL) or by email to operations@arrowtl.com.au.
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