Contents
Executive Summary
As spot rates edge up on select global lanes, market sentiment remains cautious with limited evidence of a traditional Q4 peak. Carriers appear to be testing pricing thresholds ahead of 2026 contract negotiations, especially on the Far East–Europe and Far East–U.S. trades. While some temporary spikes are evident, broader indicators still point to oversupply, making this a strategic moment for shippers to re-evaluate terms.
Meanwhile, shifting trade dynamics—including new U.S.–Southeast Asia agreements and a temporary U.S.–China truce—are opening routing and sourcing opportunities for Oceania-based supply chains. However, these developments remain fragile, and cost/pass-through risks are growing, particularly from Chinese forwarders under operational strain.
Airfreight markets are firming, but without the sharp fourth-quarter surge seen in prior years. Capacity remains limited for premium shipments, while mixed-mode strategies are becoming more viable. Regulatory changes, like the IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 and road access rules in Victoria, underscore the need for compliance vigilance as 2026 approaches.
Oceania’s economy continues to face pressure from inflation and low productivity, with implications for cost control and demand planning. Shippers are advised to stay agile, prepare for tighter capacity into Q4, and use this window to align contracts, costs, and compliance documentation.
Business Tip
When rates rise ahead of contract season, look beyond the headlines—analyse fundamentals and negotiate with data. Many carriers introduce General Rate Increases (GRIs) or reduce capacity to create the illusion of a tight market in Q4. But broad indices, contract vs spot spreads, and fleet growth forecasts often reveal a different story. Shippers who separate temporary noise from long-term trends can lock in better terms, push for service-level improvements, and maintain leverage in a softer market. Don’t let short-term panic override your full-year planning.
KLN Oceania can help you discuss strategies and support you in negotiations.
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Market Trend
Despite a general downward trend in container spot rates, recent weeks have seen a sharp uptick in some major fronthaul trades—raising questions for shippers preparing to negotiate long‑term contracts.
Where the Rates Stand
- Spot rates from the Far East to the U.S. West Coast and East Coast have jumped significantly: one source reports increases of around 38% and 23% respectively, though exact dollar levels (e.g., USD 2,138 and USD 3,038 per FEU) could not be independently verified.
- On the Far East‑to‑North Europe and Mediterranean routes, increases of 18% and 9% have been reported, citing values near USD 1,968 and USD 2,338 per FEU.
- Some trade‑lane indices confirm Asia–Europe spot rates are increasing (e.g., a 17% rise to USD 3,354 per 40ft) while Asia‑to‑U.S. routes continued to show pressure.
- However, broader indexes show that spot rates remain well below contract rates and historic highs. For example, a global Containerised Freight Index shows that on 29 October 2025, rates were still 35.8% lower than a year prior.
Why Are Rates Rising Now?
- Capacity & Demand imbalance: On some corridors, carriers appear to have pulled back capacity, creating “tightness” and enabling rate increases, especially as shippers race for next‑year contract slots.
- Timing for Tenders: There is evidence that carriers intentionally raise spot rates ahead of contract negotiations to strengthen their bargaining position. The mid‑October uptick aligns with this pattern.
- Route‑specific factors: Some routes (Asia–Europe) are seeing rate increases due to congestion and strategic capacity redeployment, while others (Asia–U.S.) remain under pressure and may not sustain these elevated levels.
What This Means for Shippers Heading into Contract Season
- Spot vs Contract Spread: On the Far East to North Europe route, even after rises, spot rates reportedly sit USD 200 per FEU below average recent long‑term contract rates. For Far East to U.S., spot rates briefly exceeded contract rates by only about USD 125 per FEU. These numbers suggest shippers still hold negotiating leverage.
- Don’t Rely on Short‑Term Spikes: Past behaviour shows that a Q4 rise in spot rates does not automatically result in higher long‑term contract rates. For example, contracts starting January 2025 were signed at similar levels to those in late 2024 despite spot upticks.
- Look at Full‑Year Fundamentals: Analysts forecast fleet growth (~3.6 % in TEU) outpacing demand growth (~3 %) in 2026, pointing to a return of overcapacity and downward pressure on rates. That means carriers may increasingly use longer contracts and incentives to lock in volume.
