A unified, independent voice representing shippers on shipping, port and landside issues.

The Australian Shippers Alliance (ASA) is an independent industry coordination platform focused on the commercial and regulatory dimensions of international shipping, port access and landside cost structures affecting Australian importers and exporters.

ASA exists to support evidence based engagement with regulators and government where market outcomes raise systemic concerns for cargo owners.

ASA is not a peak body, lobby group or representative association.

How ASA Works

ASA provides a structured and confidential forum for cargo owners to engage constructively on shipping, port and landside cost issues. Its work is grounded in evidence, discretion and proportionate engagement with existing regulatory frameworks.

Structured, confidential forum

A trusted, non-public environment where cargo owners can examine market outcomes and share observations without commercial or reputational risk.

Evidence before advocacy

Independent regulatory findings and aggregated commercial evidence are prioritised before any engagement with government or regulators.

Targeted regulatory engagement

Focused, proportionate use of existing statutory mechanisms to address specific issues, rather than broad, adversarial or public campaigns.

Learn more

Are you seeing a recurring or structural issue affecting shipping, port or landside costs?

Get in touch

What ASA Does

ASA provides a structured, confidential forum for cargo owners to examine shipping, port and landside cost outcomes and consider how existing regulatory frameworks are operating in practice.

Through this forum, participants may share commercial observations, contribute to aggregated evidence where appropriate, and support targeted submissions under existing law.

ASA does not engage in collective bargaining, price advocacy or public campaigns.

We are a small team of industry veterans and expert partners, supported by a committed group of members, focused on tackling key industry issues.

Evidence before advocacy

Independent regulator findings and aggregated commercial information are prioritised before any engagement.

Proportionate engagement

ASA supports targeted use of existing statutory mechanisms rather than broad or adversarial approaches.

Confidentiality and discretion

Participation is non-public unless expressly agreed. ASA does not publicise contributors or positions.

ASA works with Australian cargo owners across the import and export supply chain. Depending on their role, cargo owners may be referred to as shippers, consignees, beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) or importers and exporters. Regardless of terminology, ASA’s focus is on the interests of organisations that own, control or bear the commercial risk of cargo moving through international shipping, ports and landside transport.

ASA operates independently of shipping lines, terminal operators, transport providers and service suppliers.

ASA does not receive funding from service providers and does not negotiate on behalf of participants.

Current Focus

ASA periodically coordinates discrete initiatives to examine specific supply chain or regulatory issues where existing frameworks may warrant review. These initiatives are designed to be focused and practical, rather than open ended or ongoing.

Each initiative is time limited, evidence driven and conducted on a confidential basis. Where appropriate, findings may be compiled into structured industry submissions for regulatory consideration.

For more information on current priorities or upcoming initiatives, please get in touch.

Participation.

Participation in ASA initiatives is flexible and proportionate. Members may choose to be involved in ways that suit their role, capacity and commercial sensitivities.

Participation may include providing anonymised commercial observations, contributing to aggregated evidence, reviewing draft materials, or supporting governance and analytical costs on a voluntary basis.

Importantly, participation does not require public endorsement of positions, disclosure of commercial contracts or commercially sensitive information, or engagement in advocacy activity. Involvement is confidential unless expressly agreed otherwise.

Insights & updates

Blog

Occasional notes on shipping, port and landside cost issues affecting Australian cargo owners. Published at ASA’s discretion and always grounded in evidence.

Article

The landside cost shift — a practical view from the supply chain

The debate around port productivity matters — but for Australian exporters and importers, the more pressing issue is how landside charges have quietly reshaped the cost of doing business. Over the past eight years, terminal access and empty container park fees have increased nearly ninefold, turning what were once minor administrative costs into significant margin pressures. The Australian Shippers Alliance examines whether the current landside cost architecture is delivering fair, competitive outcomes for Australian trade — and what a structured, evidence-based pathway forward might look like.

Read the full article on DCN →
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Seeing a recurring or structural issue affecting shipping, port or landside costs?

Get in touch to discuss confidentially. ASA engages on a discreet, evidence-led basis and never publicises contributors or positions.

Get in touch enquiry@ausshippers.com.au