FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2026/03 - sponsored by Capital Trade Credit Solutions

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

FTA / APSA WEEKLY REPORT 2026/03
i
JOIN THE ALLIANCE
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK


Capital Trade Credit Solutions is a specialist Trade Credit Insurance Broker.

We ensure that your receivables are protected in case you don't get paid due to insolvency or protracted default.
Allowing you to grow with certainty

Capitaltcs.com.au
VALE NOTICE
Barry Rogers

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Barry Wilton Rogers, who passed away on 1 August 2025. Barry founded Barry Rogers & Co in 1984 which evolved into BR Logistics under the Directorship of Aaron Poole and Michael Bourne - a tribute to Barry from Aaron is available HERE
WEBINAR - DECEMBER 2025 GOODS COMPLIANCE UPDATE
FREE & EXCLUSIVE TO FTA/APSA MEMBERS

Russell Wiese of CGT Law will address key takeaways from the December 2025 Goods Compliance Update including: 
  • the use of anti-dumping exemption codes;
  • transaction based money laundering;
  • the voluntary disclosure program;
  • customs broker licensing; and
  • compliance program results
CPD POINTS: This session has been accredited for 3 customs broker CPD Points in Stream A (FTA201) - please note you MUST complete the online assessment to receive these points. Register HERE

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

MANDATORY ABF CPD MODULE
 

The Australian Border Force's Mandatory ABF CPD Module for the customs broker licensing period ending 31 March 2026 went live on 1 January 2026 and must be completed by 31 March 2026.

 
An email was sent from platform host to all customs brokers requesting them to reactive their profile. The email was sent from the @australianborderforce.birchdlp.com domain name.
 
You can click on "Reset link" provided in this email OR you can go directly to the ABF Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) training portal site via 
https://australianborderforce.birchlp.com.au/ and sign in using forgot password.
 

For further instructions once successfully logged in, please refer HERE 

For further ABF platform assistance please contact broker licensing directly on brokers.licensing@abf.gov.au

You should download your ABF Certificate of Completion and keep as a record. This course will NOT appear on your FTA CPD Attainment Statement. This module will provide you with 3 CPD points in Stream B towards you required total of 30 CPD points for the period. Maximum 9 CPD points in Stream B should be completed on our MYFTACPD training platform.
 
MANDATORY CBC ACTIVITY

IMPORTANT UPDATE
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) have advised there will be NO  Mandatory CBC Activity or assessment for the period ending 31 March 2026. Refer HERE

2025-2026 FTA ONLINE CPD & CBC TRAINING PACKAGES


Are you organised for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training?

FTA offers online training for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. gst) for member organisations bulk discounts are available on a sliding scale. 

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD training for the cost of only $300 (excl. gst) per customs broker licensing period.

Please email Caroline at czalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to organise a package.
Free Training & Education for FTA's Small Business Members

Business.gov.au has released a suite of five free education and training resources for small businesses, led by TAFE NSW's AI Skills for Business courses from the National AI Centre.

The courses cover AI foundations, applying generative AI in business contexts, and implementing responsible AI practices.
The broader package also includes the Cyber Wardens program (practical cyber security for small businesses), the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program (language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills), the ATO's Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Business (tax, cash flow and growth planning), and the Fair Work Ombudsman's online learning centre (workplace rights and compliance).

A solid, no-cost upskilling opportunity for FTA's small businesses looking to sharpen digital, legal and operational capability in 2026.
Read more here.

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

SENATE COMMITTEE - FREIGHT SUPPLY CHAINS


Picking up on themes from correspondence to the Federal Treasurer on 20 June 2025, FTA / APSA will be preparing a formal submission to the committee. FTA and APSA have made preliminary contact with prominent committee members and will be following up with in-person meetings in Canberra next month - Supporting this approach, we would value member feedback for inclusion in the FTA / APSA submission to Amanda Bradfield  by Friday 6 February 2026READ MORE

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

The Countryman - Strategies for bridge closure

Australia's freight industry is rallying to keep supply chains moving as the closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge looms.

