Brisbane cargo company

FTA states position on "Essential Services"

SILA Global fully endorses the below proactive measures taken by FTA. We wait for clear direction from the department or prime minister office regarding classification of essential service provider.

Essential Services - FTA states a need for the entire international supply chain

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) this afternoon engaged with executives from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development.

Below is an extract of our follow-up correspondence.
IMPORTANT - Essential Services

As discussed, we have two sides to the supply chain. One being the domestic supply chain and the other (our focus) being the international supply chain.

In terms of the international supply chain, all parties from the importer / exporter through to the border, must be treated as “essential services” to ensure goods continue to flow onto Australian shelves and to support the economy for as long as possible during this pandemic.

IMPORTERS / EXPORTERS

As discussed, commerce is doing an amazing job continuing trade during these extreme circumstances. They will continue to do as long as they have broad understanding of the next steps and the definition of “essential services”.

It is imperative that all importers and exporters are allowed to continue to receive and dispatch goods and fall in the definition of “essential services”.

This will allow logistics providers an opportunity to make decisions on the financial viability to continue deploying vessels, chartering of aircraft etc.

If a decision is made to exclude a significant proportion of importers and exporters, then I would highly recommend that the federal government:

• plan to subsidise the trade and / or logistics sector to make it financially viable to continue operations; or
• plan to charter your own transport and / or bring in the military to move essential goods across international borders.

If logistics providers cannot move and deliver cargo to importers / exporters, there will be massive backlogs, congestion and significant financial demurrage / detention costs.

LOGISTICS PROVIDERS

As well as stevedores, air cargo terminal operators, transport operators, licensed depots and empty container parks (physical handlers of cargo), it is essential that freight forwarders and customs brokers are included as “essential services”.

Freight forwarders are playing a critical role in co-ordinating freight and arranging international transport, chartering aircraft etc.

Customs brokerages are trade professionals that play an essential role of managing import compliance requirements and co-ordinating domestic transport.

In particular, biosecurity compliance is even more important than ever during these challenging times - the last thing we need is an imported pest infestation that would decimate our agriculture industry on top of a pandemic !

The entire international supply chain is fragile at the best of times, removing or limiting the capabilities of one link is not an option.

We are being inundated by our members who are looking for clarification of the definition of “essential services” and they need a definitive answer as a matter of urgency.

FTA has since followed up and shared this detail with State and Territory policy advisors. We will continue to keep members informed on this important detail.

Paul Zalai - Director and Co-Founder, FTA / Secretariat, APSA


Logistics company Australia

SILA GLOBAL NEW ZEALAND - COVID19 BUSINESS UPDATE & CONTINUITY PLAN

Hello All,
As you will all be aware the NZ government has advised in the next 48hrs NZ will be at Alert LVL 4.
The team at SILA Global are preparing for the challenge faced by our customers, suppliers and partners during these uncertain times.

As our Business sector has been deemed as an essential business and we will carry on as per usual. We are taking measures to protect our staff and maintain our services.

We have been testing our emergency plans during the past few weeks and as of today we will implement these plans accordingly. These plans are based on the latest advice we have from the NZ Government.

OFFICE HOURS
Our office hours remain unchanged. We do have sanitation requirements for anyone dropping or collecting documentation. We are not accepting any visitors into our offices until further notice.

STAFFING
All staff are equipped with the tools and resources to conduct business. Our telephone, email and operating systems are functioning as per normal.

SUPPLIERS
We are in regular contact with our suppliers. We understand that due to the unpredictability of this situation change can occur. Should there be a significant development with any of our suppliers, we will advise you as soon as possible.

PARTNERS
We are in contact with all partners, who are working through their own COVID19 continuity plans, in accordance to their government requirements. Each country's situation is evolving quickly.

IMPORT SHIPMENTS
We are dealing with a considerable amount of stakeholders and there is a lot of information circulating. Our goal is to keep our customers informed of matters affecting our business, our partners business and your business. We will do this to the best of our ability. If you have any specific needs please contact your SILA Global representative or our customer service team.

If you or your suppliers business is severely impacted due to COVID19, please communicate this to your SILA Global representative. Its important that we have an understanding of any impact to your shipping & logistics requirements.

We hope that you and your family stay healthy during this time.


Shipping Containers Logistics Australia 6

COVID19 BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN

The team at SILA Global are preparing for the challenge faced by our customers, suppliers and partners during these uncertain times. We are taking measures to protect our staff and maintain our services.

We have been testing our emergency plans during the past few weeks and as of today we will implement these plans accordingly. These plans are based on the latest advice we have from the federal government, and in accordance with any from state or local government policies.

OFFICE HOURS
Our office hours remain unchanged. At time of writing all locations remain open. We do have sanitation requirements for any couriers dropping or collecting documentation. We are not accepting any visitors into our offices until further notice.

Should one of our locations need to close, we will advise all as quickly as possible.

STAFFING
We have implemented a office and home based structure. All staff are equipped with the tools and resources to conduct business. Our telephone, email and operating systems are functioning as per normal.

