Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has expressed concerns over the crippling impact of ongoing increases in Port Botany landside and empty container park charges on the State's trucking operators.
In the latest round of price hikes, the notification fee for truckies using the MCS Cooks River Intermodal Terminal container park has been increased to $256.91 – that's up from $55.00 five years ago. The new fee, which takes effect on 18 August, comes just six months after landside increases in surcharges at the DP World and Patrick stevedore terminals at Port Botany.
RFNSW Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Simon O'Hara said the series of increased charges at Port Botany and at a range of container parks across Sydney was having a cumulative impact on trucking operators already struggling financially.
"We are very concerned about the 'domino effect' these ongoing price hikes are having on our RFNSW Members – once the stevedores come out with a new increase, ECM operators follow on with their new charges soon after that," Mr O'Hara said.
"More and more truck operators, particularly those smaller, family-run businesses are suffering as a result of these exponential increases in operating charges. It's hurting their bottomline and will unfortunately, be passed through the supply chain and on to consumers."
Mr O'Hara said the freight industry was already at 'breaking point', citing a record number of insolvencies, including the collapse of XL Express and Transtar Linehaul and the voluntary departure from the industry of Don Watson Transport.
"Our Members are operating on wafer-thin margins. Regulatory burdens, workforce shortages, and increases in fuel and tyres are making their businesses unviable. That's why these unwarranted, fee increases imposed by stevedores and ECM operators, must stop," he said.
"RFNSW believes it is time that the ACCC steps-in and re-examines landside pricing. NSW can't afford to have any more transport companies hit the wall."
John Preston, from Alliance Transport added: "We need action and we need it now"
About us:
About Road Freight NSW
Originating in 1893, Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is the peak industry organisation for the road and freight industry in NSW and engages in advocacy, government and media relations on behalf of members.
