Question 1

What is wharf cartage and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Wharf cartage is the road transport of shipping containers between port terminals and inland destinations such as warehouses, distribution centres, or business premises. When an import container is discharged from a vessel at an Australian port, it must physically travel from the terminal to its final destination. That road transport leg is wharf cartage. For exports, it works in reverse — your packed container is collected from your premises and delivered to the port terminal before the shipping line's vessel cut-off deadline. Sealogic coordinates wharf cartage as part of an integrated freight forwarding and customs clearance service.

Question 2

What is demurrage and how can I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Demurrage is a charge applied by the shipping line when an import container remains at the port terminal beyond the free time period, which is typically 3 to 5 days after the vessel discharges. Charges accumulate daily. The most effective way to avoid demurrage is to ensure customs clearance is lodged and approved quickly, and that a VBS slot is booked for container collection as soon as the container becomes available. Sealogic coordinates customs clearance and VBS bookings as part of our port transport service, minimising free time exposure wherever possible.

Question 3

What is the difference between demurrage and detention?

Accepted Answer

Demurrage is charged when a container stays at the port terminal beyond the free time period. Detention is charged when the empty container is not returned to the shipping line's nominated depot within the free time period after unpacking. Both charges are applied by the shipping line and accumulate daily. Sealogic monitors both free time windows and coordinates empty returns to reduce exposure to both types of charges.

Question 4

What is a VBS slot and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A VBS (Vehicle Booking System) slot is a timed booking that allows a truck to enter an Australian port terminal to collect or deliver a container. All major Australian container terminals require VBS bookings for truck access. Without a valid VBS slot, your transport provider cannot enter the terminal. Slots can be difficult to secure during periods of high demand or port congestion, which is why proactive VBS management is an important part of port transport. Our team monitors availability and books slots as early as possible following customs release.

Question 5

Which Australian ports does Sealogic service for port transport?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate port transport and wharf cartage through the Port of Melbourne, Port Botany in Sydney, the Port of Brisbane, Fremantle Port in Perth, and Port Adelaide. We can also arrange transport through regional ports including Darwin and Townsville via our partner transport network.

Question 6

Can Sealogic handle both import and export container transport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For imports, we manage container collection from the port terminal following customs release and deliver to your nominated address. For exports, we arrange collection of your packed container from your premises and transport to the port terminal before the shipping line's cut-off deadline, including VGM weight certification as required under SOLAS.

Question 7

Does Sealogic transport refrigerated containers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate refrigerated container (reefer) transport for temperature-sensitive goods, managing collection from port, monitoring cold chain requirements during transport, and delivery to your premises. Timely collection is particularly important for reefer containers, as extended time at the terminal can affect cargo quality.

Question 8

Can you handle dangerous goods containers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate compliant dangerous goods container transport for IMSBC and IMDG-classified cargo, using appropriately equipped transport partners and ensuring correct placarding, documentation, and routing in accordance with Australian heavy vehicle regulations and port authority requirements.

Question 9

Is port transport included in Sealogic's freight forwarding service?

Accepted Answer

Port transport can be arranged as part of a complete freight forwarding and customs clearance service or as a standalone service for businesses that manage other parts of their supply chain independently. Combining port transport with our freight forwarding and customs services provides the tightest coordination and the lowest risk of costly delays.

To the port.
Or on to your door.

Australian roads.
Two-way connections.

Port collection

Delivery to your premises

Empty container returns

An export departure starts inland.

Equipment & collection

Positioned & loaded

Accepted at the terminal

Clear from the start.

Confirm the import or export transport scope

Align terminal windows with site readiness

Coordinate collection, delivery and handover

Arrival is a milestone. Delivery is a plan.

A brief we can build on.

Export cartage: connect the depot, loading site and port

Your questions.
Answered.

Useful knowledge for this shipment.

Your next shipment.
Starts with a conversation.

To the port.Or on to your door.

Australian roads.Two-way connections.