Freight and Trade Alliance head of business operations John Park has been appointed to chair the group, saying it has been told "loud and clear" by the WA Government it is up to industry to "find solutions".

Mr Park said "It is up to industry to find solutions that lessen likely impacts of congestion on freight costs and delays,"  READ MORE
(picture (John Park - Head of Business Opertaions - FTA | APSA, Cam Dumesny - CEO - Western Roads Federation, Amanda Bradfield - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA | APSA. Lisa Baker - General Manager - BOXX Logistics, Brian Hack - Managing Director - EES Shipping)

Industry calling for use of HPFVs during Fremantle Bridge closure

Freight operators are calling for approval to use larger, higher productive trucks on the road to ease congestion at Fremantle Port while the Fremantle Traffic Bridge is closed for up to a year from February the 1st.

-John Park, Head of Business Operations - FTA | APSA talks to Kate Forrester on ABC Country Hour
(recording starts at 48.17 mins thru 54.59 minute - CLICK HERE)

A full list of our extensive ongoing media coverage is available HERE

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

Registrations now open

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council (NZCOC) are delighted to advise that registrations are now open for the inaugural 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference.

Are you interested in sponsoring this event?
Please speak with Paul Zalai on 0408 280 123 or pzalai@ftalliance.com.au

2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), The Compliant Group, Orange Lime Consulting and Next Leap Training Solutions are delighted to host the 2026 Care-Factor Industry Charity Trade Ball at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney on Friday 31st July 2026.

We are delighted to announce our 2026 charity beneficiary is the
 Reboot Mindset Academy


For further details of the event and sponsorship opportunities please click HERE
T

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

 Goods Compliance Update (December 2025)



Thursday 22 January 2026 - 1200 AEDT



 

Join Russell Wiese of CGT Law as he unpacks key takeaways from the latest Goods Compliance Update.

RegoIQ: The Digital Assistant for Freight Forwarders



Wednesday 4 February 2026 - 1200 AEDT




Hear from Brent Wallace how TaluxIQ's RegoIQ platform is transforming import job management through intelligent automation — reading emails, registering jobs, tracking shipments, and following up on missing documents, all while integrating seamlessly with CargoWise and Expedient to deliver unmatched speed and accuracy.

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights



Thursday 5 February 2026 - 1200 AEDT

Join Tom Jensen and Amanda Bradfield for our fifth session as we break down the FTA Monthly Shipping Report – January 2026.

UPCOMING EVENTS
22 January 2026 : WEBINAR - Goods Compliance Update (December 2025)
4 February 2026 : WEBINAR - RegoIQ: The Digital Assistant for Freight Forwarders 
5 February 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights 
18 February 2026 : WEBINAR - Paycargo - The 30-Second Advantage: Driving Commercial Success in Logistics
24 February 2026 : WEBINAR - Cargo Loss, Damage & Contracting Risks - 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series
5 March 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights 
17 March 2026 : WEBINAR - Errors and Omissions - 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series
2 April 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights 
15 April 2026 : WEBINAR - Personal Injury & Property Damage Claims - 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series 
22 April 2026 : 2026 Tasmanian Freight & Logistics Forum 
2 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA WA CPD Border Compliance Program - Saturday 2 May 2026 
6 May 2026 : WEBINAR - Fines, Duties & Uncollected Cargo - 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series 
8 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA NSW CPD Border Compliance Program- Friday 8 May 2026 
9 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA NSW CPD Border Compliance Program- Saturday 9 May 2026 
15 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA VIC CPD Border Compliance Program - Friday 15 May 2026
16 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA VIC CPD Border Compliance Program - Saturday 16 May 202
24 - 26 May 2026 : Australian Steel Association - 2026 Conference 
27 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA QLD CPD Border Compliance Program - Wednesday 27 May 2026 
17 June 2026 : 2026 FTA NSW Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
24 June 2026 : 2026 FTA VIC Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
1 July 2026 : 2026 FTA WA Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
15 July 2026 : 2026 FTA QLD Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
31 July 2026 : Care-Factor (Charity Trade ball) Christmas in July
27-28 August 2026 : 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference

