Imagine your goods crossing oceans while shipping costs skyrocket without explanation, accompanied by a maze of obscure surcharges. This growing frustration among cargo owners has become the central focus of the Asian Shippers' Association Federation (ASAFF).
During the 28th ASEAN Shippers' Council Annual Meeting and 2nd Asian Shippers' Association Conference in Indonesia, representatives from 12 countries and regions unanimously adopted an action plan to protect shippers' rights in maritime services, marking a significant escalation in Asian shippers' collective efforts to address unfair practices.
Mounting Concerns Over Shipping Practices
Participants extensively discussed pressing issues including soaring freight rates and the proliferation of poorly explained additional charges. The conference expressed strong objections to carriers unilaterally implementing surcharges without adequate negotiation with cargo owners or providing reasonable explanations for fee structures.
To combat these challenges, shippers' associations agreed on a multi-pronged strategy. This includes seeking guidance from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and filing complaints with the World Trade Organization (WTO), urging reevaluation of antitrust exemptions currently granted to carriers.
Call for Transparent Pricing and Shared Security Costs
The conference established clear demands: shipping rates should be simplified, and surcharges must become more reasonable. Associations pledged to maintain direct, transparent dialogue with carriers while collaborating with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) to develop fair solutions.
Should carriers refuse to adopt comprehensive "all-inclusive" pricing models, shippers' groups warned of more assertive actions to protect their interests.
Security concerns also featured prominently in discussions. Participants unanimously supported government initiatives to protect ports, waterways, vessels, and cargo from terrorist threats. Representatives agreed that enhanced security measures benefit all supply chain participants—including governments, carriers, terminal operators, and logistics providers—and therefore costs should be shared collectively rather than passed solely to shippers.
Pushing for Regulatory Reform
The conference called on Asian nations to develop maritime laws promoting competition and fair trade, similar to frameworks in the United States and Europe. Attendees emphasized that robust legal structures could effectively regulate market behavior, safeguard shippers' rights, and foster sustainable industry growth.
The ASEAN Shippers' Association Federation chair and secretariat received authorization to implement the action plan, signaling Asian shippers' determination to actively protect their interests in maritime services. This coordinated effort aims to create a more competitive, secure, and efficient international shipping environment while contributing to global trade prosperity.
Through this unified approach, Asian cargo owners seek greater influence in international trade negotiations, working collectively to establish a fairer, more transparent maritime shipping landscape.