Upcoming Easter and ANZAC Day Closures

As the 4 day Easter long weekend from the 18th to 21st of April approaches followed by ANZAC day the following Friday, please remember the important points below regarding your shipments.

Over a 10 day period (Good Friday 18th to Sunday 27th), there are only 3 normal working days.   

Documentation for Imports

Its vitally important that we are provided with paperwork needed for any import shipments that are due to arrive between 14th and 25th of April, so that we can arrange the clearance and manage the shipment while you’re closed. Otherwise unwanted wharf or depot storage charges could be incurred as well as expensive container detention fees etc. 
In particular with sea freight, please ensure you pay your suppliers ASAP to facilitate Surrender Bill of Lading (Telex Release) by 15th April otherwise the risk of storage charges increases over the holiday period.

Terminal and Airports are operational over Easter

Consignments need to cleared with both Australian Border Force (ABF) & Biosecurity. Import Duty/GST paid as well as Shipping line charges DO). Cargo still needs to be collected within allowable free time.All this needs to be arranged well in advance of any closures to avoid unwanted additional charges

Cash Flow

Unfortunately we only have limited financial resources and to avoid having your shipment delayed and possible additional charges incurred, we would kindly request that any invoices falling due over this period be paid prior to the holiday period

Deliveries

Easter traditionally causes the busiest period for transport companies. Not all cargo available on the 15th to 17th April, can be delivered. Likewise if companies are closed over Easter, cargo will require collection & holding (staging) until warehouses re-open.Transport companies will be doing their best to collect & stage your cargo over Easter. Staging costs are unavoidable, but cheaper than expensive wharf storage.

Container Unpacks and Empty Returns

Please prioritise your container unpacks & notify us ASAP when containers are empty so we can advise transport.Transport requires a minimum 3 full working days after notification to allocate collections & obtain empty slot bookings.

Shipping Line Detention Charges

Easter is better than Christmas for shipping line detention revenue. Traditionally, cargo owners receive more detention invoices due to Easter, than any other time of the year.Whilst CFL & the transport companies we work with, do our best to co-ordinate the return of empty containers asap, it is inevitable that some shipping line detention charges are unavoidable.

Happy Easter!

Finally, the staff and management of Commercial Freight and Logistics would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy Easter!