TRADING WITH CHINA: UPDATES AND TIPS China has been in the news during late 2024 due to the lifting of trade impediments on Australian lobsters, after already easing their restrictions on our wine, timber, beef, coal and barley. But there is a lot more to know about doing business with this huge market – and […]
Don’t look at shipping documents as being ‘just more paperwork.’ Having accurate and complete documentation underpins the smooth transit and customs clearance of your sea cargo imports. Knowing exactly which documents you need and getting them to your broker before the ship’s arrival determines how quickly your shipment is delivered to its final destination. You […]
What is Verified Gross Mass (VGM)? Australian legislation requires shippers to provide an accurate gross mass on maritime shipping documents. Under the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) rules, a packed container cannot be loaded onto a ship unless the master and the port terminal operator have obtained the verified gross mass (VGM) of the […]
It is common to hear importers and exporters say it is not worth the money to insure their cargo, believing that the risks of loss, damage or theft are minimal. While it is true that the majority of shipments arrive at destination intact, the ones that do suffer mishaps can incur hidden costs you may […]
WHY TRUST US FOR YOUR LCL SHIPMENTS? LCL, meaning ‘Less-than Container Load,’ can play a vital role in the supply chain of all importing businesses, especially SMEs. When you don’t have enough cargo for an FCL – Full Container Load – we offer you the option of co-loading your goods with other shippers in our […]
New Security Measures for Import Air Cargo The Australian Government has mandated temporary restrictions on all airlines operating to Australia, for certain items originating from 55 countries – mainly located in Europe – including at all transhipment locations. The new measures have caught shippers by surprise and are presenting challenges for freight forwarders. From 26 […]
Ports on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States are set to close this week, with the union representing tens of thousands of dockworkers and an industry group representing port operators and shipping companies at loggerheads over a new labour contract. A total of 14 ports – from Maine to Texas – involving […]
ENSURING YOUR IMPORTS DO NOT CONTAIN ASBESTOS The hazards of asbestos are now well documented, as it has been banned for over two decades. Asbestos is dangerous when it is disturbed, becomes airborne, and its fibres are inhaled. It can be life-threatening Due to ongoing threats of this insidious material, the ABF has found it […]
Increased freight costs, late deliveries and cancelled orders. These are issues an importer does not want to have to deal with at any time of year. Now we are into Peak Season Shipping – the most difficult period to navigate these challenges. Traditionally, the peak season spans from August to October, however challenging situations brought […]
As an importer, the last thing you want is a case of the creepy-crawlies. If you bring in goods by sea freight, you will be aware that there is an annual seasonal alert for Stink Bugs that hide inside shipping containers and cargo. The bug, known officially as Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is one […]
