What are "CHEP" Pallets?

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) has announced the commencement of the 2024-25 BMSB risk season, effective September 1st, 2024 to April 30th, 2025. This season brings key changes for stakeholders involved in importing and shipping goods to Australia during this period. The 2024-25 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Risk Season: What You Need to Know The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) poses a significant threat to Australian agriculture. To prevent its establishment, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources enforces strict seasonal measures during high-risk periods. Key Changes: Heightened Vessel Surveillance : China and South Korea have been added to the list of countries requiring stricter monitoring of vessels arriving in Australia. AusTreat: The Offshore BMSB Treatment Provider scheme has been replaced by AusTreat, a new government-to-industry program regulating pre-border biosecurity treatment providers. Safeguarding Arrangements: The scheme offering an alternative clearance pathway for high-risk cargo remains available Who should be aware? This information is crucial for stakeholders in the import and shipping industries, including: Importers Freight forwarders Treatment providers Customs brokers Vessel masters Peace of mind starts with certified care. Find an approved supplier for your offshore fumigations and treatments. It's your guarantee of quality and compliance *All pre-border biosecurity treatment providers must be registered under AusTreat, check yours are on the List of Approved treatment providers. Stay informed & compliant: For detailed information on BMSB seasonal measures, AusTreat registration, and Safeguarding Arrangements, visit the DAFF website: HERE

A crisis in the Red Sea, caused by attacks on vessels, is forcing ships to take a much longer route around Africa. This detour adds weeks to travel times, impacting the flow of goods and potentially pushing prices up for Australian consumers. Why the Delays? Normally, a large portion of cargo bound for Australia travels through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. However, due to the current security threats, many shipping companies are opting for the safer, but significantly longer, route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. This adds roughly 6,400 kilometers to each journey. Impact on Australian Consumers While the crisis isn't expected to cause widespread shortages like those seen during the pandemic, it could lead to some stock issues and potentially higher prices. The delays disrupt the delicate balance between supply and demand, and with inflation already on the rise, these disruptions could keep prices elevated for a longer period. Interest Rates and the Economy The Reserve Bank of Australia is tasked with keeping inflation under control. This shipping crisis makes their job a little harder. If inflation remains high due to ongoing supply chain issues, the Bank may be forced to raise interest rates to slow down spending and cool the economy. How Long Will This Last? Experts predict the Red Sea crisis could continue for another six months. This means potential disruptions to the flow of goods impacting Australian consumers and businesses for a significant period. Staying Informed As the situation unfolds, it's important to stay informed about potential impacts on the availability and price of goods. Keep an eye on news reports and information from retailers to stay updated. Watch: Channel 10 News - international shipping Lucy Gray interviews the Assistant Minister for Trade, Paul Zalai, importers and leading finance commentators on how international shipping freight rates is adding to the cost of living.

