Transport and Travel -  TRANSPORT COMPANY MANAGER

Comparing the Top 10 Australian Transport Companies!

Primary Middle  

Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

Australian Curriculum General Capability: Numeracy 

Cooperative Learning Activity

1. "Transport and logistics is big business in Australia, employing over 1.2 million people who provide essential services in the transportation of goods across the country. The industry contributes billions to the economy, bringing increased competition, lower prices and significant choice for consumers with products and consumables."

Business Chief 19 January 2017

Did you realise that transport and logistics was such a big industry?

Do you know of anyone in the transport and logistics industry? Who? What do they do?

2. You are to look at the facts and figures of the Top 10 Transport and Logistics companies in Australia (see websites below).

In pairs, you are to select one company to investigate from the following companies (below).

Fill out the attached worksheet

3. Compare your results with one other pair of students. Is there big differences between the companies?

4. As a class, put up the worksheets for each company on a noticeboard.

Top 10 Australian transport & logistics companies


10. Glen Cameron Group



Established in 1975, Glen Cameron Group now encompasses a fleet of 350 vehicles, offering transportation, logistics and supply chain services for customers. The company has a loyal customer base and a strong focus on customer service, and is highly valued by consumers.



9. AirRoad



Founded in 1989, AirRoad has become one of the most renowned freight companies in Australia. With services such as AirRoad Express, alongside specialised and logistics services, the company provides high value, low cost services for consumers within road freight distribution and movement of goods. Undergoing a number of acquisitions, the company was also the first Australian logistics company to place barcode scanning at the forefront of their services, taking customer service to the next level.


8. SCT Logistics



Established in 1974, freight company SCT Logistics has grown its operations throughout Australia, diversifying their services within several areas, such as Refrigerated Transport Services and Contract Warehousing, in addition to providing tailored solutions within the rail sector.

SCT Logistics has also recently launched services across the Melbourne – Brisbane interstate corridor, increasing competition between the region’s major railroad corridors.



7. Kings Transport & Logistics



Situated across Australia and New Zealand, Kings Transport & Logistics provides services which range from 3PL Warehousing & Distribution to supplying technological solutions for customers. The company also has its own Building Logistics Management (BLM) service, which enables customers to gain a complete logistics package.

Similarly to SCT Logistics, the company incorporates an express service, and now has over a thousand subcontracted and company owned transport vehicles to cater to all customers wishing to transport goods across the country.



6. QUBE



Since its launch in 2010, QUBE Holdings has been slowly expanding its import and export logistics operations, with freight facilities now in 29 ports across Australia, alongside vital rail freight services.

The company established the Qube Container Park in 2015 in order to merge all shipping lines under its umbrella.



5. Brambles Limited



One of the oldest Australian companies in the business, Brambles Limited is operational in over 60 countries, with operations spanning both the US and Europe, incorporating over 14,000 employees through their CHEP and IFCO brands. The company has over 850 service centres and three main transportation divisions: fast moving consumables, reusable plastic crates (RPCs) (of which the company acquired IFCO systems in 2011), and containers, all which contain several subdivisions.

The company promotes a sustainable logistics model, and adopts a sustainability framework that ensures increased value, reduced cost and significant cost efficiencies. Since 2010, the company has undergone several acquisitions, such as Paramount Pallet, Pallecon and Transpac in order to enter further markets and develop operations.



4. Linfox



Founded in 1956, Linfox has become one of the largest privately owned logistic companies in Australia, placing an increased focus on sustainability initiatives. With over 5,000 trucks in its fleet, Linfox has diversified its services, spanning over 10 countries, employing over 20,000 people and utilising key technologies to reduce emissions.

A large portion of the company’s operations is situated in Asia, entering several markets. However, the international company has also expanded its operations through a number of acquisitions, such as FCL Interstate Transport Services and Mayne Logistics.

The company encompasses 8,000,000 square feet of retail space and, surprisingly, also owns the Phillip Island Grand Prix Racetrack, the Fox Classic Car Collection, and is responsible for Australia’s Avalon and Essendon airports.



3. Australia Post



Australia Post operates the country’s largest retail network, and is responsible for the safe delivery of three billion letters each year. The provider only has one shareholder – the Australian Government. The service is highly valued, delivering to 190 countries, in addition to providing online services for customers.

The service is the first in Australia to utilise 100 percent electronic commercial vans, placing a heavy emphasis on sustainability within its transport and logistics operations, alongside reusing and recycling used packaging. With the aim to reduce carbon emissions, Australia Post has also introduced new motorbikes and fleets which harness fuel efficiency.

To this effect, Hobart will become the first city to pilot a new three-wheel electric delivery vehicle, which will hold around 100 parcels, or over a thousand letters.



2. Pacific National



Part of the Australian Trucking Association and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport Australia, Pacific National focuses on four main areas: bulk haulage, coal, intermodal and steel, delivering key partnerships through the transportation of goods and services in order to grow its business.

One of the largest coal haulage operators in Australia, the company utilises specialised equipment to support a reduction in transportation costs, such as balloon loops and specialised wagons to ensure quality services.



1. Aurizon

Previously owned by the Government of Queensland, Aurizon is Australia’s largest private rail freight provider, operating within four divisions: network, coal, iron ore and freight. The company’s partnerships extend to areas such as Asia, China and India, moving around 500,000 tonnes of freight per day.

The company also operates one of the largest coal rail systems, connecting with three major ports, with 15,000 wagons under its umbrella, in addition to an array of road vehicles.
(Source: Business Chief 19 January 2017)