| Written by Mark Buzinkay
Mainfreight, a global logistics company
Mainfreight Limited, founded in 1978 by Bruce Plested in Auckland, New Zealand, has evolved from a local transport provider into a global logistics powerhouse. Starting with a modest investment and a single truck, the company expanded rapidly, especially after the deregulation of New Zealand's transport sector in 1982. This pivotal change allowed Mainfreight to capture a significant share of the freight market.
Today, Mainfreight operates in 27 countries with over 335 branches worldwide, offering comprehensive supply chain solutions. Their services encompass:
- Transport: Domestic freight forwarding, express freight, metro deliveries, port operations, tankers, truckloads, online services, and specialized hazardous goods transportation.
- Air and Ocean: Global imports and exports by sea and air, customs clearance services, integrated with their worldwide distribution network.
- Warehousing and Distribution: Online inventory management and supply chain solutions across various market segments.
Mainfreight's global footprint includes significant operations in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Notable milestones in their expansion include the acquisition of the Wim Bosman Group in 2011, which provided a substantial European presence.
Financially, Mainfreight reported a revenue of NZ$4.72 billion in 2024, with an operating income of NZ$395 million, supported by a dedicated team of over 10,600 employees. (1)
Mainfreight in Altona, Victoria
Mainfreight's Melbourne Wharf Transport branch in Altona, Victoria, plays a vital role in container transport services across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Located at 120 Modal Place, the branch delivers tailored logistics solutions, leveraging its expertise in handling diverse freight requirements.
A standout feature of the Altona facility is its ability to manage temperature-sensitive goods using advanced reefer equipment. With roughly 100 reefer points on-site, the branch ensures the precise monitoring and storage of perishable cargo, maintaining product integrity throughout the supply chain. This focus on refrigerated container solutions makes the facility a trusted partner for businesses requiring temperature-controlled logistics.
In addition to reefer equipment services, the branch specializes in wharf cartage, efficiently transporting import and export containers via rail, road, and wharf. Comprehensive depot services, including container packing, unpacking, and warehousing, support a wide range of supply chain needs. On-site fumigation and biosecurity inspections further ensure compliance with Australian regulations for international cargo.
The Altona facility operates a versatile fleet that includes side loaders, flat tops, and retractable trailers, enabling handling of various container types and sizes. This flexibility, combined with advanced technology like real-time tracking systems and electronic container notifications, ensures efficient operations while minimizing costs such as demurrage charges.
Mainfreight's Altona branch exemplifies the company's commitment to innovative logistics. The integration of reefer equipment for temperature-controlled shipments, alongside robust transport and depot services, highlights its ability to meet complex customer needs. With a dedicated team and strategic location, the Altona branch continues to strengthen Mainfreight's presence in Australia's logistics sector.
Mainfreight implements Reefer Runner
In 2024, Mainfreight teamed up with Identec Solutions, a leader in wireless automation technologies, to deploy Reefer Runner, a cutting-edge reefer monitoring system. This collaboration marked a significant step forward in ensuring the highest performance and reliability standards for the management of perishable goods.
Identec Solutions expressed pride in seeing Reefer Runner integrated into Mainfreight's operations. The system delivers 24/7 visibility and reliability, enhancing temperature control and accessibility to critical data. Its seamless incorporation into Mainfreight's operational processes set a new standard for quality assurance within the cold chain, cementing Mainfreight's leadership in logistics innovation.
Jake Hedley, Branch Manager at Mainfreight Australia, highlighted the system's immediate benefits: "Reefer Runner fundamentally transformed how we manage refrigerated cargo. The automation of temperature monitoring streamlined our processes, provided real-time oversight, and allowed us to deliver superior service to our customers. It was a game-changer for us and them."
Paul Hebrard, Regional Head APAC at Identec Solutions, also emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "Working with Mainfreight underscored Reefer Runner's adaptability and the speed of implementation demonstrated how quickly this technology can bring value. We're excited to support Mainfreight's commitment to delivering excellence in logistics."
The integration of Reefer Runner has automated critical processes such as temperature monitoring and control. This significantly reduces the risk of human error while ensuring immediate alerts are issued in response to temperature anomalies. These features enable swift corrective action, safeguarding product integrity, minimizing spoilage risks, and enhancing compliance with regulatory standards.
This strategic adoption of Reefer Runner aligns with Mainfreight's ongoing expansion, driven by its growing customer base and recent contract successes. By automating temperature management, the system allows team members to dedicate their efforts to other essential supply chain activities, improving operational efficiency and enhancing worker safety. Additionally, it reduces the need for manual interventions, streamlining the overall workflow of reefer logistics.
The bigger picture
For Identec Solutions, the cooperation with Mainfreight is another stepping stone in their vision of digitalizing the cold chain in Australia and New Zealand. Several sea ports already use Reefer Runner, and more and more smaller inland terminals secure their cold chain operations with the automated, remote 24/7 monitoring solution Reefer Runner and Reefer Runner 5G.
Delve deeper into one of our core topics: Refrigerated containers
Glossary
Customs clearance services involve managing the documentation and processes required for goods to enter or exit a country. This includes preparing and submitting customs declarations, paying applicable duties or taxes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and handling inspections or clearances. These services streamline international shipping, prevent delays, and ensure goods comply with local trade laws. Reliable customs clearance partners help businesses navigate complex rules and mitigate risks.
Sources:
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainfreight
(2) Branch, A. E. (2012). Global Supply Chain Management and International Logistics. Routledge.
