In the current challenging economic environment, consumer spending is tight, business investment is restricted, and infrastructure spending – apart from a few over-publicised projects – is also being largely held back. The conditions are in fact perfect for a recession, and anyone in the trade of supplying high-value machinery for businesses could be forgiven for wanting to adopt a ‘batten down the hatches’ approach. Read more
Air freight demand continues to suffer from the effects of the US-China trade war, as figures fell again in May. Read more
Third-party logistics provider (3PL) CH Robinson has observed an increase of +2.7% in air freight capacity at the same time as demand decreased by 4.7%. Read more
Shipping lines are being urged to provide detention relief as a strike at the wharf causes container havoc for Australian shippers and transport operators. Read more
“National transport reforms have led to some improvements in the rail regulatory regime, but much more needs to be done to achieve the full benefits of reform,” said ARA CEO Danny Broad, in summarising the ARA submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into National Transport Regulatory Reform. Read more
NSW ALP leader Jodi McKay has appointed Daniel Mookhey MLC as shadow minister for the gig economy, finance and small business. Read more
The Port of Newcastle has welcomed the NSW Nationals decision on Saturday to support the removal of obstacles preventing the development of a new, privately-funded container terminal. Read more
Qube has made an off-market takeover offer, through its indirectly wholly owned subsidiary, Qube Logistics (Aust) Pty Ltd, for all of the ordinary shares in Chalmers Limited. Read more
Trains travelling through Richmond in Victoria will now be running on railway sleepers made from recycled plastic. Read more
Victorian Minister for Roads Jaala Pulford has announced that on-road testing will get underway in an Australian-first trial of connected vehicle technology. Read more