VoxGroup Newsletter – 7th August 2020
Empty Container Park Chaos – NSW
There are continuous problems with Empty Container Parks (ECP’s) in NSW accepting empty containers. Virtually every shipping line and ECP are having empty container’s being redirected and transport carriers are on a merry-go-round of re-directions and having to take empty containers back to their premises until they receive advice and confirmation as to where to take the empty containers.
Additional cartage and handling costs are being incurred through no fault of the transport carrier in their effort to de-hire empties.
We continue to work with our transport carriers to reduce any additional costs, and we will discuss with each individual customer as to when these additional costs are incurred.
Interim Approval – Import / Export Operations – Victoria
The Hon Melissa Horne MP, Minister for Ports and Freight and the Executive Director of Freight Victoria in providing an interim approval ensuring business continuity for all import / export business.
The Industry Representative is continuing to work with the Minister, that the status needs to move beyond an interim approval and to be clearly prescribed as an ongoing ‘essential service’.
Warehousing Operations – Victoria
While business continuity has been secured for all importers, exporters and international trade logistics providers under the current Stage 4 restrictions, complexity remains in terms of allowable operating conditions for warehouses (including import, export, 3PL and licensed depot operations).
All industry representatives at yesterday’s briefing were united in requesting relief from the measure stipulating ‘specified worksites must not operate with more than 67 per cent of their daily peak and daily total workforce’.
In response, the government representatives stood firm stating that industry must comply with this requirement and noted that stringent audit, enforcement and penalty provisions apply.
As and when any of the above status’s change, we will communicate this information. Take care and stay safe.