- Opportunities for Shippers: With the market still supplying more capacity than demand warrants, shippers are in a position to push for favourable terms—especially around rate reductions, service reliability, and longer contract durations.
Key Actions for Oceania Shippers
- Conduct pricing & routing reviews now and assess how short‑term spot rate rises may (or may not) impact long‑term contracts.
- Use this moment of rate visibility to renegotiate and secure terms that reflect expected downward pressure in 2026.
- Stay agile: monitor capacity flows, route changes and contract announcements. Work with your forwarders to build flexibility into your SLAs.
- Avoid getting drawn into “rate panic”—spikes may be strategic and temporary.
- Keep documentation ready and align volumes and sourcing strategies with where your freight gives you best leverage.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) has shown its second consecutive weekly increase, climbing approximately 3% to US $1,746 per 40 ft container as of the week ending 23 October 2025. This break in a 17‑week decline offers a short‑term positive signal for container freight, but it comes amid broader headwinds.
Key Headwinds & Uncertainties
- Tariffs and trade deals remain a major variable. The U.S. is renegotiating tariff frameworks and non‑tariff barriers, with large markets like China and India still unresolved.
- Supply‑demand imbalance ahead: For 2026, fleet expansions are projected to outpace trade volume growth, increasing the risk of excess capacity.
- Other disruptors include geopolitical tension, operational interruptions (weather, port labour), and environmental regulation — all of which add layers of unpredictability.
- The much‑anticipated reopening of the Suez Canal/Red Sea route continues to generate mixed sentiment. Carriers remain cautious about redeploying vessels until certainty returns.
What Carriers Are Doing
- With spot rates heading higher, carriers are deploying blank sailings and announcing frequent GRIs (General Rate Increases) in a bid to push rates upward.
- As of now, carrier strategy appears focused on rate momentum rather than aggressive capacity growth.
- Reliability remains a concern: industry sources cite reliability metrics creeping toward ~66% — an improvement year‑on‑year, but still well below ideal levels.
Return to Suez Canal Could Trigger Import Surge and Overwhelm European Ports
Recent analysis indicates that a full-scale return of container vessel transits through the Suez Canal could unleash a surge of up to 2.1 million TEU of freight—about 6.5 % of the global container fleet—into Europe. During the detour period when ships rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, carriers absorbed the longer turnaround by deploying extra vessels; returning to the Suez route would free those assets for redeployment and significantly shorten transit times. Even a phased return would push European terminal volumes 10 % above prior peaks, while a full switch could briefly double import flows.
For Oceania‑based shippers, the implications include:
- Indirect congestion risk: Asian exports to Europe may compete for space and equipment, diverting container assets away from Oceania lanes.
- Transit time volatility: While shorter routing via Suez seems beneficial, the transition may lead to rerouting, schedule changes, or cascade delays.
- Rate uncertainty: A sudden supply expansion could depress freight rates, particularly on Asia–Europe trades, creating knock‑on pressure across other corridors.
We recommend closely monitoring sailings via Suez, adjusting shipment timing for Asia‑Europe transhipment nodes, and working with carriers to secure space ahead of potential disruptions.
Trade Winds Shift in Asia–Pacific: New Southeast Asia Deals & U.S.–China Truce
In a year marked by heightened trade tension and shifting logistics flows, two major developments are shaping the outlook for the Asia–Pacific freight sector:
- A new set of trade agreements between the United States and several Southeast Asian nations.
- A 12‑month truce between the U.S. and China that affects tariffs and port‑fee regimes.
New U.S.–Southeast Asia Agreements Bring Tariff Clarity
In late October 2025, the U.S. announced trade pacts with Cambodia and Malaysia, and framework agreements with Thailand and Vietnam.
Key features include:
- Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand to maintain a 19% U.S. tariff rate on their exports to the U.S., with some goods eligible for zero‑tariff access under origin verification.
- Vietnam agreed to a framework deal under which its exports face a 20% U.S. tariff rate, though further steps and details remain to be finalised.
- The agreements also include broader commitments: regulatory reforms (digital trade, intellectual property, forced labour eradication), alignment of standards and enhanced supply chain cooperation.
