News

Excel Logistics would like to provide an update on several market developments currently affecting international freight forwarding, transport, and supply chain operations. We encourage you to review the information below and contact our team should you have any questions regarding your shipments, inventory planning, or transport requirements.

Ongoing Delays in China

The typhoon season across Eastern China is continuing to disrupt vessel schedules and port operations. These recent weather events have impacted major ports including Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen and Shenzhen, with roughly 230,000 TEUs tied up at ports. Berthing delays at some Shanghai terminals are currently reported at approximately 5-10 days, with additional scheduling disruption affecting vessel arrivals and departures.

While the overall direction remains one of gradual recovery, further weather-related interruptions and concentrated vessel arrivals may continue to impact schedules over the coming weeks.

To help minimise disruption, customers should continue to allow additional lead time when planning shipments from China.

Peak Season & Pre-Holiday Pressure

September and October represent a critical shipping period for Australian businesses preparing for Christmas trading and year-end inventory replenishment.

The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival (25-27 September) and China’s National Day holiday period (1-7 October) will reduce available capacity, resulting in compressed schedules and increased pressure on freight networks. In addition, shipping lines continue to implement service adjustments and blank sailings, reducing available vessel capacity during what is traditionally the busiest period of the year.

Excel Logistics strongly recommends:

• Booking shipments 4 – 6 weeks in advancewherever possible.
• Allowing an additional 7-14 days within inventory planning schedules.
• Building 5-10 days of contingency into empty release, container loading and returning to port.
• Avoiding cargo gate-in at Shanghai, Ningbo and Yantian during the final days immediately prior to vessel cut-off.

Advance planning will remain the most effective strategy for mitigating disruptions throughout the peak season period.

Shipping Rate Outlook

Despite the traditional peak season environment, carriers are continuing to carefully manage capacity across the Asia-Pacific market.

Multiple blank sailings (A3X, Panda, CAT) have been announced on China-Australia services during the second half of September, reflecting ongoing capacity management and changing vessel deployment strategies. Several carriers continue to prioritise trades that currently provide stronger commercial returns, reducing available space across parts of the Australia and New Zealand market.

Import demand is also surging, further adding pressure to rates. China’s August exports rose 25.0% y/y (vs. consensus +21.9%); exports to Australia +19.8% YTD and to New Zealand +18% YTD.

All carriers have announced rate increases for the second half of September and are reporting strong booking volumes leading into the Golden Week period. While actual market levels will ultimately depend on demand and available capacity, current indications suggest that significant upward pressure on freight rates is likely to continue through late September and October.

Customers with anticipated shipping requirements are encouraged to secure bookings as early as possible.

New Weighbridge on Foreshore Drive

A permanent heavy vehicle weighbridge has now been installed on Foreshore Drive. Customers importing or transporting containers should discuss directly with their factory and ensure that cargo weight is both accurately declared and evenly distributed throughout the container. Failure to comply with applicable weight requirements may result in fines or penalties being issued.

Any fines, penalties or costs arising from containers being overweight or incorrectly distributed will be passed on to the client.

We strongly recommend reviewing cargo weight and load distribution prior to dispatch to avoid unnecessary delays and additional expense.

Fuel Levy Update

Ongoing developments in global energy markets continue to place upward pressure on fuel costs. Diesel remains one of the most significant operating expenses within the logistics industry and recent market conditions have resulted in increased fuel pricing across Australia.

Excel Logistics continues to closely monitor diesel pricing and related operating costs. Should current pricing trends continue, it may be necessary to review and adjust our fuel levy to ensure it accurately reflects the increased cost of providing transport services.

Should any adjustment become necessary, customers will be notified in advance.

We appreciate that any pricing change can affect business operations and assure customers that any review will be undertaken only where justified by actual market conditions.

Trading Terms & Conditions

A copy of Excel Logistics’ Trading Terms & Conditions is available on our website: View Trading Terms & Conditions

Customers are encouraged to review and retain a copy for their records. These terms govern all services provided by Excel Logistics and contain important information regarding liability, claims procedures, payment terms and customer responsibilities.

In Summary

The combination of weather-related disruption in China, seasonal demand, carrier capacity management, biosecurity requirements and rising operating costs is expected to continue placing pressure on global supply chains throughout September and October.

Excel Logistics remains committed to keeping our customers informed and providing proactive solutions to minimise disruption wherever possible.

Thank you for your continued support and ongoing business. We look forward to assisting you with your logistics requirements.

Kind regards,

The Excel Logistics Team