OUR EXPANDING ALLIANCE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

FTA / APSA seek Government assistance for Australian exporters

FTA / APSA have made a formal approach  to the Prime Minister requesting that the Australian Government introduce targeted financial assistance for Australian exporters to offset emergency conflict, war risk and deviation surcharges.

Paul Zalai, Director - FTA | secretariat APSA, said "Surcharges create an immediate cashflow shock, often resulting in budget overspend in the current accounting period. Smaller exporters, particularly in agriculture and regional Australia, face escalating cashflow crises that threaten business continuity"

We would also direct members to the two submissions noted below 

• 24 March 2026 : FTA / APSA SUBMISSION - Submission to NTC on Landside Stevedore & Empty Container Park Charges 

• 24 March 2026 : FTA / APSA SUBMISSION - Establishment of Committee for Depot and Warehouse Licensing Matters 

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

FTA ONLINE CPD TRAINING 

• Login via MYFTACPD HERE (your username starts with "FT")
• Click on your name at the top right-hand side of the page
• Click on 'Manage Account' (you can also change your password in this area)
• Click on 'FTA Attainment Statement'
• Select the CPD period
• Click download

MANDATORY ABF CPD MODULE

The Australian Border Force's Mandatory ABF CPD Module for the customs broker licensing period ending 31 March 2026 must be completed by 31 March 2026 via https://australianborderforce.birchlp.com.au
 
For ABF platform assistance please contact broker licensing directly on brokers.licensing@abf.gov.au

Note: 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.

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

It was also a great opportunity to mix with forwarders from around the world and get their perspectives on current events.Also great to catch up with fellow presenters Rowntree Ben, Tiago Martinho Martin Reynolds and also meet Paul Dwyer from Westpac Fremantle

All the topics were very pertinent given the geo political actions going on around the world, and the signing of the Australia | EU trade agreement and of course the logistics world never ceases to throw curve balls -thanks also to Darryl Daisley who joined the panel at Q&A time (pictured left to right - Cassandra, Amanda, Pamela and Darryl)

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

The Australian - War-wounded meat, vegetable exporters plead for help as Iran conflict leaves cargo, sheep stranded

FTA Director Paul Zalai said:"These impacts are compounded by 'end-of-voyage' declarations, where shipping lines terminate contractual responsibilities mid-route, often accompanied by deviation surcharges … Cargo owners then bear the full cost of recovery, storage, rehandling and onward movement." READ MORE  (story and picture credits The Australian)

DCN - Exporters call for 'financial assistance' as war rages in the Middle East

SIGNIFICANT, unbudgeted costs arising from shipping disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict have prompted calls from exporters for "targeted financial assistance".

In a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wrote that the conflict underscored "a clear market imbalance", where external shocks such as pandemics and wars transferred "disproportionate costs and risks" onto the Australian trade sector.

FTA director and APSA secretariat Paul Zalai said exporters had little practical ability to mitigate or avoid these impacts. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Middle East Conflict - Legal & Insurance Impacts
- Live Q&A Event TOMORROW

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights

Join us for our seventh session as we break down the FTA Monthly Shipping Report – March 2026

Personal Injury & Property Damage Claims - 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series

Join James Cotis, Mahsa Curci, and Karim Bizri for the third session of the 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series, focusing on Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims. This session will cover practical strategies for managing these risks within freight forwarding and supply chain operations. 

Fines, Duties & Uncollected Cargo - 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series

Join James Cotis, John Thomson, and Karim Bizri for the fourth session of the 2026 Risk & Resilience Webinar Series, focusing on Fines, Duties, and Uncollected Cargo. This session will provide practical guidance on managing financial and operational risks in freight forwarding and supply chain operations. 

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

Notices:

LOGISTICS

Expressions of Interest sought for Westport Terminal Operator Consultation Group

Westport is seeking experienced container terminal operators to join its Terminal Operator Consultation Group to share expertise and comment on draft terminal designs for WA's future container port.The Group will play a key role in the Westport Program's definition phase by providing feedback on terminal designs to reduce risks, improve reliability, and support cost-effective delivery. READ MORE

Freight Victoria are excited to open applications for the $8 million Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Fund, a major step in helping the freight industry reduce emissions.The program provides $8 million in shared funding, with the Department of Transport and Planning and business investing together.
 
The goal is to help businesses adapt and thrive, while making Victoria's freight industry smarter, safer and cleaner.It will also help reduce emissions and move towards decarbonisation, supporting Victoria's climate targets and responding to community expectations for climate action and better air quality.

To see if your business is eligible please READ MORE

DHL unveils new Western Sydney facility

Global supply chain company DHL has officially opened a new Australian facility in New South Wales' Erskine Park to power the nation's technology and automotive sectors.

The new 21,078sqm warehouse, strategically located in Western Sydney, enhances DHL Australia's distribution capabilities, offering proximity to the upcoming DHL transport hub.
READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

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

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SEA FREIGHT

Operations changes help boost Pilbara Ports

creating sailing opportunities for larger vessels had improved efficiency.

"Together with ongoing improvements to Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC), these changes have enabled vessels to make best advantage of available sailing windows, safely maximise cargo and contribute to increased overall shipping volumes," the statement said. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

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AIR FREIGHT

Lithium-ion battery incidents in air cargo on the rise

The researcher described the rise as "alarming" and said it mirrored increasing consumer demand for low-cost, battery-powered products. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)

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

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BIOSECURITY

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

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TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 24th March 2026

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

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Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 24th March 2026

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

BORDER

ABF warrants disrupt illicit tobacco syndicate across Sydney

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have seized approximately 3.6 million cigarettes and more than five (5) tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco during illicit tobacco warrants in Sydney's west and north, targeting a local tobacco supply network.

ABF Regional Investigations NSW commenced an investigation in January 2026, after a consignment of approximately 10 tonnes of illicit tobacco was detected at the ABF's Port Botany facility. READ MORE (story credit ABF newsroom)

Error in Gazette TC 26/10 Wednesday 18th March 2026 

The Australian Border Force have confirmed that there was an error in the publication of the Gazette on 18 March , 2026.  The Gazette has been updated, and the correct version is available from the web site. TCO 26036724 was one that was affected 

Notices:

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 

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

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