- For Oceania shippers: this opens opportunities to align sourcing and routing strategies via Southeast Asia into the U.S., provided origin and compliance rules are met.
U.S.–China Truce: Temporary Relief, Long‑Term Uncertainty
Concurrently, the U.S. and China reached a trade truce that includes a 12‑month suspension of certain port‑call fees and maritime‑related tariffs.
- The White House announced the suspension would begin 10 November 2025 and cover fees under the Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime and ship‑building sector.
- While this alleviates immediate cost pressure on carriers and shippers in the trans‑Pacific corridor, analysts note the relief is temporary and rates are still expected to fall through 2026.
- For logistics networks connecting Oceania to the U.S. and China, the truce offers a window of opportunity—but supply‑chain strategies must remain agile given the fluid nature of the deal.
Implications for Freight and Supply Chains
- Origin & compliance diligence become even more important. For Southeast Asia‑to‑U.S. supply chains, ensuring goods meet preferential origin requirements will determine whether they benefit from lower tariffs.
- Alternative routing and sourcing may benefit shippers in Oceania. As tariff regimes evolve, repositioning manufacturing or trans‑shipment via Southeast Asia may offer cost advantages—if the documentation is right.
- Contract renegotiation window: The U.S.–China maritime fee suspension may permit carriers and forwarders to revisit rate structures in trans‑Pacific trades. However, with the agreement being limited in time, locking long‑term contracts remains risky.
- Continued uncertainty: Despite these agreements, both sets of arrangements are partial and time‑limited. The U.S.–Southeast Asia deals set tariff floors but not full elimination for all goods; the U.S.–China truce is a one‑year pause rather than a comprehensive agreement.
Strategic Actions for Oceania Shippers
- Review your current export/import flows: Are they funnelled via Southeast Asia? Could routing through Vietnam, Malaysia or Cambodia unlock cost savings under the new U.S.–SE Asia agreements?
- Engage your freight forwarders around origin eligibility: Make sure you are ready to document origin and meet special review criteria so you can qualify for preferential treatment.
- Monitor U.S.–China developments: While relief is in place now, the market is watching for the next trigger that could shift container flows and capacity in major trades.
- Consider short‑term contract flexibility: With rates still under pressure and volatility ahead, build flexibility into your contracts rather than long fixed commitments.
Carriers Hapag-Lloyd and Cosco Outpace Market in Volume Growth
Hapag-Lloyd and Cosco have emerged as the only major global carriers to outperform average container market growth. In August, Container Trade Statistics reported global year-on-year growth of 4.4%, yet both carriers exceeded this benchmark, driven by strong positioning on key tradelanes and fleet strategy.
Their gains contrast with weaker performances by other carriers, suggesting a shift in competitive dynamics. This continued outperformance could influence contract negotiations and carrier choices in the coming months as shippers seek partners with proven reliability and volume momentum.
Intra-Asia Rates Drop as Carriers Cut Capacity to Stabilise Market
Intra-Asia ocean freight rates have continued to decline in early October, driven by softening demand and overcapacity. Spot rates on key corridors such as China–Southeast Asia and China–Japan have fallen by 10–15% month-on-month. As a result, several carriers have started reducing sailings or downsizing vessels to stabilise yields.
This downturn comes despite strong volumes earlier in the year, suggesting a decoupling between volumes and rates due to excess tonnage in regional loops. Some services have seen blanked sailings announced for the second half of October, with more expected if conditions don’t improve.
Implications for Oceania shippers:
- Those sourcing from or transshipping via Asia may benefit from lower intra-Asia feeder costs in the short term.
- However, reduced capacity could lead to longer transit times or missed connections, especially for time-sensitive cargo.
- Expect potential re-routing or delays at key transhipment hubs like Singapore or Port Klang if more blank sailings are confirmed.
The softening intra-Asia market also serves as a broader signal that the post-peak season correction is underway, adding another layer of volatility to global shipping networks.
Carriers Under Strain as Spot Rates Slide Back to Pre‑Pandemic Levels
Ocean freight spot rates across major trade lanes have slipped back to levels last seen before the pandemic, with analysis by Sea‑Intelligence signalling “downwards momentum” and mounting pressure on liner carriers. Many routes are vulnerable: Asia‑Europe and Asia‑U.S. trades are operating below breakeven, reinforcing low‑rate dynamics and challenging traditional contract cycles.
