Lyla Lindsey
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted shipping operations worldwide, including between Australia and the United States. Shipping companies have implemented strict health and safety protocols to protect their workers and prevent the spread of the virus. These measures include mandatory mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing, glove-wearing, temperature checks, and restricted shore leave for crew members. During the pandemic, there has been a notable surge in demand for goods, with Australians engaging in panic-buying and stockpiling essential items, leading to delays in deliveries and shortages of certain products. Shipping times between Australia and the US vary depending on the carrier and service selected, with air freight being faster but more expensive than sea freight options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping Options | Sea freight, air freight |
| Shipping Companies | DHL Express, FedEx, UPS Worldwide Expedited, USPS, Australian Post, Shipping Australia Ltd |
| Shipping Delays | Delays due to restricted transport options, COVID-19 exposure, and vaccination mandates for essential workers |
| Protective Measures | Masks, temperature checks, handwashing, gloves, self-isolation |
| Impact on Consumers | Delayed deliveries, shortages of imported goods, increased demand for certain products |
| Impact on Shipping Workers | Quarantine requirements, roster changes, reduced workforce, extended time away from families |
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What You'll Learn
Shipping options: sea or air freight
Shipping from Australia to the USA can be done via sea freight or air freight. Sea freight is the most cost-effective option, especially for larger shipments. Air freight is the fastest way of shipping products between the two countries, but it is also the most expensive option, particularly for heavy cargo.
Sea freight costs can be reduced by using the LCL (Less Than Container Load) option, where goods from multiple shippers share the same container. This method is typically the most cost-effective way to ship smaller, non-urgent consignments. However, LCL shipping may not be suitable for fragile goods, as they are more likely to be damaged by the extra handling required.
FCL (Full Container Load) shipping allows shippers to rent and fill an entire container. This method is recommended for larger shipments and is more likely to arrive on time. It is also recommended for high-value and fragile goods, as they are usually handled with more care in airports than in seaports.
Shipping times for air freight are typically between two and eight days, while sea freight can take anywhere from 33 to 65 days. However, it is important to note that these times can vary depending on market conditions, acts of nature, and other factors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ocean shipping companies implemented strict health and safety measures to protect the health of waterfront workers. These measures included the wearing of masks, frequent hand-washing, and the use of gloves.
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Shipping companies' precautions
Shipping companies have had to adapt to new realities during the pandemic, implementing various precautions to ensure the safety of their workers and customers.
Shipping Australia, for example, has stated that ocean freight shipping companies are taking strict precautions to protect the health of waterfront workers. Crews on commercial cargo ships calling in China remain onboard during port calls, wear protective masks when interacting with locals, and do not go on shore leave. Only a small number of people, such as safety inspectors and pilots, are allowed to board ships in mainland China, and they must wear masks and have their temperature taken. Crews also wear masks when visitors are onboard, and frequently wash their hands and wear gloves.
Similarly, auto transport companies have continued to operate during the pandemic, offering door-to-door services to minimise travel and contact for their customers. These companies have implemented precautions such as providing online tools for customers to track their shipments, and sanitising vehicles before delivery.
Shipping companies have also had to adapt to disruptions and delays caused by the pandemic, especially when shipping to certain countries. Some companies have suspended normal delivery guarantees, while others have implemented additional safety precautions to minimise contact during delivery, such as closing individual parcel lockers and service points.
To ensure the safe shipping of their vehicles, customers are advised to choose reputable carriers that have experience navigating pandemic-related challenges and can provide regular updates on the status of shipments. Customers should also be aware of any travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in their destination state.
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Delayed deliveries
In Australia, the pandemic caused a surge in demand for certain products, resulting in delivery delays. Australians with disposable income engaged in panic buying and hoarding, particularly of essential goods like hand sanitiser, face masks, and vitamins. This led to shortages and long waiting times for deliveries, with some Australians reporting waits of up to 10 months for items like furniture and cars.
