News

PATRICKS INFRASTRUCTURE INCREASE - 21-02-2018

		It will come as no surprise to anyone that following on from DP Worlds December increase to their Terminal Infrastructure Surcharge (TIS), Patrick has now announced that their TIS will also increase effective from the 12th March 2018

TRANS PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP - 21-02-2018

		On 23 January 2018, 11 countries - Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam - reached agreement on the final Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG EX ITALY - 21-02-2018

		As advised previously the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has implemented the compulsory fumigation of containers ex Italy that arrive in Australia between the 17th January and the 30th April

Fuel Surcharge Increase - 21-02-2018

		During the past 6 months the average price for diesel fuel has risen form $1.21 per litre to $1.35 per litre. As a result our fuel surcharge will increase by 1% effective from the 1st March 2018.

OVERCHARGING ON LCL FREIGHT PREPAID SHIPMENTS - 21-02-2018

		We are seeing an increase in the number of importers incurring exorbitant local charges on LCL cargo shipped on C&F/CIF terms to Australia

Peak Season - 08-12-2017

		We continue to see strong demand for space via both air and sea. Airlines space is at a premium and it is taking cargo 1 to 2 days to be checked in once it does arrive. Vessels from NE and SE Asia are fully booked through December with rollings on every sailing

DPW Infrastructure Surcharge Increase - 08-12-2017

		In April this year DP World introduced a Terminal Infrastructure Surcharge (TIS) to be imposed on the transport company collecting the container. At the time we opposed the introduction of this charge and made a submission to the ACCC which fell on deaf ears

Industrial Action at VICT Terminal Melbourne - 08-12-2017

		An illegal picket line remains in place at VICT terminal in Melbourne. There has been no access to the terminal since the 27th

PATRICKS INFRASTRUCTURE SURCHARGE - 30-06-2017

		As predicted Patrick will now implement an Infrastructure Surcharge effective from the 10th July 2017 in the same manner that DP World have done.

GST ON LOW VALUE IMPORTED GOODS - 30-06-2017

		The Senate has voted to defer the implementation of GST on low value imports until the 1st July 2018

PEAK SEASON IS APPROACHING - 30-06-2017

		As we approach Peak Season it is timely to ensure that you are making bookings well in advance of the cargo being ready

Increase in Melbourne Tolls - 14-03-2017

		Impending City Link toll increase

DP WORLD TERMINAL CHARGES - 10-03-2017

		DP World has announced that effective from the 3rd April 2017 their terminal Infrastructure Charge will increase in Melbourne and in Sydney

Website Portal - 10-03-2017

		Did you know that through our website portal you can; 1) Access your shipments for a live up to date status 24/7 2) Access all shipping documents including the customs entry 3) Your accounts department can access all invoices raised by CFL and also a current statement

GST on low value imported goods - 10-03-2017

		On 16 February 2017, the Government introduced law to Parliament that will amend the law to extend Goods and Services Tax (GST) to low value imports of physical goods imported by consumers from 1 July 2017

Peak Season - 13-10-2016

		Peak Season is well and truly upon us. We are already seeing vessels fully booked especially ex China

Prepare For Christmas Shutdown - 13-10-2016

		With Christmas rapidly approaching it is time start planning for your Christmas shutdown. If you are planning to close between Christmas and New Year then any shipments that will not arrive prior to the 9th December should be postponed until you return to work

Industry Awards - 13-10-2016

		We would like to say a big thank you to those clients who nominated us for the Freight Forwarder of the Year award. The Awards night is being held on the 16th November so fingers crossed

Local Airfreight Charges - 13-10-2016

		Last year we decided to group the local seafreight charges that were paid on our clients behalf to third parties

Important Notice Relating to Asbestos - 20-09-2016

		Please find an important notice issued by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in relation to asbestos

Peak Season - 05-09-2016

		As we are now in the Peak Season it is timley to ensure that you are making bookings well in advance of the cargo being ready. Vessels ex North East Asia in particular are already full and rolling containers

Brown Marmonated Stink Bug - 05-09-2016

		The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has developed proposed measures to manage the 2016-17 seasonal risk of brown marmorated stink bug infestations in sea cargo shipped from the United States.

New Packing Declaration Formats - 05-09-2016

		The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources have provided a new format for Annual and Single shipment Packing Declarations

AUSTRALIAN TRUSTED TRADER UPDATE (ATT) - 14-06-2016

		In the May Budget the Government announced funding for the Australian Trusted Trader program to move from the pilot stage to the live stage effective from the 1st July 2016. They also announced that approved Trusted Traders will receive deferral for their duty payments effective from financial year 2017-18.