For Australian and New Zealand shippers, the implications are clear:
- Cost relief opportunity: Lower spot rates may reduce freight costs in the short term—though the drop reflects weak demand rather than a sustainable shift.
- Service risk awareness: Carriers operating with thin margin buffers may cut space, blank sailings or limit carrier support, increasing schedule volatility.
- Strategic planning moment: Now is a critical time to assess contract timelines, secure bookings proactively and align procurement forecasts with market realities rather than relying on a rebound.
Actionable Tips:
- Engage freight forwarders early to explore contract versus spot rate scenarios.
- Lock in shipment space for critical cargo, but maintain routing flexibility.
- Monitor leading indicators such as booking volumes and capacity deployment—anticipate rate pressure until demand recovers.
Developments in Oceania
Australia’s Economic Outlook
In the September quarter of 2025, Australia saw a surprising uptick in inflation: headline CPI rose by 1.3% for the quarter and 3.2% year‑on‑year, surpassing the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target band of 2–3%. At the same time, the unemployment rate jumped to 4.5% in September, its highest level since November 2021.
Given this clash of higher inflation and rising unemployment, the RBA chose to hold the cash rate at 3.60% in early November, signalling that rate cuts are unlikely before February 2026, if at all. The RBA also revised its productivity and growth outlook downward, underlining headwinds ahead.
For marketing and supply‑chain planning: inflation pressures driven by utilities and travel costs may affect logistics input costs (fuel, electricity for warehousing). Meanwhile, softer employment suggests consumption may stay muted — so lead times, demand planning and cost‑spread strategies are worth revisiting.
New Zealand’s Economic Developments
Over the third quarter of 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) recorded annual inflation of 3.0%, up from 2.7% in Q2, lifting it to the upper bound of its 1–3% target band. The inflation uptick was largely driven by steep increases in electricity (+11.3%), local authority rates (+8.8%) and rents (+2.6%).
Despite inflation edging higher, the RBNZ had already cut its Official Cash Rate to 2.5% in October, citing weak GDP prospects and spare capacity. GDP growth remains fragile, and structural reform is still a key part of the medium‑term outlook.
For your logistics & trade audience: NZ export sectors may face pressure from rising cost‑inputs (energy, utilities) even as monetary policy remains accommodative. Demand remains uncertain — aligning supply chain agility and cost flexibility will be important.
Trade & Industry Highlights
- In Australia, the sharp inflation rebound reduces the chance of near‑term rate cuts, meaning borrowing costs for freight, shipping and warehouses may stay elevated.
- In New Zealand, higher utilities and housing‑related inflation raise cost burdens for businesses and consumers alike, even as the RBNZ leans accommodative.
- Both markets continue to face the ripple‑effects of global inflation, energy cost disruption and trade uncertainty — all relevant to ocean and air‑freight flows between Asia and Oceania.
Ocean Freight Updates
Uncertainty for Shippers as Carriers Push GRIs and Port Fees Loom
Carriers on major east‑west ocean trade lanes have re‑introduced substantial general rate increases (GRIs) and signalled a rise in port‑related surcharges, reversing months of spot‑rate declines. According to recent market tracking, container spot rates on routes such as Asia‑North Europe, Asia‑US East Coast and Asia‑US West Coast all recorded increases this week as carriers attempt to improve profitability and recover deferred costs.
While the rate hikes may ease margin pressure for carriers, the timing presents challenges for importers and exporters—especially in Oceania. You should expect:
- Higher freight costs creeping into contracts and spot bookings from late October onwards.
- Less space flexibility as carriers prioritise contracted volumes over spot shippers when imposing GRIs and selecting sailings.
- Recharge of previously absorbed costs, including port fees and operational surcharges, which carriers are increasingly passing through now.
- Tight schedule reliability—late booking windows are at risk of blank sailings or space constraints as allocations shift.
For your logistics planning: begin lock‑in of space now, target accurate 90‑day shipment forecasts, and review contract terms in light of these cost moves. Avoid assuming continued rate erosion; instead prepare for a pricing environment that may remain elevated into Q4 and beyond.
