Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is campaigning against new landside port fees imposed on truck operators by Patrick and DP World Australia (DPW) and is calling for a co-ordinated industry fightback against the latest round of price hikes.
The charges are effective 1 January 2026, with additional DPW fees for containers in and out of Port Botany coming into force on 1 April 2026 – and follow two hefty landside price increases throughout 2025.
The new fixed charges, amongst many others, for Patrick Terminals wil be: import laden container $224.90 (up from $208.20) and export laden container $145.20 (up from $138.25).
At DPW, the terminal access charge per export container will be: $187.83 (up from $175.71) and $225.51 per import container (up from $197.47) amongst many other fee rises. DPW is citing cost pressures (labour + 5% and insurance + 15%) for the new price hikes, yet some of their fees are increasing between 14-20%.
RFNSW and its members are fighting the new charges on the basis that:
- Landside fees continue to exceed inflation and wage growth;
- There’s been no demonstrated stevedores’ service improvements at Port Botany;
- Fees are imposed unilaterally, without consultation – truck operators have no ability to negotiate or refuse;
- Costs are passed-on to consumers, with higher landside fees leading to higher freight rates and higher prices for Australian families;
- New ‘behavioural’ charges punish carriers for factors beyond their control.
RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara said the new charges would further hurt NSW truck operators already struggling financially in a cost-of-living crisis and impact productivity across supply chains.
“The charges are going to pile even more pressure on to an industry already hit with a series of rising costs throughout 2025. They’re going to push-up costs through the supply chain, leading to higher inflation and hurting transport operators and Australian consumers who are simply asking for a fair go,” he said.
“What’s now apparent is that voluntary standards are no longer enough. Australia needs direct national regulation, full transparency and a seat at the table for shippers to discuss other alternatives to road freight operators bearing the cost of these ongoing, unwarranted increases from stevedores around the country.
“With industry already at breaking-point, we simply can’t afford to have these unsustainable costs slapped on carriers, threatening the viability of their businesses.”
Mr O’Hara is urging RFNSW members to raise their concerns directly with the stevedores.
Write to Patrick at [email protected] and to DPW at [email protected]
Please include the following in your response: National Transport Commission (NTC) at [email protected] and the ACCC at [email protected]
“We strongly urge all landside carriers to make their voices heard,” Mr O’Hara added.
About us:
About Road Freight NSW
Originating in 1893, Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is the peak industry organisation for the road and freight industry in NSW and engages in advocacy, government and media relations on behalf of members.
Contact details:
RFNSW media contact: 0411 254 390