CMR / EDI Fee - 14-06-2016

		We have recently been forced by our software provider to change to a new version of their software as their current version was no longer being supported. Whilst this change has not delivered any significant increase in productivity it has come with a significant increase in costs. To cover this increased cost we will be increasing our CMR/EDI fee by $5.00 effective from the 1st July 2016.

China Australia Free Trade Agreement - 30-11-2015

		The legislation approving ChAFTA has passed through the Senate and they are hoping to have the Agreement enter into force prior to the 31st December 2015

2015 Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards - 08-10-2015

		The 2015 Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards will be held this year, 19th November at Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour.

MELBOURNE OFFICE MOVE - 08-10-2015

		On the 23rd October our Melbourne office will relocate to Suite 16, 7-9 Mallett Road Tullamarine VIC 3043

PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN - 08-10-2015

		With Christmas rapidly approaching it is time start planning for your Christmas shutdown

MISSING DOCUMENTS - 08-10-2015

		We have had some recent bad experiences with original documents sent to our office via Australia Post Express Envelopes being delayed by up to a week

AUSTRALIAN TRUSTED TRADER - 08-10-2015

		The Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) program has commenced with 4 selected exporters currently engaged in the pilot program.

TRUSTED TRADER PROGRAMME - 25-06-2015

		The Customs Amendment (Australian Trusted Trader Programme) Bill 2015 was passed by both Houses of Parliament on the 18th June 2015

AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE - 25-06-2015

		From 1 July 2015, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will be consolidated into a single Department of Immigration and Border Protection

CHINA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT - 25-06-2015

		The China Free Trade Agreement was signed on the 17th June 2015 and the full text of the Agreement has been released.

DDP TRANSACTIONS - 25-06-2015

		If you are importing product under DDP terms then please be aware than you can and will be held responsible for any short payment of duty or GST

ASSISTS - 25-06-2015

		Did you know that if you provide any ASSISTS to your supplier then the costs of these ASSISTS MUST be included in the Customs Value

DDP Shipments - 16-02-2015

		The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) have release ACN 2014/50 relating to Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) transactions. Under a DDP transaction the supplier of the goods is contractually responsible for the payment of duty and GST.

FUEL SURCHARGE - 16-02-2015

		As a result of the decrease in diesel fuel prices our fuel surcharge will decrease by 2% from the 9th Feb 2015.

COMBINED SHIPPING CHARGES - 16-02-2015

		Many of you will have noticed that our invoices seem to get longer and longer. In an effort to reduce the items on our invoices we will be combining the local charges paid to the shipping lines

STINK BUG EX USA - 16-02-2015

		Due to a higher than normal presence of Marmorated Stink Bugs from the USA the Australian Department of Agriculture has introduced emergency biosecurity measures to manage the risk.

FULL CONTAINER SLOTS - 16-02-2015

		When the Terminals introduced a time slot booking fee the initial rate was approximately $4.50 per container

US West Cost Congestion - 16-02-2015

		The congestion problems at the US West Coast ports continue to get worse and there would appear to be no end in sight.

STRIKES UPDATE: MUA v DPW AUSTRALIA - 11-12-2014

		The MUA have commenced strike action at DP World Depots

CHRISTMAS SHUT DOWN AND RETURN OF EMPTY CONTAINERS - 11-12-2014

		As we approach the Christmas holiday period we would again like to remind clients of the importance of planning enough time for your deliveries so that the empty containers can be returned before the Christmas break

COMMENCEMENT OF BLANK SAILINGS EX NORTH EAST ASIA - 11-12-2014

		The shipping lines have commenced their capacity adjustments ex North East Asia to Australia in line with their slow season policy

US West Coast Delays - 11-12-2014

		The congestion and subsequent delays at the US West Coast ports continue

Free Trade Agreements - 11-12-2014

		Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb has announced today that Australia's Free Trade Agreement with South Korea will enter into force on 12 December 2014

ILLEGAL LOGGING PROHIBITION - 22-10-2014

		The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Regulation 2013 is law and its requirements come into effect on 30 November 2014

TERMINAL CONGESTION CONTINUES IN LA PORTS - 22-10-2014

		Congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach grew worse over the weekend, with no relief in sight

Peak Season - 22-10-2014

		As we head well and truly into the peak season importers are reminded of the importance of planning for your Christmas shut down

PEAK SEASON CONGESTION AIR AND SEA - 22-10-2014

		As we reach peak season we are experiencing a backlog of airfreight from most origins and severe congestion

RETURN OF EMPTY CONTAINERS - 08-09-2014

		As we head into the peak season it is timely to start planning for the Christmas / New Year period when many importers close down for holidays.

