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Dear Clients, On behalf of management and all the team at Transways Logistics International, we would like to wish all our customers a very happy and successful 2026. This market update contains some important information in relation to the Fremantle Bridge closure, please ensure to read over if you are importing goods into Fremantle. And check out our Did You Know, you may wish to follow up with your shippers post this snippet of information. North Asia - AU market overview In a word, the market is "soft". Carriers have been trying to lift freight rates, however booking volumes have not materialised, therefore rates have standard easing, which is providing some respite for our impot clients. This along with the strengthening AUD against the USD, is helping lower import costs. And if the dollar pushes 0.70 as some experts are indicating, then volumes may start to rebound as importers will have more confidence to land goods at a cost beneficial price. We expect price decreases in the 2nd half of JAN however from the 1st FEB a little unsure at this stage, as that is the rush up to the CHINESE NEW YEAR holiday period. Blank Sailings With the easing of the market conditions (volume), an attempt to balance supply vs de-mand has seen carriers ramp up blank sailings for the coming weeks. Whilst some of the blank sailings will occur during the holiday period, having minimal impact on the market. We expect that MARCH and APRIL is going to see significant blank sailings, based on current booking forecasts. This will cause some disruptions to transit time's and ultimately start the price hike cycles. 2026 Lunar New Year Lunar New Year celebrations start on 17th Feb, a little over 1 month away however a lot of factories will start to close down be the week before in Mainland China. Now is the time to ensure that ALL your shipping and customs documents are in order for cargo that is due to arrive during the holiday period. Each year we see cargo incur unnecessary stor-age charges due to the late presentation of documents or failure to arrange telex releases. Please act now, as the holiday will be here before you know it. Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure As many locals in Fremantle (Perth) aware, the OLD TRAFFIC Bridge will be closing at the end of JANUARY and will remain closed until the new bridge opens in approximately 12 months (but let's be realistic, possibly 15-18 months!). Due to this, there is going to be significant traffic congestion on Stirling Bridge. We share the latest industry information below as published Thursday 15th JAN, by our Industry Bodies - FTA, in conjunction with CTAA and WRF. Good afternoon Ben, As members / industry would be aware the Fremantle Traffic Bridge will close on 1 Feb-ruary 2026 to make way for the completion of the new Bridge. This means approximately 23,000 additional passenger vehicles per day diverting to the Stirling Bridge which un-derstandably will create congestion - just how much congestion we do not know at this stage. Industry position The Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been working with Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) and the Western Roads Federation (WRF) to coordinate forums with in-dustry participants to discuss the closure and how industry can make adjustments to minimise congestions / delays and extra costs. Whilst the Department of Transport (DoT has now taken off the table "laden container truck restrictions", it has been made very clear that they may still be considered if congestion becomes unmanageable - read "industry needs to solve the congestion". What we have done so far is to discuss with stevedores, empty container parks , rail and shipping lines what can be done to manage the potential congestion / delays and extra costs. The major outcome of those discussions has been communication - both within the industry and importantly with your importer / exporter clients. Over the next 12 months there will be a need to review operations across all facets of the supply chain from wharf to transport to importers / exporters. There will be a need to "think outside the box". The industry guide below shows the current situation with stevedores / empty container parks, rail and shipping lines. We strongly urge you to review this information and have discussions with your transport carriers / importer / exporter clients to see what you can change to ensure your cargo moves efficiently and without added costs or delays. Industry guide FTA, in coordination with CTAA and WRF will continue to work with other industry stake-holders to present a unified position to government that highlights practical, evidence-based solutions around the expanded use of High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs) to reduce total truck movements Further updates will be provided as discussions progress DID YOU KNOW?? Are you aware there is a legal precedent set under "The Hague" that your shippers / supplier should be inspecting the container before using it and failure to do so and document it (and or return the container before packing) is highly likely to see the shipping line reject any claim. We know this firsthand, as a client's claim has recently been rejected on these ground. We share the wording from the shipping line for your ease, incorporating the Hague Visby Rule, which states: "The Merchant shall inspect the Container for suitability for carriage of the Goods before packing it. The Merchant's use of the Container shall be prima facie evidence of its being sound and suitable for use." Yes the supplier will claim it's too expensive to return the container at origin and who pays for the additional trucking cost or that they didn't have enough time to do this prior to the cut off, to meet the sailing. They are valid reasons, don't get us wrong, but this will only cause you, the importer problems at this end on arrival if the container is faulty. We recommend highlighting this to your suppliers, to ensure they have processes and practices in place to return damaged / faulty containers before shipment. Should you wish to discuss any of these points, please don't hesitate to reach out to your key contact @ Transways Logistics International. |
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