| Headline News Items: |
| Swine Threat - Screening Process to Remain Unchanged |
| GRI for Asia-to-Australia Tradelane |
| Changes to Packing Declarations |
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No Changes to Screening Process in Face of Swine Threat |
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) said its procedures for vessels and people arriving in Australia would not change, despite the continued threat of swine flu.
The virus which is known to be potentially deadly originating in Central America has spread to Europe and parts of Asia, prompted a review of commercial airline screening globally.
The requirements for visiting ships, commercial and passenger, have not changed. Normal procedures will continue to be followed and AQIS officials will screen crew and passengers using the existing checklist.
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| Rise in Freight from Europe |
In our last newsletter we spoke of the economic downturn in the Freight and Customs industries of Australia and the effect this is having on companies. Danske's Bank's latest freight forwarders index, which monitors freight forward volumes shows that there is a rise in cargo movement for the first time since it was launched four months ago. This positive news indicates that freight forwarders are handling more cargo now than they were a month ago.
There is no sudden pick up in volume but it is likely to be a gradual recovery. This time last year cargo volume was significantly higher but any pick up is a positive sign.
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| Urgent New Changes To Packing Declarations |
As of the 1st of August, new packing declarations are coming into force and current packing declarations will be invalid after this date. Please instruct your suppliers to use the new packing declarations as soon as possible.
Another important note is the change to fumigation certificates. If methyl bromide is used then the following statement must be on fumigation certificates:
PLASTIC WRAP DECLARATION - THIS CONSIGNMENT HAS BEEN FUMIGATED PRIOR TO APPLICATION OF PLASTIC WRAPPING OR PLASTIC WRAPPING IN THE CONSIGNMENT CONFORMS TO AQIS WRAPPING AND PERFORATION STANDARD AS FOUND IN THE AQIS METHYL BROMIDE FUMIGATION STANDARD.
Please find attached notices from Quarantine regarding this matter as well as samples of the new packing declarations.
If you need to discuss any of the above matters, please feel free to call Bruce Crilly, Les Jennings or Jun Liang.
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| Bell Bay to Hobart Rail Cut |
Following the derailment of a Pacific National freight train earlier this month, Pacific National's parent Asciano will close the rail link for around 4 weeks to carry out repairs to a section of dilapidated line in the Colebrook region. A large number of containers are moved from the port of Bell Bay to Hobart using this link so freight will be interrupted for some time while the repairs are carried out.
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| Customs X-ray Changes |
Australian Customs & Border Protection Service have announced that they plan to change the way they target import containers for X-ray screening. Currently many containers are targeted randomly which causes unfortunate delays to importers. New screening plans will target those importers, suppliers or products that are considered to be high-risk. The new targeting will start from 1st July 2009 and will see a decrease of around 30% in the number of containers selected for X-ray scanning.
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| GRI from 1st June |
Shipping lines are still planning to implement a second GRI (General Rate Increase) from 1st June 2009 to apply to freight from North-east Asia and 15th June 2009 from South-east Asia to Australia. A GRI was first attempted on 15th April with only a small increase being the final result as rates fell within 2 weeks of the GRI being implemented. Lines will once again try to maintain the GRI from 1st June - set to be at USD 250 per 20' and USD 500 per 40' - but continuing low demand may see it come in at lower levels or delayed for a few weeks. Further information on the GRI should be clear early next week.
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| BAF Revisions |
Most lines are quoting freight inclusive of BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor - Fuel Surcharge) which means that even if BAF levels are revised, the all up freight cost won't change. However, as the price of crude oil continues to increase it is almost definite that more and more lines will start to separate the BAF and implent BAF increases in the coming months. As announcements come to hand we will keep you updated.
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| Staff News |
Please note that Jyoti Gautam is no longer with Tomax Logistics. Jyoti returned home to India this month for family reasons. For any accounts receivable enquiries, please contact Maurie Jones or Chris Chalmers on 1300 186 629.
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| The Lighter Side |
The State Government of Victoria announced on the weekend that they acknowledged the ongoing issues with Melbourne's road network resulting in extensive delays for commuters during peak periods. Roadworks currently being carried out add to these delays and many seemingly unnecessary lane closures leave travellers scratching their heads. Bascially the Government just wants to let you know the following:
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