CHINA DELAYS - 08-09-2014

		At the moment we are experiencing delays with several vessels ex China and Hong Kong. We expect these delays to continue as we head towards the China National holiday in the 1st week of October.

CONGESTION IN LA PORT - 08-09-2014

		The port of LA is currently experiencing congestion problems

MOVING TO THE CLOUD - 08-09-2014

		On the Monday the 15th September 2014 CFL will be moving our computer system to the cloud.

SYDNEY PORTS HIKE FEES BY 9.64% - 03-07-2014

		Sydney Ports Corporation annonced a 9.64% fee increase

SYDNEY FCL CARTAGE INCREASE EFFECTIVE 1ST JULY 2014 - 03-06-2014

		No one ever likes an increase however it has been three years since our FCL cartage contractor in Sydney has increased their rates and they can no longer operate effectively will the current rates levels

IMPORT CLEARANCE PROGRAM FEE INCREASE - 03-06-2014

		The Department of Agriculture will increase their fees from the 1st July 2014

MELBOURNE THIRD TERMINAL OPERATOR NAMED - 03-06-2014

		Victorian Minister for Ports David Hodgett last week announced Victorian International Container Terminal Limited (VICTL) as the successful bidder to operate Melbourne’s third international container terminal and empty container park at Webb Dock

AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE - 03-06-2014

		The Government will establish an Australian Border Force (ABF) to protect the Australian community from the transnational criminal threat posed by drugs, guns and other illicit imports while facilitating the movement in and out of Australia of legitimate goods, services and people on which our prosperity depends

BUDGET SPENDING - 28-05-2014

		Following the 2014-15 Federal budget, over $30bn will be used to fund transport infrastructure across the country

EXECUTIVE AVAILABLE - 28-05-2014

		One of our former clients is currently looking for a new role. He has over 15 years post qualification experience managing various operational supply chain functions within manufacturing and distribution organisations

EASTER AND ANZAC DAY HOLIDAYS - 26-03-2014

		If you have containers due to arrive prior to Easter and the cargo is not urgent we would strongly suggest that you delay these shipments so that they arrive after ANZAC day. If your supplier is arranging the freight on your behalf then please make them aware of the holidays and delay shipments wherever possible.

IMPROPER PACKING AND SECURING OF CONTAINERISED CARGO - 26-03-2014

		Police & the RMS are targeting importers who order containerised cargo that is not adequately secured by the supplier. Cargo can shift dangerously if not secured inside, when ships hit rough seas or trucks brake suddenly

PROPOSED GENERAL RATE INCREASE - 26-03-2014

		The shipping lines are proposing a General Rate Increase (GRI) of US$500 per TEU effective from the 1st April 2014 for cargo from CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN, KOREA and JAPAN TO AUSTRALIA

NEW LEGISLATION TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTERS - 26-03-2014

		New legislation to assist small business exporters has been introduced into parliament.

INFRINGEMENT NOTICE SCHEME - 03-03-2014

		The Australian Customs and Border Protection (ACBP) has advised as to the commencement of changes to the Infringement Notice Scheme (INS) effective 1 February 2014.

NSW PORT CONTRIBUTION CHARGE - 03-03-2014

		From 1 March 2014 the NSW State Government has introduced a Port Logistics Contribution Charge of $4.10 per TEU

PATRICK EAST SWANSON NEW INFRASTRUCTURE SURCHARGE - 03-03-2014

		Patrick East Swanston Dock in Melbourne will implement a new infrastructure surcharge from the 10th of March 2014

Melbourne Office Change of Postal Address - 03-03-2014

		The Postal address for our Melbourne office has changed as follows – Commercial Freight & Logistics PO Box 4100 Essendon Fields VIC 3041

Fuel Surcharge Increase - 15-01-2014

		As a result of the increase in diesel fuel prices the current fuel surcharge will increase by 1% from the 20th January 2014

Container Detention Over the Holiday Period - 18-12-2013

		We have received the below notice from our transport company in relation to container detention over the holiday period. If you have empty containers that need to be collected during this period please l iaise with your local CFL office to avoid detention charges.