Notices:

23 July 2025 : 2026/27 CPD- Early Bird Registration- Now Open! - read more

LOGISTICS

Year on Year growth for Pilbara Ports

Pilbara Ports delivered a total monthly throughput of 71.2 million tonnes (Mt) for December 2025.

 

This throughput is a seven per cent increase compared to December 2024 and marks the highest December on record. This figure can be attributed to a series of targeted operational changes implemented at the Port of Port Hedland in recent months. 
 

Imports through the Port of Port Hedland totalled 167,000 tonnes, a decrease of 15 per cent compared to December 2024. READ MORE

TT Talk: January 2026

We are pleased to share the latest set of TT Talk articles, each offering practical insight into some of the most pressing topics in today's transport and logistics landscape. This month's pieces explore the accelerating push toward shore power adoption by 2030, reflect on how containerisation has fundamentally reshaped global trade, and provide essential guidance on preventing truck and trailer firesREAD MORE

Biosecurity Entry Point opens new doors for KMSB

THE KIMBERLEY Marine Support Base (KMSB) has been granted a Biosecurity Entry Point, opening it to any internationally flagged vessel for direct access to the port.

 

KMSB managing director Andrew Natta said the new status would prevent the need for vessels to go to another port or

another location that has a biosecurity entry point and get cleared before it came to KMSB.  READ MORE ( story credit DCN)

NHVR - Operator Education Bulletins 

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is pleased to provide you with a series of educational bulletins designed to support your current training activities with industry.

These bulletins highlight key areas of focus identified during recent audits of RTOs, and they aim to reinforce critical aspects of compliance, safety, and operational practices within the heavy vehicle industry. READ MORE

Port of Melbourne - Boat Tours

Port of Melbourne is delighted to offer boat tours for the wider industry.

 

The tour will depart and return from Docklands and provide the best vantage point to see the port in operation. The tour will run for approximately 2 hours with commentary and will take you up close to our main terminals: READ MORE

Fremantle Ports - Maintenance / Events issues

Fremantle Ports have provided FTA with details as regards (1) Sail;GP 2026 event and (2) maintenance programs for 2026. It would be recommended that members frequent themselves with the attached and below links so as to avoid any delays during these events.READ MORE
 

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

Notices:

21.1.2026 : WEBINAR - FREE & EXCLUSIVE TO FTA / APSA MEMBERS The 30-Second Advantage: Driving Commercial Success in Logistics - read more
21.1.2026 : ADVERTISEMENT Rail incentive EOI Closes 6 February - read more
21.1.2026 : FORWARDER / CUSTOMS BROKERAGE FOR SALE - QUOTE 2026/02 - .read more
20.1.2026 : VALE - Barry Rogers - read more
20.1.2026 : Patrick Autostrad Terminal, Fisherman Islands - Australia Day - read more
19.1.2026 : DP World - Terminal Shutdown for IT Upgrade 21/01/26 from 1000 to 1600 - .read more
19.1.2026 : CargoWise Value Pack - Update 3 - Clarity on Special Offer provisions - read more
19.1.2026 : WiseTech Global's AUD$8.7 million sponsorship of KIK Innovation helps more school students learn coding skills via Grok Academy - read more
16.1.2026 : BORDER HOLDS - UPDATE 7 - DP World storage charges on ABF-targeted containers - read more
16.1.2026 : CargoWise Value Pack Update - Functionality, Pricing and Member Advocacy - read more
15.1.2026 : Industry Guide Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure - read more
15.1.2026 : DP World West Swanson - Planned IT Outage - read more
15.1.2026 : 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference - Sponsorship Prospectus - .read more
15.1.2026 : BORDER HOLDS - UPDATE 6 - Detention Charges: Advocacy Escalation - read more
15.1.2026 : DP World Fremantle - Scheduled IT Outage - read more
14.1.2026 : Fremantle Ports Fremantle SailGP 2026 – Operational Update - read more
14.1.2026 : BORDER HOLDS - UPDATE 5 - OFFICIAL ABF UPDATE - read more
14.1.2026: Tailwind Shipping Lines uses direct data connection to CargoWise to simplify booking and managing ocean shipments - read more

