Thursday, October 1, 2026
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received advice from DP World Brisbane Terminal that the terminal is currently experiencing significant yard congestion following the arrival of several vessels carrying substantially higher-than-normal container exchange volumes. In some cases, container exchanges have reportedly been close to double typical levels, placing pressure on yard capacity and container handling operations.DP World has advised that additional labour and equipment resources have been deployed and measures implemented to maximise available container park capacity. Despite these actions, transport operators should expect increased truck turnaround times throughout the week and potentially across the weekend, with transaction times likely to exceed one hour during peak periods.DP World Brisbane has encouraged transport operators, where practical, to prioritise import container collections, collect imports before delivering export containers, and consider visiting outside peak periods:Subject: [DP WORLD, QL, BRISBANE - DPBNE] Terminal Congestion Update - Import Collection Assistance RequestedIssue: Terminal Congestion Update - Import Collection Assistance RequestedShort Description: -Dear Valued Transport Partners,We want to advise that the terminal is currently experiencing significant yard congestion following the arrival of several vessels carrying substantially higher container exchange volumes. In a number of cases, actual exchanges have been close to double their usual volume.The surge in imports has placed considerable pressure on available yard capacity and container handling operations. To help manage the increased demand, we have implemented a range of mitigation measures, including deploying additional labour and equipment resources and working closely with our container park partners to maximise available capacity.Despite these actions, transport operators should anticipate increased truck turnaround times throughout the week and potentially across the weekend, with transaction times likely to exceed one hour during peak periods.Issue Impact: -You can assist us in reducing congestion and restoring normal service levels by:
We recognise the impact these delays have on your operations and appreciate your patience and support as we work through this unusual volume surge. Our teams remain focused on safely restoring yard fluidity and minimising disruption to supply chains.We will continue to provide updates as conditions improve.Thank you for your continued cooperation.Kind regards,Erin SweeneySenior Director - Operations - FIT - Oceania - APACDuration of Delay: 6 days 15 hrs 55 min.Issue Commencement: 01/10/2026 08:00Expected Resolution: 07/10/2026 23:55Resolution Action: -You can assist us in reducing congestion and restoring normal service levels by:
Priority: MediumNotification Date: 01/10/2026 00:00Current for: 7 Day(s)Regards,Kate BreenDP WORLD Brisbane
As per previous member notice earlier this week, this follows the recent congestion issues reported at DP World Melbourne and reinforces that operational pressures across container supply chains are not necessarily isolated to a single location. The latest advice highlights the potential for vessel bunching, volume surges and terminal capacity constraints to impact landside operations across multiple jurisdictions.FTA/APSA remains in contact with industry stakeholders and welcomes feedback from members experiencing delays, extended truck turnaround times, slot availability constraints, missed delivery windows, or other impacts associated with terminal congestion. Member feedback assists our ongoing engagement and advocacy on supply chain efficiency and performance issues.Members wishing to provide feedback are encouraged to contact tjensen@FTAlliance.com.au.