February 03 2025 Customer Advisory Notice

February 2, 2025

NZ Local Update

We have received several notices from empty container depots in Auckland advising of upcoming increases to their Vehicle Booking System (VBS) charges. As a result, FreightWorks will be increasing our Auckland VBS charge to NZD 255.00 per container inclusive of port and empty container park booking fees effective from 01st February 2025.

We have also received notices from both Tauranga and Napier Ports of port VBS increases and will be increasing to NZD 130.00 per container inclusive of port and empty container park booking fees effective from 01st February 2025.

NZTA has announced the closure of the Desert Road SH1 between Turangi and Waiouru for maintenance between 06th January and late February 2025. Diversions will be in place but expect trucking delays through this area during this time.

Centreport has advised there will be no rail services running from Wellington 06 February due to Waitangi Day holidays.

FreightWorks has evaluated the FAF being charged to us by our carriers as of the 1st to 28th February 2025 and FAF rate will increase to 18%. This will be re-evaluated monthly.

Asia Market Update

Lunar New Year is set to end on 04th February with offices and factories coming back online.

Shipping lines rate offers continue to trend downwards on short terms contracts though they have slowed dramatically since the pre–Lunar New Year rush from North Asia. Both North and Southeast Asia rates are expected to hold steady through February as long as there is volume to support this.

Europe Market Update

The announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has generated speculation that the Red Sea and Suez Canal could once again become a viable shipping route. The Houthi pledge to end hostilities in the region following the ceasefire is a hopeful sign, but the shipping industry will be closely watching to see if they cease targeting commercial vessels for a sustained period before any attempts are made to use the Suez Canal again.

Insurers will also need time to adjust risk assessments following the ceasefire, and carriers remain cautious. This means that, despite the positive developments, diversions around the Cape of Good Hope are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. With the situation in the Red Sea area ongoing carriers are stating that the Red Sea diversions are expected to be in place well into 2025 and service adjustments have been made to accommodate this expectation. Industry commentators have advised they are expecting no change in schedules until late Q3 at the earliest.

Tranship ports in Singapore and Malaysia are reporting an increase in congestion with multiple missed connections and delays of 1 – 2 weeks.

USA / Canada Market Update

With an agreement being made between the ILA and the USMX strike action was averted. In a joint statement, the two sides said the agreement protects union jobs and allows ports on the East and Gulf coasts to modernize with new technology, “making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong.’’

Adverse winter weather and storms are impacting many parts of USA and Canada with transport delays being experienced in some areas.

Australia Update

Australian Customs are currently targeting shippers providing false information and/or under valuing goods, especially from NZ and China.

Australian Importers are being penalised up to AUD 12,680.00 per shipment where a supplier has undervalued goods due to either incorrect use of incoterms or simply “trying to help clients reduce costs of importing”

The biggest discrepancy is the declared value on the invoice being different from the actual funds transferred between parties, with the second biggest being a declared invoice for goods and an undeclared invoice for shipping and handling charges with DDP terms being declared on entries.

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