Plan for Q4 Peak

Christmas import season has already lifted Asia → AUS demand. Bookings into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane are filling 3–4 weeks in advance.

Impact:

SMEs risk cargo rollovers or premium rate surcharges if they book last-minute.

Action:

Secure space contracts early for Oct–Dec cargo.

For retail goods, stagger shipments (don’t wait for full containers).

SMEs should talk to forwarders about peak season surcharges (PSS).

Check Local Charges

Ports like Botany and Melbourne have raised Terminal Handling Charges (THC) in 2025. Empty container levies also rising.

Impact:

Freight quotes may look cheap upfront but surprise SMEs with hidden fees on arrival.

Action:

Always request “all-in quotes” showing both origin & destination charges.

SMEs should compare local costs across carriers/forwarders, not just ocean rates.

Diversify Carriers

Carrier alliances continue to consolidate services. Reliance on a single line = rollover risk during peak.

Impact:

SMEs dependent on one carrier risk delays and limited bargaining power.

Action:

Maintain at least 2 carrier options on key lanes (e.g., MSC + ANL on Asia → AUS).

Use NAC contracts if available to guarantee space.

SMEs should track service reliability reports (Sea-Intelligence GLP).

Sources: Reuters, Drewry, Xeneta, Sea-Intelligence, IATA, BunkerIndex, DHL, The Nightly, Port Authorities, DFAT (Sep 2025)

Disclaimer – Market data is from public sources we consider reliable but has not been independently verified; accuracy is not guaranteed.