Port Botany - temporary / dedicated truck queuing areas

Further to our advice issued on 30 December, 2020 (Empty Container Management - Year End Update) there appears to have been little relief for transport operators in trying to de-hire empty containers in Sydney and increasingly in Melbourne.

Information from members re the situation in Melbourne is that a number of parks are close too, if not at, maximum capacity and others have issues with truck queuing resulting in some transport operators receiving fines. Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) also understand that port congestion is increasing due to many vessels still "off window" creating delays in obtaining a berth.

NSW Ports has also just released a guide for truck queues. " NSW Ports has decided to take action to address this issue by introducing additional temporary dedicated truck queuing areas where it is safe to do so". FTA  will seek further information on the guide as well as updates from the Empty Container Park Working Group (ECWG) when it meets later this week.

FTA also suggest that members consider attending the FREE webinar to be held on Thursday, January 21 with Russell Wiese from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - Container detention when it is impossible to return empties