DP World (Melbourne) - Significant Delays Impacting Container Movements

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) has received a number of reports from members experiencing significant delays in container collections and deliveries through DP World's West Swanson Terminal (WST) in Melbourne.

The reports are consistent with concerns raised today by a Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) media release, which highlighted prolonged truck turnaround times, limited Vehicle Booking System (VBS) slot availability, delayed import collections and export receival challenges. CTAA has also called for greater industry and government focus on terminal performance as the freight sector enters the peak shipping season.

Member Reports

FTA / APSA and CTAA members have advised that current challenges extend beyond the immediate delays reported over recent days, including:

• VBS slots often not becoming available until several days after container discharge.
• Truck turnaround times commonly exceeding three hours, with some reported visits extending significantly longer.
• Slot cancellations resulting in further scheduling delays and operational disruption.
• Import containers at risk of exhausting available free time before collection can occur.
• Increased exposure to storage and detention charges despite delays originating within the terminal interface.
• Missed bookings, futile trips and additional costs across other terminals and empty container parks when trucks are delayed at DP World.
• Limited visibility regarding the cause of disruptions, recovery plans and expected service timeframes.

DP World Response

DP World has advised industry representatives that recent disruptions were affected by labour shortages over the long weekend and that additional labour resources have been deployed to support recovery.

The terminal operator has also advised that:

• VBS no-show and wrong-time-zone penalties will be waived;
• storage will be waived or free time extended where required;
• export deliveries approaching vessel cut-offs will be prioritised; and
• additional resources will remain in place until operations return to satisfactory levels.

While these measures are welcomed, members have noted that they do not address the broader costs associated with truck waiting time, missed bookings at other facilities, reduced transport productivity, storage exposure and container detention charges.

The Broader Issue

The current situation highlights a recurring concern raised by FTA/APSA and industry stakeholders: transport operators face penalties when performance standards are not met, yet there is limited accountability when terminal servicing delays create significant supply chain impacts.

FTA/APSA recently recommended stronger freight performance monitoring, transparency and data reporting as part of our Victorian Election Priorities discussions. Improved visibility of terminal performance, slot availability and truck turnaround times would assist industry, government and infrastructure operators to identify and address emerging bottlenecks before they escalate.

With the Victorian State Election approaching, these ongoing issues may warrant closer examination by government, including consideration of elements of the NSW Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS), which provides a framework for performance monitoring and transparency at the terminal-road interface.

Member Feedback Request

FTA/APSA continue engaging with DP World, CTAA, the Port of Melbourne and government stakeholders on these matters.

Members experiencing delays, increased costs or operational impacts are encouraged to provide examples and supporting information to tjensen@FTAlliance.com.au to assist ongoing advocacy efforts.

Any further updates will be available on www.FTAlliance.com.au

 
Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA