Introduction of Empty Container Notification Fee

September 2011

1 September 2011

Dear Valued Client
Re: Updated Information
Introduction of Empty Container Notification Fee
On 28 April, we sent you a note to explain the Containerchain initiative, and the changes to the flow of information between transport companies, and empty container parks. At that point, the introduction of the initiative was imminent, with the start date set at 1 July.
On the 15th June, we sent you a subsequent letter, to advise that the start date had been pushed back. This was because some of the participating container parks had voluntarily submitted to a process of review by the ACCC, to ensure the initiative is within the guidelines set by law.
We have now been advised that the initiative has passed the ACCC review, and will now “go live” on 8 September, (next Thursday).
As a result, Westgate Ports will from 8 September be charged a Notification Fee by empty container parks. As previously advised, Westgate Ports has no option but to pass this cost on.
However, as a sign of good faith to all our clients, and with full understanding that you may need time to advise your clients, we have taken the decision to absorb this cost, until 30th September.
All new bookings from 1 October onwards will attract an empty notification fee of $10 per container plus GST, which will be charged separately on your invoices.
Westgate Ports continues to support the Containerchain initiative as a means of drastically improving the process that deals with empty containers in Melbourne, and as a result reduces costs across the supply chain.
We encourage all of our clients to use containerchain.com as a source of information regarding empty container movements, in the same way you currently use one stop.
If you have any queries regarding the Empty Container Notification Fee, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours faithfully
Westgate Ports Services Pty Ltd

Customer Service
P [03] 8327 8300
E operations@westgateports.com.au