New Zealand’s freight forwarding industry, which last year saw some significant developments impacting on the industry, can expect more of the same in 2008, the president of the Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation ofNew Zealand, Willie van Heusden, said.
In a preview of 2008, van Heusden noted that increased diesel charges, Government changes to the road user charge system and fuel taxation, hit hard last year.
"Buying road usage for diesel trucks in advance rather than paying tax at the pumps proved complex, leading to high administration costs and wastages in the system," van Heusden pointed out, adding that Road Transport Forum New Zealand estimates this waste could be up to $100 million a year and is lobbying for the system to be replaced with a fuel tax.
Another development, the Ports of Auckland Vehicle Booking System trial, was a major talking point. "Having been hailed a success by PoA – although greeted with a mixed response from port customers – we may see other ports following suit this year."
Van Heusden also said that investigations into price fixing by airlines, with several paying substantial fines, had aknock-on effect for forwarders.
"With others under investigation internationally, this will continue to be an issue. Th ere is a feeling that industry friends can no longer talk openly and several multinationals have put restrictions on industry body commitments," he noted. Costs of essential increased security measures will continue to impact, including introduction of Rule 109, the certification process for air cargo agents handling cargo or mail for carriage on international passenger flights.
Th e CBAFF executive listed as a positive upcoming change, the IATA e-freight industry wide programme, which has been undergoing trial, with full industry implementation hoped for by 2010.
On the other hand, New Zealand featured in international headlines regarding air miles. "Th e carbon footprint will continue to be a dominant theme. However, research has shown that sustainability of New Zealand farming more than off sets the environmental impact of shipping goods by sea."