News / Australian shippers cry foul over liners' 'exorbitant' million-dollar charges

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Australia’s Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) has accused container carriers of extorting millions of dollars from its members through “exorbitant and unfair” charges.

Together with the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), the FTA lodged a formal submission with the country’s Productivity Commission and supplied evidence that it claims shows traders are paying upwards of A$500m ($315m) in access, and A$500m in detention, charges.

FTA director Paul Zalai said: “Members are operating with little competitive tension, costs are extraordinary; it is a massive ...