South Korea Free Trade Agreement - 18-12-2013

		Australia has concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Korea

Import Processing Charges - 18-12-2013

		Import Processing Charge from Australia Customs are due to increase on the 1st January 2014

Christmas Cards - 18-12-2013

		This year Commercial Freight & Logistics has decided to not send out Christmas cards and instead we have made a donation to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead

BRISBANE OFFICE MOVING PREMISE - 07-11-2013

		Our Brisbane Branch is moving into new premises on the 23rd of November. There will be some disruption to normal services on Friday 22nd November.

CARGO INSURANCE - 07-11-2013

		The recent sinking of the MOL Comfort off the Yemeni Coast has reminded us of the importance of having adequate Cargo Insurance

FULL RANGE OF SERVICES OFFERED BY COMMERCIAL FREIGHT & LOGISTICS - 07-11-2013

		It occurred to us that not everyone knows the full range of services offered by Commercial Freight & Logistics. So here is a summary and if we can help you with more information or rates in any of these areas

ILLEGAL TIMBER LOGGING - 07-11-2013

		In November 2014 the rules regarding the importation of timber will change. Please be aware that products such as empty cardboard cartons and paper labels will be covered under this new legislation

TRANSFER PRICING - 07-11-2013

		The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) have released a Practice Statement relating to the Valuation – Transfer Pricing Policy. Transfer Pricing relates to transaction between related parties

DAFF MACHINERY PROFILE QUESTION - 07-11-2013

		On the 23rd September the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) decided to amend the profile question on certain tariff items covering machinery and parts thereof

Upcoming China Holidays - 11-09-2013

		China will be closed for National holidays from 19th to 21st September and then again from 1st October to 7th October. These holidays combined with blind sailings will create space issues and rolling of cargo

ASSEMBLED ORDERS - 06-09-2013

		Further to our July Newsletter the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) have now released a Fact Sheet relating to Assembled Orders

PEAK SEASON - 06-09-2013

		As we approach the peak season we would like to remind clients of the importance of booking cargo early. The shipping lines have attempted to implement a General Rate Increase several times over the past couple of months without success

FLYING FOR KIDS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS - 06-09-2013

		One of our clients in raising money for children with Cystic Fibrosis. This self confessed lunatic will fly for 11 days and 10 nights over 140,000 kms, economy class, without ever leaving the plane or the airport, eating nothing but airplane food.

China To Implement VAT On Freight - 29-07-2013

		The implementation of the Cai Shui [2013] No. 37 Notice, will result in the international freight portion being considered as part of revenue and therefore also applicable to the VAT rate of 6%

Assembled Goods - 29-07-2013

		The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) are in the process of reviewing how “Assembled Goods” are reported upon arrival

Fuel Surcharge - 29-07-2013

		As a result of the increase in diesel fuel prices the current fuel surcharge will increase by 1% from the 1st August 2013.

Generic Email Address For Accounts - 29-07-2013

		In an effort to simplify communication for our clients we have established a generic email address for our accounts section

Deal Done For Botany And Kembla - 16-06-2013

		Port Botany and Port Kembla have changed hands for a cool $5.07bn

Federal Budget Increase On Import Processing Charge - 16-06-2013

		The Government will restructure the Import Processing Charge (IPC) to recover the costs of all import related cargo and trade functions

Amended Trading Terms - 16-06-2013

		Commercial Freight and Logistics Pty Ltd have amended their Trading Terms and Conditions

Sydney Port Increases - 16-06-2013

		Sydney Ports Chief Executive Officer, Grant Gilfillan, today announced the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment on specific port charges for Port Botany will be applied from 1 July, 2013.

Hutchinson Brisbane Welcomes First Vessel - 16-06-2013

		Hutchinson Brisbane Welcomes First Vessel

Return of Customs Documents - 11-04-2013

		Currently we return a hard copy of customs clearance documents to clients in the mail

Warehouse Space Available - 11-04-2013

		Due to an expansion in our Sydney warehouse we currently have storage space available

Hong Kong Port Strike - 11-04-2013

		Port workers at Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT) commenced strike action on the 28th March

Staff Changes - 13-03-2013

		Staff Changes

CUSTOMS BROKER OBLIGATIONS - 13-03-2013

		CUSTOMS BROKER OBLIGATIONS

GST Deferral - 13-03-2013

		GST DEFERRAL - Are you tired of paying GST at the time of importation?

PO Shipping Withdraw - 13-03-2013

		PO Shipping Withdraw shipping service to Australia

REVISED DETENTION TIMES - 13-03-2013

		Revised Detention Times

Sideloader Access Fee - 13-03-2013

		Sideloader Access Fee