Did you just get an email alert from us? Is your vessel arriving or is your cargo almost in your grasp, just waiting to be unpacked out of the shipping container? This is one of those 'trust the process' moments. We are keeping you up to date from the moment it arrives to the moment your cargo is available and ready to be delivered to your door, silver platter and all. At Pivot Freight, We understand that the concept of CHEP pallets may be daunting, but don't fear, Our crew are here to help you navigate the troubling tides of getting your cargo unpacked and delivered to your door. SO, WHAT ARE CHEP PALLETS? CHEP pallets , are the odd blue-painted pallets you see in the above image. It's a multipurpose platform that is safe to use for product loading, distribution, and display. It is combined and maintained across the network of CHEP's service centres, promoting efficiency and the responsible exploitation of natural resources all along the supply chain. The idea of "share and reuse," or 'pooling', is the foundation of CHEP's business strategy. CHEP implements this strategy as they believe that items are more sustainable when they are shared and reused. LCL FREIGHT UNPACKING: 📦 Once your cargo has been deconsolidated and unpacked, delivery to your door will be booked in ASAP. We check over details with you depending on the size and quantity of your expected item/s. If you have a big load of loose cartons coming, best believe these will be unpacked onto pallets at the CFS - Container Freight Station. Our Australian depots do this to ensure their warehouse staff and our courier drivers remain safe and follow work health and safety legislation as best as possible. 🦺 CHEP pallets are the industry norm for Sea Freight / Container unpack depots to utilise when unpacking goods out of shipping containers. If your goods have been unpacked onto a CHEP pallet and you don't have a CHEP account or a CHEP pallet to swap, then you'll need to unload your packages off the CHEP pallet and return the CHEP pallet back to the driver on delivery. If this is not workable, then we can arrange for your cargo to be unpacked onto plain pallets prior to delivery; however, there will be additional costs for labour and the plain pallet supply. There are some other solutions to get around this, such as palletising the cargo at the point of origin, sometimes this can be an economical choice when you have large quantities of cartons or packages to ship and a fork lift at delivery point to unload the pallets off the truck. Importers work with suppliers to arrange plain palletising as a part of their ordering process; however, this will result in higher freight costs due to the increased cargo capacity (cubic meters) within the shipping container. #toptip - Make sure that if wooden pallets are used, they are heat treated to meet the ISPM 15 standards or request plastic pallets to mitigate any biosecurity concerns. If a supplier is unable to palletise the cargo at the CFS (container freight station) of origin, we can also arrange for this at destination, albeit it would incur additional costs such as labour and the supply of each plain pallet. It is important to consider the benefit of cargo being palletised from origin to destination, it allows a safer movement of the goods in and out of warehouses, as well as less possibility of cargo damage while on the rough seas. Having a CHEP account is another option to explore. You can find out how through CHEP's web page here .

The khapra beetle, is a tiny beetle that eats stored produce, rendering it inedible, by infesting grain shipments or silos. Originally from India, it has since expanded throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is now considered Australia’s 2nd most threatening plant pest. In this guide, we will be exploring the measures in place and the effects this pest has on Australia's import scene. Infestation: The Impact on Australian Trade Many of our trading partners would refuse stored produce from Australia if the beetle were to establish itself here. Australia's economy could be negatively impacted by the beetle because a large portion of the grain we grow is exported. Populations grow quickly in warmer weather, which results in substantial losses to produce, kept in storage, such as grain in silos. Additionally, beetles and the hairs and cast skins from larvae pollute-infested stores, posing a health risk. The hitchhiker pest is known to be capable of thriving in shipping containers for several years. Because it is small, can live for long periods without food, and prefers to live in the cracks and crevices, staying hidden under floors and in seams and crevices within the shipping containers. In suitable conditions, beetle populations can grow swiftly and infect any items stored in the container. Measures for Importation of Shipping Containers at Risk We will briefly touch on the measures implemented by DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry) for sea containers that have been exported from khapra beetle target risk countries. Containers that are packed in a country that is at target risk for infestation and are intended to be delivered at an Australian rural khapra risk postcode require offshore treatment, before export, using an approved method by an approved treatment provider. A list of approved treatment providers can be found here . A list of Rural Khapra Risk Postcodes can be found here . For a visual guide on whether treatment is required on your container import, check out this flowchart provided by DAFF. The shipping container needs to be treated before packing unless methyl bromide fumigation is being used. If methyl bromide fumigation is used, the container can be treated either empty or packed (if it meets DAFF specifications) and treated no later than 21 days before shipping, along with the required paperwork. If these conditions are not met, the container will be exported as soon as it gets to Australia. For more information, please visit the departments' page dedicated to the khapra beetle here . The below countries are a target risk area for the khapra beetle *Please check the above link for the most up to date list as these can change without notice. Afghanistan Albania Algeria Bangladesh Benin Burkina Faso Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Cyprus Egypt Ghana Greece India Iran Islamic Republic of Iraq Israel Kuwait Lebanon Libya Mali Mauritania Morocco Myanmar Nepal Niger Nigeria Oman Pakistan Qatar Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Sudan Sri Lanka Sudan Syrian Arab Republic Timor-Leste Tunisia Türkiye United Arab Emirates Yemen Source List Department n.d., Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Agriculture, Australian Government.

