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Posted by David Sexton
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30 March, 2026
IFCBAA chief executive Scott Carson says container businesses should avoid applying additional charges as fuel prices start to bite.
In a statement, Mr Carson said they were aware several container freight stations, empty container parks and stevedore terminals had introduced new and/or increased fuel/diesel-based charges onto IFCBAA members, which ultimately were passed onto Australia’s importers and exporters.
“While appreciating that a number of these businesses have been experiencing some increases in fuel charges, these businesses should not be levying components of such increases across the market in general, noting that many IFCBAA members utilise their own container transport fleets, or subcontract out such services, meaning that they do not utilise the container transport services provided by these businesses,” Mr Carson said.
“IFCBAA calls on such providers to ensure that any percentage increases in fuel surcharges are temporarily applied and transparently calculated specifically to the LOLO and handling fees component of their respective businesses.”
IFCBAA also welcomes Prime Minister Albanese’s decision to hold a federal cabinet meeting this week with state and territory leaders to address the current fuel shortage situation in Australia.
IFCBAA said it supported the position being proposed by the Road Freight NSW, The Bus Industry Confederation and the Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association, in jointly calling on the Australian government to prioritise fuel access for essential service operators.
Container Transport Alliance Australia director Neil Chambers, meanwhile, said the federal Department of Infrastructure & Transport, and the Federal Department of Climate Change & Energy, were monitoring fuel availability and shortages.
He said they needed information to be provided to maintain visibility on “a dynamically changing fuel supply situation”.
“CTAA encourages container transport operators to feed information to the federal government departments directly on fuel supply shortages—this could include identified retail forecourt shortages in your area, or bulk supply short-falls to your own fuel storage facilities,” Mr Chambers said.
