Over the past 6 months Australia has experienced an overwhelming trend to become eco friendly. Insulation companies have come out of the woodwork and the government has had no policy to monitor or put in place standards to which this product has been imported. For more than six months we have seen American and Chinese Insulation product being imported. The enormous amount of this commodity being imported has meant that vessels coming from China and the USA are fully booked. Indeed , delays of getting containers on ships was up to 6 weeks.
Sea-Go International with its core strength in the USA has managed to assist many of it clients in getting their cargo here without those delays. Mainly due to having several shipping line contracts. Boats, Cars, RV's, Heavy Machinery, Roll on Roll Off and our Breakbulk services have all faired well, whilst many are still experiencing difficulties..
The good news is that the government has reduced the rebate from $A1600 to $A1200 as of November 2009. We have already seen that this has reduced the amount of insulation material being imported from the USA. Mainly because the market is so competitive and there are so many players. ( some not in this for the long term).....The margins are no longer there and Australians are hesitant about paying the extra $400 when it was virtually free before.
http://australian-government-insulation-rebates.com/Rebates/insulationrebatereduced.html
So why is this good news? From the viewpoint of importers who import everything else but insulation products...the ships are now not overbooked and delays should start to subside..
Sea importers will now receive their goods in a more timely fashion ...which means they can make their money when intended ..pay their bills , reduce costs by now having stock to sell straight away...
An empty warehouse makes no money!...So this should assist the reputable insulation Australian companies and also companies who import other commodities.
Sea-Go International and its staff are always willing to assist its clients through the changing times and this was definitely one of them...We managed to get containers on ships (where in some cases thought impossible) by working with our US agent and convincing shipping lines that we are here and have been here for the long term...Having several shipping line contracts definitely helped us.
Remember if there is something outside the square when wanting your USA sea-freight to get to Australia...Sea-Go International will climb mountains for you.
Have a great day!
Ray Leon
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