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Posted by David Sexton
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4 February, 2026
PUBLIC consultation has opened for proposed updates to the National Voluntary Guidelines for Landside Stevedoring Charges.
This follows a meeting and a joint communique issued by state infrastructure and transport ministers last August where they endorsed the NTC to update the guidelines.
The existing NTC guidelines have been in place since 2022.
The consultation seeks to provide clear protocols for notification and communication on increases to existing, or the introduction of new, charges levied on transport operators for access to pick up or drop off containers at Australian ports, and for the associated handling of containerised cargo.
The consultation paper sets out the proposed updates, including changes intended to improve transparency, predictability and consultation processes across the containerised freight supply chain, while remaining non-regulatory in nature.
Consultation is open until Friday 13 March.
“Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposed scope, implementation considerations and practical impacts for industry,” the NTC said in a statement.
More information on how to make a submission is available here.
After the meeting in Melbourne last August, the various ministers also agreed the NTC would work with jurisdictions to include empty container park operators in the guidelines with similar requirements as stevedore operators.
“These changes will improve transparency of landside pricing and charging behaviour, maximising freight productivity as it looks to improve the efficiency of Australia’s container freight supply chains,” the communique stated.
"Ministers also agreed the Infrastructure and Transport Senior Officials’ Committee will establish a working group to explore options and recommended next steps in response to findings by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission concerning stevedore charges."