Container Spot‑Rate Spike Seen as Carriers’ Leverage Ahead of Contract Renewals
Container spot freight rates on major east–west routes have experienced a modest rebound in late October, with figures increasing slightly as carriers tighten capacity through blanked sailings. However, despite this uptick, rate levels remain well below what is deemed sufficient to support contract‑year profitability. The prevailing view is that this temporary spike is less about volume recovery and more about carriers preparing a pricing floor ahead of the 2026 contract‑season negotiations.
The key dynamics importers and exporters in the Oceania region should consider:
- Carriers may use the higher spot rates as a benchmark to push for elevated annual contract rates.
- Contract discussions are likely to intensify in Q4, with major lanes like Asia‑Europe and Asia‑U.S. East Coast due for renewal soon.
- Shippers holding negotiation leverage should not assume a sustained market rebound and may benefit from locking favourable terms early.
Chinese Forwarders Under Pressure as Rising Costs Squeeze Margins
Chinese freight forwarders are facing a tough operating environment, with escalating costs across labour, equipment, and energy significantly impacting their margins. These increasing overheads come amid broader changes in China’s logistics sector, including tighter regulatory oversight and shifts in trade flows.
For importers and forwarders in Australia and New Zealand, this development carries several implications:
- Cost pass‑through risk: Chinese forwarders might apply surcharges or adjust pricing to manage the cost inflation, which could influence quotes for Ocean and Air freight from Asia.
- Service reliability concerns: Marginalised forwarders may experience operational disruptions or scale back capacities, potentially adding lead‑time uncertainty.
- Rethink sourcing strategy: Exporters may look beyond China or diversify among forwarders to avoid concentrated exposure to cost inflation in one sourcing market.
It’s advisable to monitor quotes from Chinese forwarders closely and discuss cost‑impact transparency with partners. Maintaining multiple sourcing routes and forwarder options will support resilience in this cost‑intensive environment.
CMA CGM Tests Red Sea Waters—Full Return of Box Ships Still Unlikely
CMA CGM has started limited deployment of services through the Red Sea corridor, signalling an early test rather than a full-scale return to former Asia–Europe routing via the Suez Canal. However, industry analysts maintain that a meaningful recovery of containership traffic through the Red Sea won’t materialise before early 2027, due to ongoing security risks, higher insurance costs, and fleet reallocation strategies.
For export/import operations in Oceania, the key implications are:
- Indirect capacity effects: Should a full Red Sea comeback occur, container volumes may surge into Europe—potentially diverting vessel and container availability away from Oceania‑bound trades.
- Transit timing volatility: As carriers test the route, expect schedule disruptions, possible blank sailings, and shifts in transhipment hubs.
- Rate uncertainty: The potential for redeployment of tonnage via the Red Sea may create downward pressure on rates on Asia–Europe lanes, with knock‑on consequences for adjoining trades including Asia–Oceania.
Shippers should monitor carrier service notices, optimise forecast windows, and maintain flexible routing strategies during this transitional phase.
Blanked Sailings Due to Operational Constraints Disrupt India Trades
Carriers such as CMA CGM have reported multiple blanked sailings on India‑export corridors, attributing the cancellations to “operational constraints” such as vessel deployment imbalances, port congestion at trans‑shipment hubs, and slower vessel turnarounds. These disruptions span key routes connecting India with the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
For shippers and forwarders in Australia and New Zealand—especially those routing via India or relying on India‑origin cargo—the knock‑on effects include:
- Increased uncertainty around schedule reliability and booking lead‑times
- Space and equipment shortages on India‑bound sailings
- Potential for higher freight costs as service gaps arise
Recommendation: Exporters and importers with exposure to India should review their booking forecasts, secure space early, communicate clearly with carriers and forwarders about vessel schedules, and consider alternative routings where possible.
Ocean Freight Snapshot (November 2025)
Check our snapshot for a quick glance at space, rate, equipment, and transit times for Oceania.
Air Freight Updates
Asia–Europe & Transpac Airfreight Rates Rise Despite a Soft Q4 Peak
Airfreight spot rates from major Asian hubs to Europe and North America have begun to climb again—rising more than 13% from Chinese origins to Europe in recent weeks. However, industry sources emphasise that while rates are firming, the expected traditional fourth‑quarter “peak season” surge is not unfolding, with overall demand remaining patchy and volatile.
