Empty Shelves Not Your Problem? Think Again

Think about the last time you went to a shopping centre and noticed empty shelves – chances are it wasn’t that long ago – and now ask yourself whether you truly knew the reasons why. If you don’t know the answer, you’re likely not alone, as I would argue that the majority of Australians don’t […]
Consolidated Reefer Service

EES is offering two new services Our Export Reefer Services into Asia (consolidation) and Our per Pallet chilled service from Perth to the rest of Australia. For Export reefers We will be sending out a regular broadcast explaining which destination is next on the schedule. EES will pack refrigerated container (s) at our depot in […]
Next Round EMDG

The Australian Government recently announced Round 4 of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, introducing a new export readiness training. The EMDG, which aids Australian exporters, offers grants between $20,000 and $80,000 for global expansion. Applications open in November 2024, urging businesses to take the new readiness test available online. Free resources, advice, and […]
Why Container Weights Should Weigh on Your Mind (As They Do Ours!)

From today, a new ‘Chain of Responsibility’ fee is appearing on the DP World Fremantle Carrier Access Public Tariff Schedule, essentially marking the official introduction of the new weigh-in-motion (WIM) system which has been slowly rolled out over the past month. But what is it, what does it mean, and does anyone really care how […]
Embracing a Digital Mindset

EES Shipping leading the organization into the age of Data & AI. By Sandra Reyes – 24/07/2024 For many years now, as an individual we have faced changes in the way we do our tasks, personally and professionally, I am talking about things like the transition to electric cars, Smart phones, smart Fridges, Robot Vacuums, […]
Border Watch – Keeping Illicit Cargo Out of Australia

Recently we had a representative from Border Watch come out and give a presentation on how illicit goods can enter Australia and what to look out for. In the past financial year (2022-2023) AFP have prevented up to 49 tonnes of illicit drugs from reaching Australia, 29 tonnes of which were methamphetamines. The biggest countries […]
What the Price of Bread and Milk Has to Do With the Cost of Running a Business

Much attention has been paid in recent months to the inquiries looking into the price setting practices of the major supermarkets, on the back of significant increases in the cost of groceries. While the spotlight is likely welcomed by many consumers, such significant price hikes are an issue being felt across many sectors currently. It’s […]
How a Big Spend Now Can Reduce Long-Term Business Costs

There’s no doubt the cost of doing business has increased significantly in the past 12 months, and coupled with the highest interest rates we’ve seen in years, as well as increased wages, it’s no surprise that businesses have been looking to cut costs where they can. It feels somewhat contradictory then to suggest that now […]
The ‘Perfect Storm’ – Why the Cost of Shipping is on the Rise Again

As a business owner, one of the best things I believe you can do for your clients and industry stakeholders, is to be as open and transparent as possible, especially when explaining price rises. It’s no secret that the cost of shipping has risen recently – with the increase being felt by both businesses and […]
Business and Consumers Paying the Price as Stalemate Drags on at Australian Ports

Businesses and consumers are paying the ultimate price for the ongoing stalemate between DP World and the Maritime Union of Australia at Ports across Australia, and with no resolution in sight, I fear worse is to come. Protected industrial action began at DP World container terminals across the country on October 1, with the MUA […]
Why 2024 Should Be The Year of Human Connection

For those of you who have a favourite coffee shop or lunch bar, what is it that keeps you coming back? While the coffee and sandwiches might be great, if the person behind the counter knows your particular order, and even your name, that can mean almost as much to you as the product you’re […]
Why Shipping is a Beacon for Australia’s Economy

With economic news dominating the news throughout much of this year, it’s a fresh reminder that businesses and governments should be closely monitoring trends within shipping and freight, to ensure they stay ahead of the game and are able to plan well for the future. For those of us working in the industry, it’s no […]
Why the State Government’s Supply Chain Taskforce Report is a Missed Opportunity

When the State Government’s long-awaited Shipping and Supply Chain Taskforce Report was handed down in October, I was disappointed to realise there’d been a missed opportunity to identify and implement localised measures to improve the supply-chain in the short-term. More than a dozen recommendations were made, including that WA work with the Federal Government to […]
How AI Will Transform One of the World’s Oldest Industries

As interest around Artificial Intelligence continues to grow, I believe the shipping industry is on the cusp of a transformation not seen in decades, as various AI applications and programs start to assist with streamlining processes and taking on time-consuming admin tasks. While the digitisation of shipping businesses is not new AI has taken it […]
What Do Food Trucks, Caravans and Boat Trailers Have in Common? All Are SPV’s, and All Must Comply With Updated Standards

With spring just around the corner, it won’t be long until we start seeing the return of regular food-truck events, but if you’re looking to import one – or any other kind of special purpose vehicle – it’s important you’re aware of changes in import arrangements. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are road vehicles that are […]
HCCS Codes in Australia