The world of international shipping can feel overwhelming, especially for new importers. With all the different options and terminology, it's easy to get confused. But fear not! Through our blog posts, We'll guide you through the three main modes of international transport: air freight, sea freight, and international courier services. 1. Air Freight: Imagine your products soaring through the air, delivered to your doorstep in a flash! That's the magic of air freight. It's the fastest option, ideal for urgent shipments, time-sensitive goods like perishables or seasonal items, and smaller packages. Pros: Speed: Get your goods quickly! Tracking: Enjoy real-time tracking for peace of mind. Cons: Cost: Air freight is the most expensive option due to its speed. Weight & Size Restrictions: Be aware of limitations on package size and weight. 2. International Courier Service: Similar to Airfreight, International courier services are a true door to door delivery for documents, small packages and urgent shipments. Pros: Fast delivery times, excellent tracking options, convenient door-to-door delivery. Cons: Cost: Similar to air freight, based on volumetric weight or actual weight, whichever is higher Weight & Size Restrictions: Can be expensive compared to other options, weight and size limitations. . Volumetric Weight: Your Secret Weapon for Cost Estimation Ever received a shipping quote higher than expected? You might be encountering the difference between volumetric weight and actual weight. Both air freight and international courier services consider not just the physical weight of your package, but also its size when calculating the costs. Actual weight = the physical weight (Kg's) of your items, including packaging. Volumetric Weight = the space your items take up Chargeable Weight = the highest of the two (Actual vs Volumetric) Here's a simple formula to calculate volumetric weight: Multiply the length, width, and height of your package in centimeters. Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) Divide the result by 6000 for air freight or 5000 for international courier services. Round up to the nearest half kilogram. This is your volumetric weight! The shipping company will use whichever weight is higher to determine your final cost. Knowing your volumetric weight helps you estimate shipping costs more accurately and avoid surprises. 3. Sea Freight: For large shipments and cost-effectiveness, look no further than sea freight. Imagine your goods sailing across the ocean in giant containers! This is the most economical option for bulkier items like furniture, machinery, or large quantities of non-urgent goods. Pros: Cost-effective: The most economical option for large volumes. Capacity: Can handle significant cargo volume. Cons: Slowest Delivery: Sea freight takes the longest, so plan accordingly. Limited Tracking: Tracking options may be limited compared to air freight. Understanding Container Options: Sea freight utilises shipping containers for larger shipments. Here's a breakdown of your options: Full Container Load (FCL): Have an entire container dedicated to your goods, ideal for large quantities. Less than Container Load (LCL): Share a container with other importers, a budget-friendly option for smaller shipments. To calculate the cubic meter (CBM) for a sea freight shipment: Number of items x Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) Knowing the CBM helps determine your shipping cost based on either weight or volume, whichever is higher and will also determine weather your cargo will be shipped as LCL of FCL. Choosing the Right Mode: So, how do you decide between air and sea freight? Here are some key factors to consider: Delivery Speed: How urgently do you need your goods? Cost: Air freight is faster but more expensive, sea freight is slower but more economical. Cargo Size & Weight: Consider weight limitations and if volumetric weight might be a factor. Tracking Visibility: How important is real-time tracking for your peace of mind? Beyond the Basics: The world of international shipping goes beyond these core modes. Incoterms, which define delivery responsibilities, play a crucial role. Understanding who pays for what during the shipping process is essential. Remember: When navigating international shipping, getting quotes from different freight forwarders can help you find the best price and service for your specific needs. Stay tuned for future posts where we'll delve deeper into topics like Incoterms, customs clearance, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of international trade!

