The new Tomax Live system is now up and running and provides a raft of new features, including 100% live status updates, access to invoices and statements online, and detailed information on your consignments. Your client login credentials have not changed, and you can continue to login via the Tomax website. To access the new system please click here and REFRESH your browser. If you would like a demonstration on how the system can help you closely track your cargo, please email our sales team at sales@tomax.com.au.

If you are an importer of wood and or wood fibre products, including paper and cardboard etc., you would be well aware of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) will end the existing *soft start* compliance approach on 31 December 2017. As of 1 January 2018 importers may face penalties for breaches of their obligations.

If You Have Done Nothing - then please do this: Ensure that your suppliers of regulated producted complete the attached Declaration of Wood Materials Origin Supply, and email the completed supplier declaration to Paul Watson - paul@tomax.com.au as soon as possible.

Amongst other products, this information relates to the following commodities:
- Chapter 44 - sawn wood, veneers, particleboard, fibreboard, densified wood, casks, barrels, parquetry, doors, joinery;
- Chapter 48 - newsprint, writing paper, sanitary products, labels, stickers, copy paper, coated paperboard, coated products, cigarette paper, envelopes, cards, cartons, boxes, booklets;
- Chapter 94 - seats, furniture, wooden pre-fabricated buildings.

The latest figures from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission show that Sydney has regained the top spot as Australia's largest container stevedoring port in 2016-17. The port of Sydney processed 2.5 million TEU during the year, with Melbourne slightly behind at 2.4 million TEU. Melbourne port executives have vowed to work closely with stakeholders in order to reaffirm its position as Australia's most important maritime trade hub.

Over recent years, competition between terminal operators at Australia container ports has increased to the point where shipping lines are now paying reduced tariffs in return for signing contracts. New terminal operators such as Hutchinson and VICT have forced the previously duopolistic companies of Patrick and DP World to offer sharper rates to shipping lines to retain business. Have these cost reductions been passed on to importers and exporters? Unfortunately, not at all. Shipping lines have been bemoaning their situation over the last eight years as their freight revenue plummeted amidst a protracted downturn and increased competition. However, recent years has seen a sharp decrease in competition (with lines withdrawing from the market or being absorbed by other carriers) and a sharp increase in freight revenue. Experts predict that 2018 will be the most profitable year for shipping lines on recent record.

In most ports around the world, THC (Terminal Handling Charges) are incorporated into the freight rate and is not charged separately to importers and exporters. You will most probably not be surprised to know that the terminal and port charges paid in Australia are among the highest in the world. On behalf of our clients, Tomax Logistics will continue to petition the shipping lines to make reductions to the heavy charges they levy for these services, especially given the reductions they have been receiving over recent times.

In good news for coastal shippers, a new company has been formed to start operations in mid-2018 between Brisbane and Townsville. Hermes Maritime Logistics and it's subsidiary Queensland Shipping will then later expand into other states and ports. Road and rail transport continues to become more expensive in Australia and coastal shipping, if done correctly, has long been touted as the smarter and more cost effective way to move containerised loads around the country.

Here's a few funnies to help get you to the weekend.

1. You know why you never see elephants hiding up in trees?
Because they’re really good at it.

2. What is red and smells like blue paint?
Red paint.

3. Why don't blind people skydive?
Because it scares the crap out of their dogs.

4. What do you get when you cross a dyslexic, an insomniac, and an agnostic?
Someone who lays awake at night wondering if there is a dog.

5. Two gold fish are in a tank.
One looks at the other and says, “You know how to drive this thing?!”

6. A guy goes into a lawyer’s office and asks the lawyer: “Excuse me, how much do you charge?”
The lawyer responds: “I charge $1,000 to answer three questions.”
“Bloody hell – That’s a bit expensive isn’t it?”
“Yes. What’s your third question?”