Logistics News

Arrow to open Melbourne quarantine depot

Growing T&L services business move 'just in time for stink bug season'

 

Arrow Transport and Quarantine Services has announced that it has been given approval by the Australian Department of Agriculture (DOA) to become the third manned quarantine depot in the Port of Melbourne.

Arrow, which recently pushed into the Sydney market, sees the approval enabling it to provide the market with an increase in quarantine capacity at a crucial time.

“With the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season due to officially commence on September 1 and continue through to April 2020, the industry has been very concerned with quarantine capacity in Victoria,” the company notes.   

“At a time when manned quarantine depots are already at capacity, Arrow’s main depot will significantly help to address industry concerns.”

Arrow, in conjunction with the DOA, will have two quarantine officers at the site in Toll Drive Altona North, weekdays from 7am to 3pm. 

The new arrangement starts on September 2, with Arrow taking pre-bookings for this service now.  

“Arrow will also be the only manned depot outside the Port of Melbourne precinct,” it says. 

“This will provide transport operators and importers from both metro and country Victoria, increased flexibility for Quarantine services than is currently available. 

“This will enable a significant reduction in turnaround times and increased booking availability.” 

Arrow says it and the DOA aim to ensure that this quarantine service is used to its full capacity. 

“The DOA has a limited number of qualified and experienced inspectors, and both Arrow and the DOA want to ensure that inspectors are kept busy during this crucial phase of quarantine activity over the next few months,” it adds.

“The DOA is anticipating the success of this new collaboration so that future reassignment of inspectors and Quarantine capacity won’t be lost to the industry in Melbourne.”

The company is calling for industry support for the facility at a time when quarantine concern about the BMSB has never been higher.

“Industry needs to come together with a ‘use it or lose it’ mindset to ensure Arrow’s new manned depot status is pushed to capacity in support of DOA’s recognition of capacity issues through prior arrangements,” Arrow MD Craig Webster says.


Read about Arrow’s expansion into the Sydney market, here


With BMSB season expected to drastically increase inspection and fumigation numbers at the Port of Melbourne, this additional capacity is viewed as allowing industry “a viable method to absorb the load and provide the highest possible level of service.

“This use of this service will result in minimum delay and disruption to import and export clients, or their nominated carrier,” the company says.  

Arrow’s manned depot will provide the full range of quarantine services – rural tailgate, inspect/unpack, fumigation and machinery wash – every weekday from 7am to 3pm each weekday and by arrangement on weekends.

“The facility is open to anyone requiring Quarantine services, whether you are an existing Arrow client or not, as well as to all metro and country container transport operators,” the company says.

Arrow’s manned quarantine depot is located at 96-108 Toll Drive, Altona North.

 

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