Qantas’ freight division suffered a major IT nightmare last week, throwing cargo operations into disarray. The airline’s attempt to transition to a new, fully integrated cloud-based management system on September 24 didn’t go according to plan. The malfunction forced them to prioritize the movement of essential & perishable supplies. Today the airline has issued an update, as at 1200 on 12 Oct 2023.
The main part of Qantas’ notice begins with this statement:
“This information was last updated at 1200 on 12 Oct 2023.
We’re still on target to clear import backlogs in Sydney by 19 Oct 2023 and Melbourne by 21 Oct 2023. Brisbane is processing small volumes of loose freight which will be cleared once break down is completed. Loose freight in other ports is being processed based on commodity, with priority given to urgent shipments.
“Customers are reminded that some import freight arriving during the initial cutover phase in late Sep 23 has yet to be processed and tracking information available online may be inaccurate. We understand how important this freight is, so we are adding resources to support clearance of these aging imports and will be contacting customers once the freight has been located, processed and reconciled which is necessary for invoicing accurately.”
Relevant Information for Importers and Exporters
Export lodgements
To mitigate mishandled freight, Qantas asks exporters to lodge all general shipments for bypass shipper-loaded and loose freight two hours earlier than normal lodgement times.
Any storage fees which may apply due to delayed processing will be waived. Fees will apply for freight being lodged from 29 Sep 2023.
All Fresh and Perishable shipments should be lodged as normal to protect the shipment, as cool room access may be unavailable for extended periods.
Import collections
Qantas acknowledge that their major international terminals in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney are experiencing extended processing delays. Priority is being given to urgent freight and they are extending their hours of operation in selected ports to expedite clearance wherever possible.
Any storage fees which may apply due to delayed processing will be waived.
Dangerous goods
All shipments categorised as Dangerous Goods require additional checks and may be delayed. For customers who can select a flight at booking, Qantas asks that they lodge two hours earlier to allow for checks. For any non-critical DG shipments, exporters should consider delaying lodgement to minimise disruption.
Qantas say that terminal teams are continuing to working around the clock to process the freight backlog. A large number of bypass units are ready for collection and customers are being contacted directly if this applies to their freight. They are implementing manual processes where necessary to maintain data integrity.
Also see our article from earlier in the year: Freight Contributes to Qantas Profit
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