Recently our software provider made changes to the database structure which resulted in the Tomax Live system not being able to refresh or communicate data. We apologise for this lengthy interruption to service but have now made changes to ensure that we are no longer exposed to these structual issues. The new Tomax Live system is now up and running and provides a raft of new features, including 100% live status updates, access to invoices and statements online, and detailed information on your consignments. Your client login credentials have not changed, and you can continue to login via the Tomax website. To access the new system please click here. If you would like a demonstration on how the system can help you closely track your cargo, please email our sales team at sales@tomax.com.au.

Lines and agencies have advised that due to mass congestion in the key South East Asian ports of Singapore and Port Kelang, bookings are currently on hold until early November. Space for October has already been fully booked and allocated already. Tomax will endeavour to assist clients with urgent cargo where possible, but for cargo not already booked it will be very difficult to make arrangements. If you would like further information on this peak season issue please contact Marc Regan or Lilin Rang on 1300 186 629.

Post the introduction of a Wharf Infrastructure Surcharge in Melbourne and Sydney, DPW have now also announced a surcharge to be introduced at their Fremantle terminal from 30 October 2017. The forwarding, brokerage and transport industries have rallied hard against these surcharges and do not accept either the justification for the charge, or the method in which it is being levied. Transport companies, and importers in the main, have no power over which terminal their cargo will be available at. Shipping lines make the contracts with the terminals, nominate which terminal their vessels will call at, and are therefore the client of the terminal. With the wharf infrastructure surcharge however, the fees are being levied against the transport operators and then further passed on to clients.

Industry have been making arguments to the ACCC that this is an unfair action undertaken by DPW, and their "competitor" Patrick, but so far the ACCC have said there is no case to answer. Tomax and the relevant industry bodies will continue to take action on this matter.

Shipping lines have announced further increases to freight rates to be implemented from 15th October 2017. With recent liner consolidation and strong peak season bookings making space tight, lines have been increasing rates consistently over recent months. For more information on shipping line freight rate movements please contact our Clint Brooks or Ivy Zou from our sales team on 1300 186 629.

With not a lot of good news going around for importers and exporters, we sometimes need a laugh. We can't vouch for the humour in these jokes, but here we go!

A child asked his father, "How were people born?" So his father said, "Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on." The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, "We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now." The child ran back to his father and said, "You lied to me!" His father replied, "No, your mom was talking about her side of the family."

My friend thinks he is smart. He told me an onion is the only food that makes you cry, so I threw a coconut at his face.

Teacher: "If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven."
Teacher: "No, listen carefully... If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven."
Teacher: "Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Six."
Teacher: "Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven!"
Teacher: "Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!"
Johnny: "Because I've already got a freaking cat!"