SUPPLIERS
We are in regular contact with our suppliers. We understand that due to the unpredictability of this situation change can occur. Should there be a significant development with any of our suppliers, we will advise you as soon as possible.

PARTNERS
We are in contact with all partners, who are working through their own COVID19 continuity plans, in accordance to their government requirements. Each country's situation is evolving quickly.

INFORMATION
We are dealing with a considerable amount of stakeholders and there is a lot of information circulating. Our goal is to keep our customers informed of matters affecting our business, our partners business and your business. We will do this to the best of our ability. If you have any specific needs please contact your SILA Global representative or our customer service team.

If you or your suppliers business is severely impacted due to COVID19, please communicate this to your SILA Global representative. Its important that we have an understanding of any impact to your shipping & logistics requirements.

We hope that you and your family stay healthy during this time.


New Requirements on Queensland Port Entry in response to containing the COVID-19 outbreak 20 March 2020

UPDATE

Advise has been received that the Queensland Maritime Safety Authority Has now made Singapore exempt from the precautionary measures, please see follows;

I made the decision today to exempt Singapore from the Direction based upon the stringent COVID-19 precautionary measures that have been adopted in Singapore, as well as this nations relatively lower level of infection rates.

The Singapore-Brisbane container trade is also source of essential imports to Brisbane, much of which is under extreme pressure following the disruption to production in China over the preceding months. Singapore as such qualifies as constituting ‘a significant disruption to the supply of essential trade to the State’.

In granting this exemption I am also conscious of the welfare of seafarers and the ability to have some respite and getting ashore. Whilst the steaming time from Singapore to Brisbane only 8-10 days, many of these vessels then proceed to southern state ports and will qualify as serving a 14 day isolation and thus can proceed ashore provided no signs of illness are displayed.

In assessing all requests I will continue to be guided maintaining the well being of Queensland’s maritime workforce and our international seafarers, as well as ensuring the continued provision of vital maritime services in-and-out of Queensland ports over the coming challenging months

Regards,

SILA Customer Service


New Requirements on Queensland Port Entry in response to containing the COVID-19 outbreak 19 March 2020

Dear Customers,

Advice has been received that the Queensland Maritime Safety Authority has introduced additional isolation and border recommendations in response to containing the COVID-19 outbreak.

Requirements have been introduced for Queensland (Brisbane port) that vessels cannot enter a Queensland pilotage area until 14 days have elapsed since the vessel left any country outside Australia however MSQ have made exemptions to the directive for the following countries NZ, PNG and South West Pacific Nations (to be defined by specific island states). This applies to all vessels that have departed outside Australia after 15th March 2359 AST. At this point in time, these controls do not apply for other Australian ports were pre-existing measures remain in place e.g where currently vessels cannot berth until 14 days have elapsed since the vessel left any port within Mainland China.

Shipping lines are working on contingency plans to minimize disruption which may include changes to port rotations, slower sailings or other measures however we imagine to see some unexpected vessel delays in the short term especially for cargo from transshipment hubs with shorter sailings such as Singapore.

We will endeavor to make contact as soon as possible to any customers we see are impacted however please feel free to reach out to your SILA Global contacts at any time.

Best regards,

SILA Customer Service


New AICIS Scheme will replace NICNAS on 1 July 2020

Dear Valued Clients,

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) will replace the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) on 1 July 2020 as the new national regulator of the importation and manufacture of industrial chemicals in Australia.

Anyone who imports or manufactures (introduce) industrial chemicals or products that release industrial chemicals into Australia for commercial purposes must:

  • register their business with AICIS and pay a fee
  • categorise each chemical importation or manufacture (introduction) into 1 of 5 categories

For an overview of the new AICIS scheme click HERE to read more.

If you have any clients who import industrial chemicals they need to be informed of the new AICIS scheme.


Patricks Landside Access & Terminal Ancillary Charges: Effective from 9 March 2020

Dear Valued Clients,

Please note that we have received notice that from 9th March 2020 there may be revised terminal service charges via Patricks Terminal.

Patrick continues to face increased costs in the provision of its terminal services. These rates were last reviewed in March 2019 and July 2019 with all Terminal charges now being reviewed from March 2020. As part of the review process, rates have been reassessed to reflect movements in costs that Patrick Terminals has incurred, including occupancy, labour and energy costs and necessary investments in terminal facilities.  Patrick continues to absorb significant costs in relation to the provision of its terminal services.

The rate schedules to apply from 09 March 2020 and include updated charges relating to:

  1. Biosecurity Australia Inspection Tariffs
  2. Import Storage and Yard Moves
  3. Dangerous Goods Charges
  4. Early/Late Receival Landside Protocol
  5. Early/Late Receival Landside Application and Rates
  6. Maritime Security Levy
  7. Landside Terminal Charge
  8. VBS Fees
  9. Export Weight Amendment Declaration (VGM)
  10. Port Botany Weighbridge Fee
  11. Brisbane Mooring Fees

Revised charges for Patrick Terminals' CargoLink VBS also to come into effect from 9th March 2020.