HS codes are universally applied throughout the supply chain: from product classification and identification, preparation of goods for shipment, drafting of shipping documents such as commercial invoices, up to the actual customs clearance process. Consider calling a professional customs broker if you need assistance with HS codes. EES Shipping in Perth, Western Australia, provides comprehensive […]
The Difference Between FCL and LCL Container Shipping

When it comes to container shipping, there are two main options to choose from: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).  Both options (FCL and LCL) have pros and cons. So how do you go about choosing the right option for your shipping needs?  Let’s get you up to speed. We will […]
LCL Container Shipping

Less than Container Load (LCL) container shipping is a method of container shipping that caters to small cargo shipments. It provides an affordable solution for businesses or individuals who need to transport goods but do not have enough cargo to fill a full container.  With LCL shipping, multiple customers’ cargo is consolidated into a single […]
FCL Container Shipping

Full Container Load (FCL) describes the shipping method used to transport goods and cargo in one dedicated container. In international shipping, FCL implies that the whole container load is sent by one shipper and to a single receiver.  FCL shipping is typically used when the cargo volume is large enough to occupy at least half […]
Why it’s Cheaper to Ship from China, Than to Move Your Container 35km

As freight rates continue to fall, a curious situation has arisen where it’s currently cheaper to ship a container from China to Western Australia, than it is to move that same container 35 kilometres by road. Yes, you read that correctly. We know global sea-freight rates have been declining for some time now, falling from […]
What is a Bill of Lading?

Whether you’re a newcomer to the shipping business or a seasoned professional, you’ll need to understand the intricacies of bills of lading and why this document is so critical to international trade. A bill of lading is a legal document used in the shipping of goods that outlines the contents of the shipment, and the […]
To Warehouse or Not to Warehouse – That is the Question

With warehouse space at an absolute premium currently, it’s very easy to suddenly find yourself with nowhere to store your cargo once it arrives into Port, and having to stack boxes floor to ceiling in your back office until shelf space frees up. However, with some planning and asking the right questions, it doesn’t have […]
What are HS Tariff Codes in Australia?

The Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, commonly referred to as the Harmonised System (HS) is a standardised system of names and numbers used to classify goods in international trade. The HS codes provide a universal language for customs officials to understand the type, nature, and origin of the goods being traded. If you need […]
CTAA Fremantle Supply Chain Awareness Workshop 2023

The workshop provided valuable insights on adapting to changing business environments, enhancing visibility, and collaborating in supply chains.
Fresh Reports Highlights Need For Immediate Improvements to Australia’s Shipping Industry

The recent release of the Productivity Commission’s final report into the Maritime Logistics System has once again highlighted the need for the industry to implement changes to improve efficiency and productivity, and both business and consumers stand to benefit. I, among others within the industry, have been calling for meaningful change to occur for some […]
Demurrage Vs Detention

Here at EES Shipping we try and identify the terminology that is often used incorrectly or simply not understood at all. What exactly are these charges? The easiest way to keep demurrage rates and detention fees straight is as follows: demurrage rates are charged on containers inside the port or terminal, whereas detention fees are […]
Why We Want Our Staff to Play While They’re Getting Paid

We know office workers around the country have been struggling with morale and mental health as the global pandemic continues, so we at EES have decided to inject a little fun and games into our daily nine-to-five. Ongoing shipping congestion has meant we’ve never been busier as a company, so we recently decided to install […]
Importing into Australia

So you’ve purchased some product from overseas, but not sure what you do now? This is where EES, your trusted freight forwarder, steps in. Providing your Incoterms are relevant, it is at this stage that you should notify us of the order that you have placed with your supplier. Let us show you step-by-step the […]
Late Lodgement of Documents to Quarantine

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Quarantine) has made enhancements to the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) and the Cargo Workload Management System (CWMS). We are now required to supply a reason if we lodge your shipment documents within two business days or less of the estimated arrival date. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: This […]
Export Grants Overhaul

Small to medium-sized businesses with exporting ambitions can now apply for upfront financial assistance for a host of trade development activities under a major overhaul of Austrade’s export grants scheme.  Under changes that took effect on July 1, the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program has pivoted from a reimbursement scheme to offering upfront funding to eligible SMEs.  Austrade has also lowered the application threshold […]
Coronavirus Trade Update

Our good friends at Freight and Trade Alliance have provided us with the latest update on the how coronavirus is affecting the shipping industry: China – Update Our sources from China have provided us with the following updates  As at 19 May 2020 there are 108 cases in 12 cities of Mainland China. Jilin province in […]
Freight Insurance

  Is insurance on your goods necessary? In a word, yes. Countless companies (especially those that have been importing for a long time) believe that they do not require insurance on their freight and adopt the “it’ll never happen to me” attitude. Unfortunately, in the world of importing and exporting, there are many scenarios that […]
Freight Insurance

