FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2026/44 - sponsored by Thai Cargo

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

FTA / APSA WEEKLY REPORT 2026/44
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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK 
Thai Cargo supported by Menzies Aviation

VALE: Joy Meyer

It is with great sadness that we advise that Joy Meyer, JCM Customs passed away on 20 September after a short fight with aggressive cancer.

Joy began her love of the industry doing wharf checks at the age of 12, worked with her father clearing bills and was on a customs boat when she saw her first container ship.

Joy was a female pioneer and stalwart of the industry with over 40 years experience as a customs broker having achieved her customs broker licence in 1986 and retiring in June 2026. 

Joy was well regarded and was asked for input during the Compile system development.

Her clients saw her as a trusted and respected customs broker who was kind and generous.

Joy's determination and courage in adversity was truly remarkable. Our thoughts go out to Jan her life partner and may Joy rest in peace.

DAFF Approved arrangement Class 19 Continuing Biosecurity Competency (CBC)
 

 CBC 2026-2027/02 - CPD0310 Stream A - 4.5 CPD points
 
 Due Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
 

The second Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) activity for Approved Arrangement Class 19 accredited persons (CBC 2026-2027/02 - CPD0310 is live for completion. We recommend that you ensure you can login prior to the due date.

The activity includes both a learning and assessment component and is delivered through the department's education and training platform, Learnhub ONLY.

Important: All accredited persons must complete the CBC activity by
Tuesday, 10 November 2026.

For further information or need assistance to login please visit the CBC webpage or email the Department directly on Class19@aff.gov.au

UPCOMING WEBINARS

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights.

Thursday 5 November 12.00pm AEDT


Join us as we break down the latest FTA/APSA Shipping Report, covering:

  • Rate trends and post-tariff market shifts

  • Congestion, capacity challenges, and blank sailings

  • Geopolitical Issues and changing global routes

  • Australia's trade and port updates

Your Invoices Aren't Checked. Here's Where the Margin Goes, and How to Get It Back.

Wednesday 11 November 12.00pm AEDT


In this 30-minute session, Nate Perkins, VP & GM of Payables at BravoTran, goes into the detail with real invoices. You'll see:
• A single invoice broken out line by line, showing where "close enough" turns into lost margin
• The five exceptions that cost forwarders the most, and who should own each one
• A live look at an AP process where your team only touches the exceptions

Simplify the USA - Navigating Executive Order 14411 for Foreign Importers of Record




Thursday 12 November 12.00pm AEDT

This webinar is designed for exporters, importers, logistics professionals, and business leaders involved in USA trade who want greater confidence and clarity in managing their supply chain operations.

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

2026

5 November 2026   : FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights
11 November 2026 : Webinar - Bravotran - Your Invoices Aren't Checked. Here's Where the Margin Goes, and How to Get It Back. 
12 November 2026 : Webinar: Simplify the USA: Navigating Executive Order 14411 for F oreign Importers of Record
3. December 2026 : WISTA WA: End of Year Sundowner - Fremantle Sailing Club 
10 December 2026 : FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights 

All FTA 2026 Christmas & End of Year Networking Events - Open for Registration

25 November 2026 : 2026 FTA QLD Christmas & End of Year Networking Event [...]
26 November 2026 : DCN 2026 Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards [...]
3 December 2026 : 2026 VIC Christmas & End of Year Networking Event [...]
3 December 2026 : 2026 NSW Christmas & End of Year Networking Event  [...]
9 December 2026 : 2026 WA Christmas & End of Year Networking Event [...]


2027
23 February 2027 : Australian Air Freight Summit (23 to 25 Feb 2027)
30 April 2027 : Victoria (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
1 May 2027 : Victoria (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
15 May 2027 : Western Australia (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
26 May 2027 : Queensland (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
18 June 2027 : New South Wales (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
19 June 2027 : New South Wales (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

MELBOURNE: Sal Milici had a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation with the global customs brains trust from Flexport
Jamie Houlihan , Customs Director EMEA, Katrina San, Customs Network Manager, and Regina Sarmiento, Senior Customs Associate and fellow licensed customs broker, from Flexport.