1. Air Freight: ✈️ Ideal for: Urgent shipments, time-sensitive goods (perishable items, fashion trends), smaller packages. Pros: Fastest delivery times, good tracking options. Cons: Most expensive option, weight and size restrictions apply. Costing: Based on volumetric weight (package size) or actual weight, whichever is higher. 2. International Courier Service: 📦 Ideal for: Documents, small packages, urgent shipments requiring door-to-door delivery. Pros: Fast delivery times, excellent tracking options, convenient door-to-door delivery. Cons: Can be expensive compared to other options, weight and size limitations. Costing: Similar to air freight, based on volumetric weight (package size) or actual weight, whichever is higher. 3. Sea Freight: Ideal for: Large shipments (multiple cartons or packages), think pallet loads, bulky items (furniture, machinery), cost-effective option for non-urgent goods. Pros: Most economical option for large quantities, allows for significant cargo volume. Cons: Slowest delivery times, limited tracking options. Costing: Based on either weight or cubic meter (CBM) , whichever is higher. Choosing the Right Option: 🤹‍♀️ Consider these factors when deciding on your shipping method: Delivery Speed: How urgently do you need your goods? Cost: Air freight is fastest but most expensive, sea freight is slowest but most economical. Cargo Size & Weight : Consider weight limitations and if volumetric weight might be a factor. Tracking Visibility: How important is real-time tracking for your peace of mind? Additional Tips: 🙋‍♀️ Incoterms: Understand the delivery responsibilities associated with different Incoterm options (e.g. ExW vs. DDP or FOB vs. CIF) to determine who pays for what during the shipping process. Get Quotes: Compare quotes from different freight forwarders to find the best price and service for your needs.

In Australia, an anti-dumping system is imposed to create a fair market between Australian manufacturers and importers. When imported goods are believed to be dumped or subsidised and harmful to the business of Australian Manufacturers, they can apply for anti-dumping or countervailing duties.

Our process that gets the results your business needs. At Pivot one of our key brand aspects that makes us stand out as your freight forwarder is our ability to deliver stress-free transparency on the movement of your goods. We think it is essential as an import and/or exporter to understand what your cargo undergoes while it is moving between international borders.

The recent crisis in the Red Sea has sent shockwaves through the global shipping industry, leading to disruptions in carriers' routes and a sharp decline in schedule reliability. According to a new analysis by Sea-Intelligence, schedule reliability has plummeted to its lowest level in 15 months, signalling a concerning trend for the maritime sector. Here are four key points from the analysis: Decline in Schedule Reliability: The analysis reviewed data for over 60 carriers and 34 trade routes, revealing a significant drop in schedule reliability for the second consecutive month. On average, reliability now stands at 51.6 percent, marking a 10 percentage point decrease since November 2023 and a staggering 15 percentage point decline from its peak in mid-2023. Impact on Major Carriers: Major carriers such as MSC, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd have seen their schedule reliability dip into the mid-40 percent range. Surprisingly, CMA CGM emerged as the most reliable among the majors at 54.7 percent, despite facing challenges in its schedules due to delays in the Red Sea. Increasing Delays: The crisis has led to significant delays in vessel arrivals, with the average delay for late arrivals now standing at 6.01 days. None of the top 13 carriers were able to record an improvement in schedule reliability, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the industry. Stabilisation Efforts and Future Outlook: While some economists had anticipated that supply chain disruptions would stabilise over time as carriers adjusted to longer voyages, the situation remains precarious. CMA CGM is cautiously optimistic about the situation stabilising, but other carriers such as Maersk have warned of prolonged disruptions well into the second quarter of 2024 or possibly beyond. The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical tensions and maritime security threats. As the industry navigates through these turbulent waters, proactive measures and collaborative efforts will be essential to mitigate risks and ensure the resilience of maritime trade. Sources: Sea-Intelligence, The Financial Times