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The National Transport Commission (NTC) has launched a consultation on proposed updates to the National Voluntary Guidelines for Landside Stevedore Charges and expansion to empty container park charges.
Australia’s transport ministers have asked the NTC to update the Guidelines to align with Victoria’s Voluntary Pricing Protocol (VPP) and to consider extending the Guidelines to empty container parks.
National Voluntary Guidelines for Landside Stevedore Charges
The Guidelines set out clear protocols for how stevedore price changes are communicated across the containerised freight supply chain.
The Guidelines cover both new landside charges or increases to existing charges levied by stevedores on land transport operators accessing Australian ports and handling containerised cargo.
By improving transparency and consistency, the Guidelines support fairer and more stable pricing for industry and all Australian governments.
Have your say
We have published a consultation paper, setting out proposed changes to the Guidelines and their application across Australia’s five major ports.
Stakeholders across the containerised freight supply chain are invited to provide feedback.
Consultation is open until 13 March 2026.