Shipping companies have implemented strict health and safety measures to protect their crews and waterfront workers, including the wearing of masks, frequent hand washing, and gloves. These precautions aim to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of exposure for crew members.
The Australian government's decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for essential workers, including seafarers, has also contributed to delivery delays. The quarantine requirements for seafarers have impacted their work schedules, with some having to spend more time in isolation before joining their ships.
The high demand during the pandemic has caused congestion at Australian ports, with container ships sometimes unable to secure berths at Port Botany and being rerouted to Melbourne. This has further delayed the delivery of goods to consumers, who have taken to social media to share their experiences of waiting months for their purchases.
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Protective measures for crews
To ensure the safety of the crew, reasonable precautions must be taken, such as those proposed by the International Maritime Health Association. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing essential vessel functions. In the case of a suspected outbreak, a 'floating quarantine' may be implemented, with the vessel remaining on-hire unless the delay is linked to the condition of the ship or crew.
During the quarantine, the ship's medical team should report any suspected cases to the relevant health authorities. A health questionnaire and daily screening can be used to monitor the health of the crew, with face-to-face interviews and temperature measurements conducted as needed.
In the case of a positive COVID-19 test, the infected crew member should be isolated, and the External Health Service should be contacted to assess the situation and apply the necessary measures. The ship may also be designated as a quarantine facility, with different zones established to manage the risk of contamination. For example, the dock and adjacent terminal building can be considered a "green zone", free of contamination, while the access gangway, stairwells, and corridors to cabins are a "yellow zone", requiring surgical masks and gloves.
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Shipping from Australia to China
During the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping from Australia to China was impacted in various ways. While some sectors experienced disruptions and declines, others saw increased demand and business opportunities.
Impact on Ocean Freight Shipping
Ocean freight shipping between Australia and China faced several challenges during the pandemic. To protect the health and safety of their workers, shipping companies implemented strict precautionary measures. Crews on commercial cargo ships were required to remain onboard during their Chinese port calls, wear protective masks when interacting with locals, and avoid shore leave in mainland China. These measures aimed to minimise the risk of COVID-19 exposure for the crews and waterfront workers.
The pandemic also affected the shipping of containers from China to the US, resulting in a decline in demand and an increase in cancelled sailings. This had a significant impact on the supply chain, including port operations, trucking, rail, and warehouse economics. The uncertainty created by the pandemic and tariff policies led to a decrease in containers being shipped, with ocean carriers adjusting or cancelling vessel routes.
Continued Demand for Australian Products in China
On the other hand, Chinese supermarkets experienced steady demand for Australian products during the pandemic. "Daigou" stores in Australia, which specialise in selling Australian goods to Chinese customers, saw increased business as Chinese citizens sought essential items like hand sanitiser, face masks, vitamins, and baby formula. These stores shipped hundreds of boxes of Australian products to China daily, even as Australian supermarkets faced empty shelves due to panic-buying.
Political Tensions and Allegations
The pandemic also heightened political tensions between the US and China, with both countries exchanging allegations regarding the origins of the virus. China's State Council Information Office suggested that the virus may have originated in the US, while the US claimed that it escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China. These disputes added complexity to the already strained relationships between the two countries and their allies, including Australia, with Beijing vying for influence over South Pacific shipping lanes and ports.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, shipping between Australia and the US is still possible, but there may be significant delays. Shipping lines are taking strict precautions to protect the health of waterfront workers.
Crews remain onboard during their Chinese port calls and wear protective masks if required to interact with locals. There is no shore leave and no crew changes in mainland China. Crews also frequently wash their hands and wear gloves.
DHL Express shipping usually takes 1-6 business days, while FedEx International Economy is guaranteed to take 5 business days. The Australian Standard Parcel service takes 5 business days, and the Australian Economy Air Parcel service takes 6 business days.
Yes, there are restrictions on sending certain medicines to Australia. PBS-listed medicines can only be supplied at one month at a time.
