FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Sal Milici provided evidence focused on the operational impacts of illicit trade on the import supply chain, highlighting the growing risks associated with identity fraud (including "piggybacking") and the exploitation of legitimate businesses.

The appearance reinforced key recommendations from our submission, including the need for stronger supply chain integrity measures, improved industry–government coordination during high-tempo enforcement activity, and ensuring appropriate resourcing to support both enforcement outcomes and the efficient flow of legitimate trade.

The Committee discussion also acknowledged the significant cost impacts borne by legitimate importers and customs brokers during recent enforcement operations, further supporting the case for more coordinated, whole-of-supply-chain responses moving forward.

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

Last week Sal Milici and Lucy Robinson were in Canberra to continue on-the-ground engagement on behalf of Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and our members with the agencies that sit at the centre of Australia's trade and border systems.

In an environment of rising trade volumes and tighter resourcing, informed engagement between industryand government matters more than ever.

Thanks to all involved for the time and willingness to engage.

Following on from a very successful Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) CPD event on Saturday May 2, John Park joined Paul Zalai to catch up with some of our member base in WA. Many thanks to End to End Logistics Pty Ltd (Amanda Bradfield and Michelle Johnston) Bullocks Freightmasters International Pty Ltd (Graham Bullock Graeme Gordon ANTHONY PARATORE) Fremantle Ports (Jodie Ransom Jamie Allardice) Röhlig Logistics (Michael Cosmelli) and JAS Worldwide (Declan Dwyer) for taking the time out of their schedules to chat on both the global environment and local issues that are impacting border, biosecurity and trade in general

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

Many thanks to our WA members for attending the first FTA CPD event of the 26/27 period in Perth on May 2, as always great support for what was a very professional and informative range of presentations. Also great to have Paul Zalai in town for the event and a round of member meetings on Monday.

To our speakers many thanks for taking time out of your weekend especially those from interstate - Andrew Christie Ben Rowntree & Mark Sobey from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Leanne Saxe from Australian Border Force Dave Perry from DCEEWW Darryl Daisley Russell Wilkinson Neil McLagan and Hilbert Klaster

To our national sponsors and also our local WA sponsors Fremantle Ports Luckens Fumigation Services and Direct Couriers your support greatly appreciated

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

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

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 Global Shipping Insights

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

Understanding the Australia–EU FTA: What Customs Brokers and Forwarders Need to Know

Join us for a webinar presented by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), providing a practical overview of the goods market access outcomes under AEUFTA — including tariff elimination, tariff rate quotas and what these changes mean in real terms for trade with the European Union.

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

Notices:

LOGISTICS

Westport Navigate Newsletter April 2025

In this issue, we discuss:

• The recent release of the Marine and Port Infrastructure Technical Advisor tender.

• The role of Integrated Planning Teams and a Technical Advisor in Stage 4.

• Engagement with material suppliers and industry groups on decarbonisation.

READ NOW.

First renewable energy components leave Port of Newcastle for Uungula Wind Farm

Port of Newcastle has marked another milestone as the leader in renewable energy logistics, with the first oversize and/or overmass (OSOM) wind farm movement from its Multipurpose Terminal to the Uungula Wind Farm in Central West New South Wales. 

The delivery is an important milestone for the Port, which has played a central role in receiving and storing the massive renewable energy components.  READ MORE

Fuel crisis support for truckies

Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds have recorded a special episode of the How Ya Travellin'? podcast titled "Under the Pump", for individuals and businesses who have been struggling with rising fuel costs.

Additional pressures can add up quick, particularly in the transport and logistics sector where margins are tight and fuel prices are beyond your control. Accessing the right support early can help reduce stress and improve how you manage these challenges
READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

MSC lines up new rail options

MEDITERRANEAN Shipping Company is riding the rails via a new inland network assembled during the last six months.

"Customers can now route cargo directly from Sydney terminals to Minto, or from Melbourne terminals to vital regional hubs in Ettamogah, Griffith, and Bomen. This robust integration allows businesses to bypass crowded coastal roads, reducing reliance on trucking and tapping into a highly streamlined logistics network," MSC says. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Anketell Road upgrade to support Westport

The Anketell Road upgrade is set to play a central role in strengthening Western Australia's freight network, with a $1.1 billion joint investment aimed at improving access to the proposed Westport container terminal.

Backed by the Australian and WA Governments, the project focuses on building the road infrastructure needed to support long-term trade growth and supply chain resilience across the Western Trade Coast.

The first stage of works will expand Anketell Road to four lanes between Leath Road and Abercrombie Road, longside a grade separation at Rockingham Road. READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

FMC issues record $45.6m reparations ruling against OOCL

A US administrative law judge has ordered Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) to pay a record $45.6m in reparations to the bankruptcy estate of collapsed retailer Bed Bath & Beyond, in a ruling that could reshape how ocean carriers honour service contracts during periods of extreme market disruption.

Chief administrative law judge Erin Wirth issued the 203-page decision on April 24, finding that OOCL, the Hong Kong subsidiary of China's COSCO, violated multiple provisions of the US Shipping Act by failing to meet contracted space commitments during the covid pandemic freight boom, retaliating against the shipper when it raised complaints, and refusing to deal. The ruling is the largest reparations award in Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) history. READ MORE (story credit Splash)

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

Latest Middle East escalation "reverses recovery" of air cargo

SEKO Logistics has reported that Iranian missile and drone attacks on the UAE on 4 May have restricted airspace again and there is a global air cargo capacity shortfall of up to 16%.
 

The logistics company said that the latest developments in the ongoing Middle East conflict have resulted in a reversal of recovery momentum following the UAE's reopening on 2 May.

"The UAE reopening on 2 May was a significant relief, but the 4 May escalation has reintroduced serious uncertainty and potential capacity shocks," said SEKO.
. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) Noise Insulation Program commences

The WSI Noise Insulation Program will deliver noise treatments to help reduce aircraft overflight noise experienced inside noise-sensitive habitable areas in existing eligible buildings.

The program aims to reduce the impact of aircraft noise for landowners of properties close to the new airport to allow residents to remain in their homes and maintain a satisfactory standard of living. READ MORE

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

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

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 5th May 2026

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 5th May 2026

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

BORDER

Melbourne man jailed over failed 98kg meth import

A Croydon Hills man has been sentenced to 10 years and eight months' jail over his role in a plot to import 98kg of methamphetamine into Australia.

The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and Australian Border Force (ABF), started an investigation in October, 2023, following a referral from the Dubai Police Anti-Narcotics Unit about a shipping container carrying wheat threshers with methamphetamine stashed inside their drive shafts. READ MORE (story credit ABF 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