The group representing truckies servicing Patrick and DP World at Port Botany in New South Wales is calling for an industry fightback against landside fee price hikes set to come into play from January 1, 2026.
The new fixed charges, amongst many others, for Patrick Terminals will 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).
RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara says the new charges will 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,” O’Hara says.
“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.
“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 and to lodge their concerns in writing to the National Transport Commission (NTC) and the ACCC.
“We strongly urge all landside carriers to make their voices heard.”
In a letter to customers on 31 October 2025, DP World vice president Ports & Terminals Ravi Sheshadri says DPWA forecasts a significant amount in capital expenditure across 2025 – 2028 will be required across its four terminals to invest in key equipment, civil expansion works and other equipment to cater for greater landside demand going forward.
Sheshadri outlined increasing costs for workforce, insurance, electricity, security, property and property maintenance as drivers of the price rise. He also called for feedback.
“As a valued industry participant DPWA welcomes your feedback which can be provided to pbt.landsidefeedback@dpworld.com
“Feedback received prior to Friday 28 November 2025, will be consolidated, and responded to. Final notice will be published on the DPWA Customer Portal by 1 December 2025 for commencement in January 2026.”