Container detention in Australia has drifted from a legitimate operational tool into a blunt revenue instrument — increasingly imposed even when delays are completely outside the control of importers, exporters, freight forwarders and logistics providers.
The commentary highlights prolonged Australian Border Force (ABF) and DAFF regulatory holds, particularly in Sydney, which have left containers immobilised for weeks while detention charges continue to accrue regardless. It draws on concerns raised by Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), supported by findings from the ACCC, the Productivity Commission and a Senate committee, all pointing to unfair, punitive and non-transparent charging practices.
The piece calls for a clear Australian regulatory framework to suspend detention during government-imposed holds, warning that without reform, detention will remain a revenue lever during regulatory holds rather than a logistics tool.
READ MORE