SEA FREIGHT

CMA CGM signals caution by rerouting services away from Suez Canal

CMA CGM, the world's third-largest liner, has provided a counter-narrative to the many analysts expecting liners to flock back to the Suez Canal following the Houthis' three-month-long ceasefire on merchant shipping. 

Citing the "complex and uncertain international context", the French liner today announced that three of its services – FAL 1, FAL 3 and MEX – that had been early returnees to the Suez last year will now reroute back to the longer Cape of Good Hope route. READ MORE (story credit SPLASH)

Notices:

20.1.2026 : International Shipping Line Financial Data Update - read more

AIR FREIGHT

AIR CARGO: Policy keeping it fresh from paddock to plate

With the free trade agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates underway, Daily Cargo News takes a deep dive into what the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will mean for air freight both locally and further afield 

READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Volumes rise at Hong Kong Airport in December and 2025

Exports and transshipment helped Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) achieve healthy growth in air cargo volumes last month, while volumes for 2025 were also robust.

 

In December, cargo volumes grew 3.6% year on year to 462,000 tonnes. Exports and transshipment both increased during the month. HKIA noted an 18% growth in transshipments. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)


Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Melbourne Fumigation

Notices:

27.11.2025 : FTA - 2025 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) Update - read more

TRADE

SA announces funds for export diversification

THE GOVERNMENT of South Australia has announced a $1 million Export Diversification Program aimed at supporting exporting businesses overcome market challenges. 

 

To be delivered across two years, the program is particularly aimed at businesses that have made "significant investment" in trade disrupted markets.

 

According to the Department of State Development, the program "recognises that the current global trading environment has resulted in increased export costs and, in many cases, reduced the competitiveness of South Australian products in some key markets".
READ MORE ( story credit DCN )

Finance Report

Please see the Weekly Market Summary courtesy of  Xe

READ MORE - LOGIN REQUIRED

LIVE exchange rate conversion


FTA have added the Xe exchange rate widget to the right sidebar on our FTAlliance.com.au home page, so members can easily convert using live rates provided by our affiliate partner in Xe.

It also has a link to the Xe/FTA landing page for members to create a free account with Xe.

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 20th January 2026

 

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:

21.1.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
20.1.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
19.1.2026 : Xe - Market Snapshot and Bank Forecasts 190126 - .read more
19.1.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
16.1.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
15.1.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
14.1.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 20th January 2026

 

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


LOGIN REQUIRED

BORDER

ABF seize 20kg of cocaine hidden in hessian bag at Port Botany

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have stopped 20kg of cocaine from reaching Sydney's streets.

 

Earlier this month, a shipping container arrived into Sydney's Port Botany originating from Brazil, with ABF officers detecting anomalies during the initial examination.

 

The container was subsequently x-rayed, with officers identifying a bag concealed amongst boxes in the consignment.
READ MORE (story credit ABF)

Notices:

14.1.2026 : ABF TC Gazette 26/01 - read more

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 


9 December 2025 : Webinars & CPD Recordings - read more

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

Training, Finance & Events Enquiries
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send training, finance, events and general administration enquiries to Training@FTAlliance.com.au


 
Member Communications
 

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

 
 


 













 



 
 






  
















 

 
 


 
 




















 

Copyright © 2026 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.