Kind Regards

SILA Customer Service


Low Sulphur Rates (LSS) - Rates on an upward trend during 2020

Shipping Lines pushing rates up via LSS Surcharges...

"Now More than 70% of frequent importers from China or NE / SE Asia fix ocean southbound rates annually or lock in a Low Rate and Peak Rate Cap annually with guaranteed space protection in peak season."

For Business enquiries please contact: sales@sila.net.au to discuss a fixed rate offer from the SILA Global team.

Kind Regards

SILA Customer Service


Connected Logistics Australia SILA Global Infographic

Shining a spotlight on Supply Chain Obstacles

With various major factors in the supply chain out of our control, like unstable international trade relationships and catastrophic weather events, it’s absolutely imperative that we have an efficient rapid response on the ready.

We invested heavily in our suite of technology products, SV3, to ensure both our team and our customers are empowered with the information needed to understand all of our options in the event of a supply chain disaster. Geopolitical issues and weather events may be out of our control but as a global company with sophisticated supply chains, it’s imperative that we understand how we’re exposed and how to adjust immediately if disaster strikes. 

We’re no stranger to obstacles. Supply chains can be a complex web where a failure at any segment can cause an ensuing ripple effect along the chain. We’ve always had an expert team to mitigate any risks but it’s only in recent times that technology has enabled us with full visibility of the supply chain and interconnectedness with partners and customers to share data in real-time. This allows us to mitigate obstacles along the supply chain and make decisions in real-time in alignment with all parties. 

While there are still some factors out of our control, we’re now much better positioned to deal with changing operations in response to emergency situations because of the real-time actionable data we have at our fingertips.
We can make immediate and informed decisions based on costs, transit times, service performance and other variables. The key to resolving challenges is having a robust and modern logistics system and processes in place to stay one step ahead.  

Proper forecasting and smart planning is the only surefire way to ready your business to combat the unpredictable. Don’t lose any sleep over this, because we’ll do that for you, but here are some of the factors we can’t directly control but in most instances, we can mitigate the impact:-

Inclement weather - As a company transporting items around the globe, a major weather event on international shores,  like a tsunami or hurricane, is likely to impact some segment of our supply chain. These events are unavoidable but we can use weather forecasting to anticipate and plan around extreme weather in advance.

Cybersecurity - Cyber-attacks on transportation modes will always be a threat but cybersecurity is incorporated into our risk management procedures so that we can respond to any threats timely and effectively, and have instant communication with all relevant parties. We also train our staff in identifying suspicious emails, have strong user access controls on our platforms, do regular backups, and keep our software up to date.

Infrastructure - Unfortunately we’re reliant on the government to arrange and fund infrastructures such as roads, airports, railways and ports.  Currently, there are some inadequacies but the Federal Govt has committed to 70 billion AUD on infrastructure over the next 10 years.

Economic changes - Rising fuel prices and increasing compliance regulations also impact on the supply chain.  While fuel costs are a permanent part of the logistics industry we take measures to reduce our fuel consumption where possible and the flow-on costs to our customers. Again, The Transport & Logistics industry will always be governed by legislation and regulations due to the potentially serious consequences of any system failure, but we work hard to have processes in place to streamline operations while remaining 100% compliant.

Geopolitical Risks - Global political events and trade tensions between global superpowers can also spell disruption for supply chains.  It’s yet another reason we need to be cognisant of the environment around us, identify the warning signs of impending political unrest, and have coping strategies to limit disruption, all of which is possible with our world-class technology.

We work in a challenging and rapidly-evolving industry that requires us to be rigorous in our attention at all times. While we’ve always been great at what we do,  SV3 has made us better. When circumstances out of our control impact on our supply chain, we have robust systems in place to mitigate risk and get our goods back on the right track to the right people at the right time.

To learn more about SV3 head to our website www.sila.net.au or get in touch with our friendly teams in Australia or New Zealand:

Australia
Email sales@sila.net.au
Phone +61 7 3908 1690

New Zealand
Email sales@sila.net.nz
Phone +64 9 390 7942


Increased Infrastructure Access Charge at Fisherman's Island (DP World - Brisbane) -1st January 2019

Dear Valued Client,

Please be advised that DP World Australia will be increasing the Infrastructure Access Charge at our Fisherman Islands Terminal (Brisbane) for road and rail operators, and will also be adjusting a number of ancillary charges.

The infrastructure access charge will be $70.15 per container (exclusive of GST) and will apply to all full containers received or delivered via road at Fisherman Islands Terminal. Full containers received or delivered via road will be charged to the road carrier through the 1-Stop Vehicle Booking System.

In addition, a number of Container Terminal Ancillary Charges that will apply at Fisherman Islands Terminal will be adjusted from 1 January 2019. These include:

  • VBS Administration Fee – electronic
  • Stack Run In & Out Fee
  • Direct Return of Empty Booking Fee

DP World Australia recognises the importance of working closely with operators as part of implementing new or increased charges. Ongoing access to Fisherman Islands Terminal will be conditional on payment of the charges as per DP World's conditions.

Kind Regards,

SILA Customer Service