August 13 2025 Customer Advisory Notice

NZ Local Update

We have received notice from Metroport in Auckland as well as empty dehire yards advising of upcoming increases to their Vehicle Booking System (VBS) charges. As a result, FreightWorks will be increasing our Auckland VBS charge to NZD 275.00 per container inclusive of port and empty container park booking fees effective from 1st September 2025.

Port of Auckland has advised further increases are expected on Vehicle Booking (VBS) charges from 1st January 2026, final details are still to be confirmed.

We have received notice Kiwirail have planned line closures between Hamilton and Auckland commencing Saturday 20th September 6.00am to Saturday 04th October 6.00pm with KiwiRail providing road-bridging solutions during this time. An additional block of line is also planned for Labour Weekend Friday 24th October to Monday 27th October.

The 2025 – 2026 BMSB risk season is due to start again from 01 September 2025 departure through to arrival 30th April 2026, BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured and shipped from target risk countriesand to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period. We are awaiting confirmation from MPI of any updated measures for 2025 – 2026 Season, more details to follow.

New Zealand Government has approved changes to the fees and levies that New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) charge to recover the costs of managing goods crossing New Zealand’s border. Initial changes came into effect from 01 July on NZ customs fees and from 01 April 2026 the structure of NZ Customs and MPI’s fees and levies will change.

Asia Market Update

Mid-August rate levels have remained reasonably stable with only a couple of lines pushing through small increases to the end of August. General rate increases and peak season notices continue to be received for September as space begins to tighten up. Shipping lines have warned if rate increases don’t stick then there may be potential for blank sailings in order to keep vessels full and create demand.

Southeast Asia rates continue to remain reasonably steady with vessels remaining full largely owing to high volumes of tranship cargo moving through Singapore and Malaysia. Space can be tight so we recommend booking in advance where possible.

Europe Market Update

Northern European Ports are facing severe delays with key gateways Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven heavily impacted by congestion and delays. Strikes, rail closures, carrier alliance shifts, and low inland water levels are all contributing to this problem. Ocean carriers are consequently rerouting vessels, omitting congested ports, and looking to add congestion surcharges. The delays are expected to last through August.

Due to ongoing risks shipping lines continue to avoid the Red Sea area and divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope with advertised schedules continuing to be disrupted with vessels arriving off window due to delays.

Tranship ports in Singapore and Malaysia are reporting an increase in congestion with multiple missed connections and delays on North and Southbound cargo.

USA / Canada Market Update

U.S. ports are operating on schedule for both East and West Coasts though lines have advised of a West Coast blank sailing southbound for week 35

Congestion in Cartagena is leading to delays on tranship services moving via Panama Canal.

Australia Update

Cosco and OOCL have advised they are adding Wellington as a direct call on their ANE/ANS Trans-Tasman service from 19 September with new rotation AKL – TRG – WLG – MEL – BLB – SYD

Shipping line rates moving both East and Westbound have continued to remain steady with multiple lines continuing to service this trade lane weekly.