Rural Customs Brokers™

Whenever you import a Full Container Load (FCL) that is destined to be unpacked in a rural postcode, there are a few stages that need to be followed before the FCL can leave the metropolitan area of the wharf.

The vessel carrying the FCL will arrive at the wharf, the FCL will be discharged from the vessel, the FCL will be placed onto the stevedores land and then the FCL will need to go to a quarantine depot for a rural tailgate before the FCL is approved to travel out of the metropolitan area.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) require all FCL’s that are to be unpacked in a rural postcode to be tailgated at a quarantine depot before the FCL departs from the metropolitan area.

Platinum® on a daily basis works with importers who are based in rural postcodes; we arrange the ABF customs clearance, then we arrange for the FCL to be collected from the wharf and taken to a quarantine depot for a rural tailgate before the FCL is then delivered to the rural postcode for unpacking.

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The Role of Rural Postcodes in Importing

Before any FCL can travel to a rural postcode for unpacking, the DAFF requires all importers to present their FCL to a quarantine depot for a rural tailgate. Rural postcodes are identified and set down by the DAFF. The purpose of identifying rural postcodes is to mitigate risks to rural areas with possible pests or biosecurity risk material.

Importers can check the postcodes where they plan to unpack the FCL, to assess whether their postcode is classified as a metropolitan or rural postcode. Understanding the DAFF’s policy in relation to postcodes, allows importers to be fully aware of their requirements in relation to Full Container Load shipments.

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What is a Rural Tailgate?

A rural tailgate is a critical step in the customs clearance and quarantine process for FCL’s destined to be unpacked in a rural postcode. Once the FCL arrives at the wharf, it will need to travel from the wharf to the quarantine depot, where the seals on the container doors will be broken and the two container doors will be opened so that the DAFF officer can assess whether the FCL poses no risk or a risk to rural postcodes.

The DAFF officer may require the FCL to be partially or fully unpacked at the quarantine depot to make a valid assessment as to the FCL’s cleanliness and risk to Australia’s biosecurity.

Why Choose Platinum® as your Rural Customs Brokers™

Platinum® operates in every state and territory, customs clearing FCL’s that are destined to be unpacked in rural postcodes. Platinum® arranges for the FCL to be collected from the wharf and delivered to the quarantine depot for the rural tailgate. Due to the preparatory work that Platinum® undertakes before the FCL arrives into Australia, the FCL should pass the rural tailgate with ease and then travel onto your location for unpacking.

Once the FCL arrives at your location, you and your people will need to unpack the FCL so that the empty FCL can be returned to the wharf to save on shipping line rental costs (detention).

Platinum® generally waits for you and your people to unpack the FCL at your rural postcode location, so that two trips are not required to collect the empty container.

If you have purchased the FCL, Platinum® will deliver both the FCL and the goods to your rural location. In more cases than not, Platinum® will deliver the goods via a side loader service (placing the FCL onto the ground at your location for you to unpack at your leisure).

What Happens if You Purchase the Shipping Container?

Importers often choose to purchase the shipping containers that bring their goods to Australia. The importers would need to ask their overseas suppliers to sell them the goods and to also sell them a pre-owned shipping container.

When Australian importers purchase the goods and shipping container, this means that once the FCL has been unpacked at the rural location, the Australian importer could repurpose the empty shipping container as a storage facility on their rural property. When importers purchase the shipping container, Platinum® is only required to provide a one-way transport service, from the wharf to the quarantine depot then onto your location, simplifying the logistics process even further.

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Challenges with Rural FCL Imports and How Platinum® Assists

While importing to Australia can be straightforward with the right customs broker, rural postcode deliveries present their own unique challenges. The shipping lines, who own the shipping containers, generally only provide seven free calendar days from the moment that the vessel docks at the Australian wharf.

A FCL needs to be discharged from the vessel, collected from the wharf, taken to the quarantine depot for a rural tailgate, then delivered to your rural postcode, and then the empty FCL needs to be returned to the empty container park.

It does not take long for these seven free calendar days gifted from the shipping line to evaporate.

Strict timelines set down by the shipping lines in having the empty container returned, biosecurity regulations, and logistical hurdles mean that keeping everything on track is essential. This is where Platinum® shines. With extensive rural postcode customs clearance experience and a customer-focused approach, Platinum® stays ahead of the others, managing every detail so that you don’t have to be concerned.

One Touch® Service by Platinum®

Platinum® is the only customs brokerage that offers a One Touch® service, giving you a single point of contact throughout the entire importing process. From the initial consultation through to the final delivery and then returning the empty FCL, our customs clearance experts ensure that everything runs smoothly. By focusing on your needs, we make rural postcode customs clearances stress-free and efficient.

Rural Customs Brokers™ – powered by Platinum®

Relying upon Platinum® means that you are partnering with a trusted customs clearance expert committed to your success. Platinum® handles every aspect of the rural postcode customs and quarantine clearance, from liasing with you and your overseas supplier prior to shipment, to processing the goods through the Australian border, then delivering the FCL to your rural address for unpacking. With our extensive knowledge of the intricacies that surround rural postcode deliveries, we simplify a very complex process and provide you with peace of mind.

Rely upon Platinum®

If you are ready to streamline your rural postcode imports, reach out to Platinum® today. Our experienced customs clearance team are here to provide you with a tailored solution for your logistical needs, ensuring a seamless process from the very beginning through to the very end. Reach out to learn more about how our One Touch® service can make importing to rural postcodes streamlined and stress free.

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