 

 

Technology was naturally a big part of the discussion, including Flexport'simpressive in-house platform and the growing range of technology solutions available to industry.

FREMANTLE: John Park appreciated the opportunity last week to attend the Fremantle Ports HSE Forum at East Fremantle Yacht Club - always good to stay abreast of what is happening in the port, especially the new induction processes and secure area access, thank you to Darren Jones and Glen Mudra for the presentations - also an interesting presentation from Dean Thorburn from Byssal on the work they are doing using 

restorative mussel aquaculture to regenerate degraded marine habitats rather than raising seafood for harvest in Cockburn Sound - it was also good to catch up with Clint Sullivan from Fremantle Ports and chat about the new Fremantle Bridge project and pleased to meet Rebecca James

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

A full list of our extensive ongoing media coverage is available HERE

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

2026 Mandatory ABF CPD Module


FTA has been liaising with the Australian Border Force (ABF) regarding dates for the 2026 ABF Mandatory CPD Module. 

We have been advised that training will be released in early January 2027 and remain active till the end of the CPD year of 31 March 2027.

The ABF will publish an ABN in due course.

MARK YOUR DIARY
FOR OUR 2027 BORDER COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

Licensed customs brokers who attend the full program will earn 24 CPD points, providing a valuable opportunity to meet professional development requirements while gaining the latest insights into border and biosecurity compliance and industry best practice.

  • Victoria – Friday 30 April & Saturday 1 May 2027 | Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields

  • Western Australia – Saturday 15 May 2027 | Novotel Murray Street, Perth

  • Queensland – Wednesday 26 May 2027 | Brisbane Airport Conference Centre

  • New South Wales – Friday 18 June & Saturday 19 June 2027 | The Brighton Hotel

Are you organised for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training?

FTA offers online training for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. gst) for member organisations bulk discounts are available on a sliding scale. 


Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD training for the cost of only $300 (excl. gst) per customs broker licensing period.

Please email Caroline at czalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to organise a package.

LOGISTICS

OneStop and Clear.ai partner to bring real-time container and vessel visibility to Australian freight forwarders

OneStop, a leading provider of data and technology to Australia's container supply chain, has partnered with Clear.ai, Australia's first AI-native platform for customs and freight.

Under the partnership, Clear.ai will use OneStop's APIs to feed verified vessel and container data directly into its platform. Clear.ai customers will see

where their vessels and containers are, and when cargo is available, without leaving the system they already use to run shipments, customs entries and billing READ MORE.

New Fremantle Traffic Bridge open for business

The Fremantle Traffic Bridge, officially named Walyalup Bridge was opened on Sunday 1 November with a community celebration. Spanning the Swan River and replacing the Old Fremantle Traffic Bridge the new bridge is the first "extra-dosed" bridge to be built in Australia, combining both cantilevers and cable stay supports. READ MORE (story credit ABC News) (picture credit Amanda Bradfield)

OptiBook to launch at Patrick Terminals – Sydney AutoStrad Terminal in November

Patrick Terminals and OneStop are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of OptiBook at Patrick Terminals – Sydney AutoStrad Terminal on Saturday, 28 November 2026. The new container management solution integrates with the OneStop Vehicle Booking System to improve operational efficiency and provide greater transparency across the landside supply chain..
READ MORE  

Port of Fremantle Container Supply - Chain Awareness Workshop

Registrations are open for the next CTAA Port of Fremantle Container Supply Chain Awareness Workshop 

When: 8:30am to 4:30pm, Wednesday, 25 November 2026

Where: Heritage Room, Tradewinds Hotel, 1 Sewel Street, East Fremantle, followed by a unique bus tour of Fremantle's port logistics facilities. READ MORE & REGISTER

Notices:

3.11.2026 : CONFIDENTIAL ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITY - QUOTE 2026/19 - read more
2.11.2026 : Patrick Terminals – Notice of Intention to change Landside & Ancillary Charges - Effective from 1 January 2027 - .read more
2.11.2026 : FACT - 60-day Notice of Intention to change Landside & Ancillary Charges - Effective from 1 January 2027 - .read more
2.11.2026 : DP World Australia – 60-day Notice of Intention to change Landside & Ancillary Charges - Effective from 1 January 2027 - .read more
2.11.2026 : VICT - 60-Day Notice of Intention to change Landside & Ancillary Charges - Effective 1st January 2027 - read more
2.11.2026 : ABF - Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Act 2026 - Bill receives Royal Assent - ABF confirms next steps for implementation - .read more
30.10.2026 : VICT Terminal Closure - Saturday 7th November 0600hrs to Sunday 8th November 2026 1000hrs - .read more
30.10.2026 : TasPorts - Trade Report Q1 FY2027 -  read more
30.10.2026 : Fremantle Ports - Kwinana Trade Statistics – September 2026 - read more
30.10.2026 : UNCTAD - Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Soaring fuel prices and the burden of inflation - read more
29.10.2026 : DP World Terminals - 1-Stop Outage Reported by DP World - .read more
29.10.2026 : Patrick (Brisbane) - Terminal Shutdown: Melbourne Cup Day 3 November 2026 (update) - .read more
29.10.2026 : DP World (Sydney) - MUA AGM Stop Work Meeting - Tuesday 1 December - 10:00am to 2:00pm -  read more
28.10.2026 : OptiBook to launch at Patrick Terminals – Sydney AutoStrad Terminal in November - ..read more

SEA FREIGHT

Australia first as green ammonia is bunkered to ammonia-powered bulk carrier at the Port of Port Hedland

In a first for Australia, green ammonia has been transferred to an ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier at the Port of Port Hedland, marking a major step towards low-emission shipping.


Mineral Europa, the world's first ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel, received the certified green ammonia from a bunker vessel before entering port to be loaded with iron ore. 

 

The operation brought together Pilbara Ports, Fortescue and CMB.TECH, with regulators and operational teams, to safely carry out the transfer in a live port environment. READ MORE (story credit Pilbara Ports)

 

Notices:

3.11.2026 : International Shipping Line Financial Data Update - read more

AIR FREIGHT

dnata takes off at Western Sydney International, bringing integrated aviation services to Australia's newest gateway

dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has launched operations at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), supporting the launch of passenger flights at Australia's newest international aviation gateway.

The company played a key role in the airport's historic opening, providing inflight catering for its inaugural domestic flight on 25 October and ground handling services for its first international flight on 26 October. READ MORE (story credit dnata newsroom)


Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

3.11.2026 : Qantas Freight recognised as Best Pet Shipping Airline 

BIOSECURITY

Please click  HERE for the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Wise Tech Academy

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 3rd November 2026

 

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Finance Report

Please see the Weekly Market Summary courtesy of  Xe

 

READ MORE - LOGIN REQUIRED

LIVE exchange rate conversion
 

FTA have added the Xe exchange rate widget to the right sidebar on our FTAlliance.com.au home page, so members can easily convert using live rates provided by our affiliate partner in Xe.

It also has a link to the Xe/FTA landing page for members to create a free account with Xe.

Notices:

3.11.2026 : Xe - Partnerships Newsletter November 2026 - read more
3.11.2026 : Xe Weekly Market Snapshot 021126 - .read more
3.11.2026 : Xe: November Currency Outlook: Fed rate rise odds at 77% - .read more
3.11.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - .read more
2.11.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
28.10.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
29.10.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap -  read more

          Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 3rd November 2026

           

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


          LOGIN REQUIRED

          BORDER

          Administrative Review Tribunal - In Focus 

          In this issue, we share some of the achievements and challenges covered in our latest annual report. We also introduce the priorities we are focusing on for the current financial year, as set out in our corporate plan.

          • What's new at the tribunal

          • Generative AI practice direction and checklist

          • Guidance and Appeals Panel decisions
            READ MORE

          Notices

          2.11.2026 : ABF - Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Act 2026 - Bill receives Royal Assent - ABF confirms next steps for implementation - read more
          28.10.2026 : ABF TC Gazette 26/41 - read more
          30.10.2026 : NZ Customs Release - read more

          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


          13.10.2026 : Webinars & CPD Recordings - read more

          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


           
          Member Communications
           

          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

           
           


           







           







           






            
















           

           

           
           


           
           


















           

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