REGULATION OF STEVEDORE CHARGES - Navigating Change & Empowering Progress

Monday, July 13, 2026

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) continue to lead industry advocacy for stronger regulatory oversight of stevedore-imposed Terminal Access Charges (TACs), calling for intervention to address ongoing concerns about their impact on Australia's supply chain and international trade sector.

At a meeting held in Sydney on Thursday 9 July 2026 with Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) Deputy Chair Mick Keogh and Commissioner Anna Brakey, a delegation of FTA and APSA members participating in person and online highlighted growing industry concern that voluntary measures have failed to deliver meaningful reform.
PICTURED L to R - Paul Zalai (FTA/APSA), Bob Wray (Australian International Movers Association), Anna Brakey (ACCC), Mick Keogh (ACCC), David Scott (Director - Commercial Freight & Logistics / Member Representative Sea Freight - FTA)
FTA and APSA tabled March 2023 correspondence from the Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, which expressed frustration at the apparent disregard shown by a major stevedore towards the Victorian Voluntary Protocols and outlined the State Government's escalation of the issue to the Federal Government for consideration of a Mandatory Code.

While acknowledging that a Mandatory Code would represent a significant improvement on voluntary arrangements, FTA and APSA reaffirmed its preferred position, consistent with the Productivity Commission's September 2022 draft report Lifting Productivity at Australia's Container Ports: Between Water, Wharf and Warehouse. The Commission recommended that TACs and other fixed fees associated with collecting or delivering containers should be charged only to shipping lines, rather than directly to transport operators. This would restore normal commercial negotiations and remove the current market distortion created by incontestable landside charges.

The ACCC noted these concerns and indicated that it will broaden its consultation with key stakeholders before considering and recommending to government any potential remedial action.

HAVE YOUR SAY

A reminder that the ACCC has invited stakeholder feedback as part of its 2025-26 Container Stevedoring Monitoring Report consultation process. This annual report evaluates pricing, competition, and performance across Australia's container ports — with a strong focus addressing market failures and the increasing burden due to issues and challenges affecting the container freight supply chain.

We strongly encourage members to complete this survey - detail available HERE

For the freight and logistics sector, the implications extend well beyond stevedore-imposed charges. Increasingly, other parts of the supply chain are using vehicle booking systems as revenue-generating mechanisms, leaving businesses to ask a fundamental question:

" What protections are needed for freight forwarders, importers, exporters and logistics providers that have little or no ability to influence the pricing or service arrangements imposed by stevedores and other supply chain operators?"

This question will be front and centre during the dedicated Landside Charges panel at the Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference. (Day 2, Friday 28 Auguist 2026) where delegates will hear directly from the National Transport Commission and industry representatives leading the way for reform

If your business relies on efficient international supply chains, this is an event not to miss. 

Event Sponsors

  • Thank you to our event sponsors listed HERE
  • We are delighted to advise that our trade exhibition is officially "SOLD OUT" - refer HERE

Wednesday 26 August 2026

  • APSA Annual General Meeting (Guest speakers: US Federal Maritime Commissioner - Rebecca Dye; AusTrade - Michael Byrne)
  • Welcome Function - "The Bar" at Sydney Common, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

Thursday 27 August 2026

  • DAY 1 sessions focus on the global trade outlook, international and coastal shipping, road freight and metropolitan intermodal terminals, shipping and logistics market competition, environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practice.
  • Gala Dinner at NSW Parliament House for a key networking event bringing together leaders and experts from across the sector (MC "Lehmo")
Friday 28 August 2026
  • DAY 2 sessions focus on technology and innovation, airfreight discussing Sydney's two major international airports, biosecurity and border compliance, including the Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM) for the safe movement of shipping containers.
  • NOTE - Day 2 sessions will attract 6 customs broker CPD points
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"NAVIGATING CHANGE AND EMPOWERING PROGRESS"

Be part of shaping the conversation on the future of shipping, logistics
and international trade.