Key Implications for Oceania Importers & Exporters:
- Rising airfreight rates tend to affect urgent or time‑sensitive shipments first. If you rely on air cargo from Asia, expect shorter booking windows and possibly premium surcharges.
- The absence of a strong volume wave means space may appear available—but forwarders are cautioning that this could change rapidly. Booking early is advisable.
- For Oceania businesses routing via Asia, this presents an opportunity to lock in airfreight capacity ahead of further cost rises while still leveraging the residual softness in demand.
Strategic Takeaways:
- Review lead‑time sensitive shipments and consider mixing modes where possible (e.g., sea‑air, ocean) to manage cost risk.
- Maintain close alignment with your freight forwarder to receive early signals of capacity shifts or rate hikes.
- Update your budgeting for airfreight costs now and monitor for incremental increases rather than traditional seasonal peaks.
Air Cargo Round‑Up: Growth, Network Expansion and Bigger Freighters
The global air cargo sector is showing signs of strategic repositioning in late 2025. Major carriers such as Lufthansa Cargo are reporting notable growth—its logistics segment generated an adjusted EBIT of €184 million for the first nine months of 2025, up 254% year‑on‑year, with capacity rising 6% and sales up 8%.
Alongside these financial gains, network expansion is underway: Lufthansa launched freight capacity via Rome for hubs including Delhi, Tokyo‑Haneda and Bangkok, positioning itself as a southern European cargo gateway. Freight carriers are also investing in larger freighter aircraft, longer‑haul routes and upgraded digital booking portals to support higher‑volume e‑commerce and project‑cargo demand.
Despite these positive steps, challenges persist. Freighter delivery delays—such as for the upcoming wide‑body models—mean supply constraints remain. With the broader market showing weak demand growth, carriers are focusing on network resilience and premium freight segments rather than volume recovery alone. For importers and logistics managers in Oceania, this evolution offers opportunities—but also underscores the need to secure capacity, simplify routing through upgraded hubs, and plan for longer lead times on premium air services.
Airfreight Rates Receive a Lift, Yet No Traditional Q4 Peak Emerges
The global airfreight market is experiencing a modest uptick in spot rates, driven by higher-value shipments like aluminium and AI servers. However, forwarders and rate trackers—including the TAC Index—agree that this increase does not signal a robust fourth-quarter peak season. Demand remains uneven, and the usual surge seen in years prior appears unlikely to materialise.
Key takeaways for Oceania shippers:
- Expect tighter capacity for premium or time-sensitive goods, even though overall volumes remain weak.
- Budgeting for airfreight should anticipate rate stability or moderate increases, rather than a typical seasonal decline.
- Now is a good time to secure capacity early, especially for products requiring short lead-times or high value.
- If possible, consider alternative modes or mixed routing (e.g., sea + air) to manage cost and risk, given the muted peak.
Air Freight Snapshot (November 2025)
Customs, Inland Transport, Terminal and Regulation Updates
IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 – Mandatory from 1 January 2026
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code Amendment 41-22 will be officially phased out and fully replaced by the mandatory Amendment 42-24, effective 1 January 2026.
The new amendment may be applied voluntarily from 1 January 2025 and will apply across all carriers and shipping lines globally.
Amendment 42-24 strengthens global DG compliance by improving classification, packaging, and safety transparency across all carriers. It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure DG documentation meets the new standards from 1 January 2026.
This update introduces a number of important safety and documentation changes affecting the maritime transport of dangerous goods (DG), including battery-powered vehicles, lithium and sodium-ion batteries, carbon-based products, and other regulated materials.
Key Highlights of IMDG Code Amendment 42-24
1. Classification Updates
- New UN numbers for lithium-ion (UN 3556) and lithium-metal (UN 3557) battery-powered vehicles.
- Sodium-ion batteries now classified under Class 9.
- Revised special provisions for lithium and sodium-ion batteries, carbon/charcoal cargo, and desensitised explosives.
- Some previously exempt cargoes (e.g. activated carbon) now require full DG declaration and self-heating controls.