  Is insurance on your goods necessary? In a word, yes. Countless companies (especially those that have been importing for a long time) believe that they do not require insurance on their freight and adopt the “it’ll never happen to me” attitude. Unfortunately, in the world of importing and exporting, there are many scenarios that […]
BMSB Fact Sheets

We are a few weeks into the 2019/2020 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Season. The Department of Agriculture have issued some fantastic fact sheets that can assist you in navigating this season. Click on any of the below links to read about the treatment options and consignment suitability below. bmsb-consignment-suitability bmsb-heat-treatment bmsb-methyl-bromide-fumigation bmsb-sulfuryl-fluoride-fumigation
China Golden Week Holidays

The China Golden Week holidays are coming up fast. We are currently experiencing the usual space problems from China as we move closer to peak season.  With the upcoming week long holiday, suppliers in China will also be working hard to clear the stock from their warehouses – this will cause even more space issues […]
Change of Department of Agriculture name and logo

After the federal election in May 2019, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources was renamed the Department of Agriculture. The department will now be referred to the Department of Agriculture in all AIMS documentation and the logo replaced by the new department logo. Please note the new departmental name and logo: Old logo New […]
Deferring GST on Imported Goods

Goods and services tax (GST) is payable on most goods imported into Australia (taxable importations). GST on a taxable importation is payable by businesses, organisations and private individuals, whether they are registered for GST or not. However, if you are a GST-registered business or organisation and you import goods as part of your activities, you […]
Fire on board the APL Vancouver

A timely reminder about how important marine insurance can be to your company has occurred during the last month. In the early hours of 31 January, off the Vietnamese coast, a fire started in the cargo hold forward of container ship APL Vancouver’s accommodation block. The ship, in transit from China to Singapore, had to be […]
Be prepared for Easter and ANZAC Day 2019

It’s not long to go until we celebrate Easter! We have all been holiday overloaded here with Christmas and then Chinese New Year but we’re always looking ahead at the next holiday that will cause a headache in the world of logistics. Vessels still arrive during this four day holiday.  Wharves will still charge storage […]
Finding Australia’s niche in Japan’s wine market

The Japanese market is currently experiencing its ‘seventh wine boom’ as a surge in affordable ‘new world wines’ fuels record levels of imports. In 2017, Japan was the sixth-largest wine importing country, totalling 284 million litres valued at A$2.2 billion.[iii] Current trends suggest wine is becoming a mainstay consumption item of daily life in Japan, […]
Chinese New Year 2019

Chinese New Year is a fantastic time of the year. It’s full of colour, excitement and tradition. It is the time to eat, celebrate, cleanse your house, exchange gifts and watch the fireworks. But for the shipping industry it can be an extremely difficult time. With most suppliers, customs authorities and shipping lines closing for […]
How Chinese New Year can affect you

It’s the largest human event on the planet, we’re talking about Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year and Spring Festival). All of China, some 1.357 billion people, will soon (if they haven’t already!) go on holiday – celebrating the new year changing from the Year of the Dog to the Year of […]
Peak Season Prep 2018

Who can believe we’re already half way through 2018! The second half of the year tends to be even faster, so now is the time to start thinking of you planning for the Peak Season ahead. Keeping ahead of the rush is critical in ensuring that you don’t end up with a unbearable migraine along […]
Actual, volumetric and chargeable weights

Today we’re discussing air freight and the difference between the actual weight of the cargo versus the volumetric weight, along with chargeable weights. Air freight works differently than sea freight. The weight that you are charged for freight and terminal fees is the chargeable weight – which is not necessarily the actual weight of the […]
Removal of DG Stickers

Who can believe that it’s almost been three years since we reminded you of the steps that you need to take once your import container is empty. Today we wanted to share the importance of removing any labeling that was attached to your container (for transportation purposes), for instance Dangerous Goods (DG) stickers. Dangerous Goods […]
Be prepared for Easter

It’s not long to go until we celebrate Easter! We have all been holiday overloaded here with Christmas and then Chinese New Year but we’re always looking ahead at the next holiday that will cause a headache in the world of logistics. Vessels still arrive during this four day holiday.  Wharves will still charge storage […]
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Vessels at Risk

Due to the detection in Australia and New Zealand of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) on a number of vessels arriving from Asian ports, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) is increasing the assessment and inspection of all ro‑ro vessels from Monday 26 February 2018. BMSB is a highly invasive insect and […]
Importing and unexpected costs

As an importer your goal would be to provide goods to customers that may not be available locally and make money while doing it. To ensure that your business is successful,  your primary job is crunching numbers to ensure that the landed cost of your good is not higher than your sale price. So what happens […]