Industry groups welcome EIDO announcement

<p>Industry groups have welcomed news that DP World and Patrick will implement electronic import delivery orders (EIDO) from February 1, but warn that there is much to be done to ensure a smooth transition by all import supply chain parties.</p> <p>Concerns have also been raised about the need to address issues like the implementation of alternative arrangements for effective empty container equipment handover receipts in circumstances where shipping lines have used copies of paper delivery orders as equipment exchange receipts as well.</p> <p>Shipping Australia chief executive Llew Russell said the industry had been working enthusiastically with the stevedores to introduce EIDO.</p> <p>The primary focus has been to develop a process to enable shipping companies to electronically authorise stevedores to release containers to importers or to rail or road operators for movement between or within States. It would, however, open up the opportunity for individual shipping companies, when ready, to offer their importer clients the efficiency of fully electronic delivery orders in place of the current paper, fax or email versions, he said. </p> <p>EIDO messages will be routed from shipping companies or via Tradegate ImportNet or other messaging bureaux to each stevedore via 1&#8211Stop. </p> <p>More than seven shipping companies have indicated interest in pursuing the matter from February 1.</p> <p>The existing gate delivery processes will continue until individual shipping companies have had the opportunity of fully consulting their clients on the mutual benefits of participation.</p> <p>The new EIDO system will initially apply only to containerised cargo at all major Australian ports and it is intended that expansion of electronic release to cars, bulk and breakbulk cargo, will be investigated in the near future.</p> <p>Mr Russell said this was a significant step forward in the expansion of electronic commerce in the shipping and stevedoring industries.</p> <p>Neil Chambers, deputy chief executive of the Victorian Transport Association, said progress towards a more paperless environment in import supply chains, and efforts to improve the efficiency of the physical delivery process through the stevedores’ terminals, were to be applauded.</p> <p>"We look forward to working closely with DP World and Patrick Terminals, participating shipping lines and other crucial parties in the import supply chain, particularly the forwarders, customs brokers and the importers themselves, to ensure a smooth transition to this new era of electronic advancement." Mr Chambers said.</p> <p>However, he added that while the transition to a paperless system at the import delivery stage was welcomed, some shipping lines additionally used paper import delivery orders as empty container equipment handover receipts for the return of the empty container to a nominated empty container park.</p> <p>"We will need to pursue discussions with Shipping Australia and individual shipping lines to ensure that adequate alternative arrangements are made to accommodate the important ‘downstream’ task of effectively recording empty container returns," he said.</p> <p>"This is particularly necessary given the issues that can arise between parties in the supply chain regarding appropriate empty container management, including disputes related to empty container detention charges, or container damage liability issues and the like."</p> <p>Mr Chambers said close liaison would be needed between all parties in the international supply chain to ensure a smooth transition and allow parties to understand and take advantage of the efficiencies that should flow from this initiative.</p> <br />