This study analyses and forecasts trends in the usage of containers for the carriage of Australia's seaborne freight over the period 2001–02 to 2010–11.

This paper provides estimates of interstate non-bulk freight rates. The estimates show that, in real terms, it has never been cheaper to ship goods in Australia.

The five-port average crane rate improved from 26.6 in the March quarter to 26.9 containers per hour for the June quarter 2002. This is the highest five-port average crane rate ever recorded in Waterline.

This publication forecasts container movements into and out of Australia. Combined Australian containerised imports and exports are expected to increase at an average annual rate of 5 per cent over the period 2001–02 to 2010–11.

Waterline's format has remained largely unchanged since the first issue was produced in 1994. However, there have been many changes in the maritime industry in that time.

In the last issue we announced upcoming changes to Waterline. Work is progressing and we will be inviting key interest groups to comment on the changes.

This paper provides estimates of non-bulk freight flows over seven intercity corridors for three decades from 1972 to 2001. Earlier estimates to 1995 were published in Information Sheet 17.

Readers may be aware that we have been reviewing the indicators used in Waterline.

This paper presents the results of a desk study of the road freight industry. The aim of the study is to update our knowledge of the Australian freight industry by bringing together and analysing information that is currently available.

The Australian Sea Freight series presents statistics on the movement of Australian freight by sea, as well as information on port activity, fleet structure, and use of coastal permits.