OUR EXPANDING ALLIANCE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Meeting - Federal Minister for Infrastructure & Transport, Catherine King

FTA and APSA, alongside the Container Transport Alliance (CTAA), participated in confidential briefings on fuel security and supply with the Federal Minister for Infrastructure & Transport, Catherine King, on Thursday, 26 March, and with the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) on Friday, 27 March 2026.

At both briefings, FTA and APSA strongly emphasised the urgent need for clear, consistent and publicly available communication explaining members require timely and accurate information beyond media reporting to support informed decision-making and to minimise disruption to Australia's freight and logistics. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

Thank you to Darren Dumbleton MAICD and Derek Novak for the invitation, and to Paul Argue for the presentation. Great to gain further insight into the business and the values that continue to shape its success.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

The Australian - Shipping costs to spike as Middle East conflict and supply cuts hit trade

The average cost of a standard 40-foot (12.1m) shipping container has already risen almost 15 per cent since the outbreak of hostilities. While the June quarter is typically a quieter time for container users and container prices usually plateau, there could be a significant price rise into August as exporters scramble for containers to prepare for the Christmas rush, the Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) said.

"Generally what happens is the June quarter is one of the quietest parts of the year but as you head into the second half of the year that's when rates really start ramping up as there is typically more demand going into Christmas from that point on," FTA policy operations boss Tom Jensen said.

According to the FTA, Australian shipping schedules have recorded 19 blank sailings out of 159 planned departures, representing an 11.9 per cent cancellation rate. This marks a notable increase on the Lunar New Year period, when blank sailings were running at just under 9.5 per cent, the organisation said.
READ MORE (subscription required)

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

Consolidated list of Easter operating hours

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received advice from a number of entities in the supply chain advising of their operating hours over the Easter period.

The list is not exhaustive and we advise members to maintain a watch on OneStop, ContainerChain and Corporate notices READ MORE

Port of Melbounre - Industry Update March 2026

As we move through the first quarter of 2026, Saul Cannon, CEO is pleased to share important developments that strengthen Port of Melbourne's role as Australia's busiest and most connected container port.

• Trade & Supply Chain Update

• VICT extends terminal operating contract

• Port Infrastructure Update 
  READ MORE

OneStop - Victorian Container Management Goes Live with OneStop"s Modal Platform, Setting a New Standard for Empty Container Park Operations

OneStop and Victorian Container Management (VCM) announce the upcoming go-live of OneStop's Modal platform and Vehicle Booking System (VBS) at VCM's depot on 1 May 2026, bringing a new level of speed, visibility, and automation to empty container park operations across Victoria. READ MORE

ONE buys into Hutchison's Laem Chabang terminal

Japan's Ocean Network Express (ONE) is spending some of its profits built up in recent years on developing its ports network. 

The Singapore-headquartered liner has just announced the signing of a share purchase agreement for a 30% stake in Hutchison Laemchabang Terminal Limited (HLT) in Thailand, following quickly on from a deal to buy into a terminal in Busan, South Korea. No fee has been revealed for the transaction. READ MORE (story credit Splash)

As part of the HVNL reforms, changes to the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension, and Loading) National Regulation are being finalised by the National Transport Commission.
Key changes include:

• Increase to General Mass Limits (GML): The maximum mass available under GML will increase to align with the current Concessional Mass Limits (CML). Buses will not be eligible to access the increased GML.

• Euro VI mass concessions: Euro VI vehicles will receive higher mass allowances to reflect their advanced emissions systems and heavier build under ADR 80/04.

• Length increase: The maximum length for general access vehicles, currently limited to 19 metres, will increase to 20 metres.

Find out more about the HVNL reform implementation.

The operations team remains steady and prepared for 2026. Opted-in vehicle type approvals will begin expiring mid-year. If you plan to reapply, I recommend submitting your application early. 

Remember that varying your approval is not the same as modifying approval documents. Falsifying documents can lead to penalties. 

And lastly, please ensure your contact details in ROVER are kept up-to-date so we can provide timely and important information about your approvals. READ MORE

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

Ex Tropical Cyclone Narelle

Pilbara Ports have released updates post the passing of ex Cyclone Narelle

31.3.26 - Ex Tropical Cyclone Narelle – Update 2 – Tuesday 31 March 2026
28.3.26 -  Ex Tropical Cyclone Narelle - Ports of Dampier and Ashburton

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

Airfreight rates heading back to peak-season levels

The latest statistics from TAC Index show that in the week running to 30 March the global Baltic Air Freight Index climbed 9.3% week on week, while it is now up 10% compared with a year ago.

In its weekly market commentary, TAC Index pointed out that Platts data shows that jet fuel prices are up 100% compared with last year and that, as a result, airfreight rates "could yet rise considerably more".

"[Rates could rise] back toward peak season levels or beyond, sources suggest – even if there is a swift resolution to the conflict," according to TAC. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by B.I.E.R.S

Notices:

TRADE

The Australia and the European Union (EU) negotiations have now been concluded on a landmark free trade agreement that will strengthen Australia's economic and strategic partnership with the EU.

This is just one of the stories we look at in this issue, including

• Trade Diversification Network officially launched

• Agricultural production on track to exceed $100 billion
  READ MORE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 31st March 2026

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 31st March 2026

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

BORDER

The temporary rates will not be entered into the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) until after the Bill receives the Royal Assent. If this occurs after 1 April 2026, the rates will retrospectively commence on 1 April 2026. Further information will be published in an Australian Customs Notice.

ABF - ICS Planned Outage

Please be advised of the following upcoming outages to the ICS due to system maintenance.

The first outage will be from 23:00 AEST on Saturday 02 May 2026 until 01:00 AEST on Sunday 03 May 2026.

The second outage will be from 23:00 AEST on Saturday 09 May 2026 until 01:00 AEST on Sunday 10 May 2026.

Industry clients should make arrangements to have cargo cleared outside of these hours.

Australian men charged over alleged failed 115kg meth importation

Investigators allegedly identified the two Australian-based men as being involved in importing illicit drugs from Canada to Australia, with a shipment bound for Australia – allegedly associated with them – identified by Canadian authorities in January, 2026. READ MORE ( story credit AFP newsroom)

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