2. Packaging & Filling
- Introduction of the “degree of filling” concept for liquids and solids.
- New and revised packing instructions (e.g. P303, P912, LP200).
- Updated standards for recycled plastics, composite IBCs, and battery packaging.
- Carbon-based shipments now require temperature monitoring and weathering protocols.
3. Documentation
- Additional data fields for carbon and charcoal cargoes: production date, packing date, and temperature at packing.
- Certificates for exemptions/approvals must accompany the transport document.
- Shippers should review and update digital templates, EDI systems, and shipping documentation to align with the new code.
4. Marking, Labelling & Placarding
- New symbols and marks for sodium-ion batteries and battery-powered vehicles.
- Clarified marking for enclosed containers carrying battery-powered equipment.
- Marine pollutant exemptions now apply to ≤ 5 kg or 5 L quantities.
- Updated stowage instructions for marine pollutants.
5. Stowage & Segregation
- Stowage plans must list both primary and subsidiary hazards.
- New stowage code SW31 applies to certain water-reactive liquids.
- System-generated or template-based stowage plans must be updated.
6. Genetically Modified Micro-Organisms (GMOs)
- Pharmaceuticals containing GMOs, including clinical trial materials, are now exempt if packaged for direct administration.
Implementation Timeline
- Voluntary compliance: 1 January 2025
- Mandatory compliance: 1 January 2026
Shipper Requirements
To ensure smooth shipping and compliance under Amendment 42-24:
- Maritime Transport Certification Report (SEA CERT) – update to the 2026 version.
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) – Section 14 (“Transport Information”) must reference IMDG Code Amendment 42-24.
- MSDS documents still referencing Amendment 41-22 after 1 January 2026 will be invalid, resulting in the inability to ship goods.
As the year-end period is typically busy for documentation updates, we strongly recommend completing verification and document updates well before January 2026 to avoid disruption to DG approvals or bookings.
VIC - M1 Corridor & West Gate Tunnel: Upcoming Toll Changes and No-Truck Zones Est. December 2025
Once the West Gate Tunnel infrastructure opens (anticipated in December 2025), new heavy vehicle tolls and No Truck Zones will be introduced across Melbourne’s inner-west road network. These changes are expected to affect container road transport movements to and from the Port of Melbourne.
*Tolling points courtesy of CTAA
Key Developments
1. New Heavy Vehicle Tolls
- A new Transurban tolling point for heavy vehicles will be introduced on the M1 corridor, east of Millers Road.
- Tolls will apply for both inbound and outbound trips, regardless of whether trucks use the West Gate Tunnel, the West Gate Bridge, or the new Hyde Street ramps.
2. New No-Truck Zones
- The Victorian Government will introduce No Truck Zones on key inner-west roads, including:
- Francis Street and Somerville Road (Yarraville)
- Buckley Street and Moore Street (Footscray)
- Blackshaws Road (Altona North)
- Hudsons Road (Spotswood)
- These restrictions will funnel heavy vehicles onto authorised freight routes such as the M1, and key north–south arterials Williamstown Road and Millers Road, for port access.
Impact to Operations
- The introduction of these tolling and access restrictions is expected to affect road transport costs and routing efficiencies for container movements.
- Industry groups are currently in discussion with the Victorian Government and Transurban regarding implementation timelines and notification requirements.
- We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the official opening date and toll commencement are confirmed.
MEL - West Gate Tunnel Opening & Upcoming Toll Structure Update - November 2025
With the anticipated opening of the West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne in early November 2025, we wish to advise that new toll charges will soon apply for transport movements across the region.
These tolls will replace the current toll structure once the tunnel becomes operational. The exact implementation date and charges will depend on individual carriers’ billing arrangements and operating routes.
What This Means for You
- All transport carriers operating through or around the West Gate Tunnel corridor will be subject to updated tolling arrangements.
- Toll fees may vary by carrier, service type, and delivery destination.
- Customers may see updated toll-related surcharges reflected in freight or transport invoices following the tunnel’s official opening.
Dangerous Goods (DG) and Out-of-Gauge (OOG) cargo are not permitted through the tunnel and will continue to be routed via approved alternate routes, which may also attract tolls.