In this month’s sea freight services update, learn about the shortage of space from North East Asia to Australia, upcoming GRIs and when the comprehensive SSP will start. Find out more on the situation in the US including the filing of a Port Congestion Surcharge, new GRIs, BAF adjustment and the situation at the ports. Last, learn about the new LSF (Low Sulphur Fuel Surcharge) which will debut in December or early January 2015.

More and more businesses learning the benefits of outsourcing parts of their value chain. Freight forwarders in Sydney in particular are seeing their work increase as more businesses look for specialised 3PL providers to manage their freight forwarding. So what is the most important factor to shippers when they look to outsource their freight forwarding? Continue reading to learn what shippers believe is most important when outsourcing to a 3PL provider and how the performance of your freight forwarder in Sydney can be improved.

Moving cargo from the East Coast to the West Coast of Australia is an expensive exercise. Domestic transport options include rail, road and the less know option of coastal shipping. As we look towards the future, Australia’s freight and logistics task will increase, and so will road freight costs. But recent attention by the Abbott government towards reforms in the Australian coastal shipping industry bring a glimmer of hope for companies that need to move freight from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide to Perth. Read on to learn more on recent developments in the coastal shipping debate and the cost and environmental benefits of coastal shipping.

Peak season is upon us and everyone wants their cargo here fast. And at the same time, carriers are overbooked due to reduced capacity and increased demand. This means that carriers are taking back control. In this month’s update, learn more on the post Golden Week Blank Sailing and Slack Season program, and where rates may go while carriers control capacity. Find out more on the recent rate increases from the USA and the continuing delays on the West Coast of California.

The Australian Government is cracking down on illegal logging imports and in November 2012, the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 made it a criminal offense to “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly import illegally logged timber or timber products into Australia”.
Read on to learn what you, as an importer of timber or timber products, need to do to be compliant by the deadline of 30 November 2014.

In today’s ultra-competitive business environment, smart companies are looking for ways to become more competitive. For many Australian businesses, importing from China has proven a successful tactic. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 19% of all imports into Australia come from China which equates to just over $47 billion AUD. Major import commodities include telecom equipment and parts, computers, clothing, furniture and other home furnishings. Read on to learn 5 tips that can assist you when importing from China.

Learn what is happening with the import sea freight market from Asia, the USA and Europe and what to do if your supplier receives a suboptimal container to load with your cargo.

 

 

BCR, a leading independent Australian freight forwarder and third party logistics provider today announced that Mr. Holger Schaurig has resigned as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. David Katte, a major shareholder and Board member of BCR, has been appointed to serve as the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Katte has been a Board member of BCR since 1994 and most recently Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Schaurig will work together with Mr. Katte through the transition which will conclude on 3 October 2014.

BCR, a leading independent Australian 3PL provider has announced the opening of a new full service warehouse in Townsville. The expansion is based on an increase in the number of businesses looking to outsource their warehousing and distribution requirements in North Queensland. BCR customers that sell goods to businesses in the North Queensland area can now deliver goods faster and improve the service they offer to their customers by locating stock within the region.