There has been a lot of media recently about the current state of shipping and we have provided updates on issues around the world that are causing delays in shipping and increase in rates.
Below we have further updates on local issues that are being faced by the industry at this point in time.

Patricks Terminals – countrywide
The most amount of media currently on local issues has been in regards to the situation at the terminals in Australia. Currently the Maritime Union (MUA) and Patricks are in substantial negotiations in relation to a new EBA. These negotiations have been ongoing for the last 20 months and still are not resolved.
The MUA has implemented ongoing stoppages at Patricks terminals around the country that has lead to delays of up to 9 days to service vessels. The flow on effect is that shipping lines are trying to move vessels away from Patricks however there is no additional capacity at the other terminals.
The effect of this is arrivals being pushed out, availabilities being pushed out and further delays in getting hold of your freight. We are continuing to provide up to date information and work with our partners to reduce impositions to our clients.

Department of Agriculture (DAWE)
Whilst we all have heard shipping lines / terminals are causing delays we now have an added delay being incurred. The department is now running behind due to the added issues of BMSB checks and apparently the increase in online shopping for items that are subject to Quarantine.
The department is currently advising they are over 8 days behind in processing documents and what this means is we need to have all documents on hand to lodge at least 8 days prior to arrival.
The department is also not responsible for storage, underbond requests and/or container detention and therefore the onus is on the importer to get the documents early. We have adjusted our process to account for this with shipments we are aware of however please get all notifications to Vox as early as possible to avoid delays.

Xmas closures
As we start to prepare for the Xmas shut down period please let us know when your closing and opening times are so we can track your shipments accordingly.
With our new warehouse in Melbourne and our 3^rd party partners we will be able to assist with any storage requirements over the Xmas period.
We hope all our clients and partners are safe and well in these trying times and should you need to reach out to us please do not hesitate to call.
Take care and stay safe.