Austrans Container Service goes to Qube Logistics ports division
Qube has bought national rail freight forwarder Austrans Container Service for an undisclosed sum.
The move comes 21 years after Austrans was founded in Melbourne, during which time it has grown to boast more than 60 staff, numerous subcontractors, facilities in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane and a local transport fleet supported by a national container fleet of about 300 units.
The acquisition is “significant as it provides Qube Logistics the ability to deliver additional services to its customer base”, Qube Logistics director John Digney says.
“Austrans is a market leader in the national rail freight forwarding market; it has built a substantial business by focusing on an excellent customer service culture combined with delivering efficient services for its customers.”
For Qube, the initial focus of the combined business will be to work with the management team to ensure level service levels are unaffected and “new opportunities identified are delivered upon”.
Austrans owner and director Peter O’Shea will remain in the business to assist with the transition.
“I am very excited for the staff and customers of Austrans,” O’Shea says.
“Qube Logistics offers a great opportunity for all parties to be part of a growing national logistics business.”
Austrans CEO Peter Vertkas will continue to lead the business as part of the Qube Logistics management team.
“I am delighted with the opportunity to continue to lead the business within a major national logistics provider which will provide greater opportunity for our management and staff and a greater offering to our valued customers,” Vertkas says.
There are no immediate changes forecast for the business, Qube says.
“Qube is committed to developing strong business units that deliver value for our customer base,” Digney adds.
“Austrans provides a great platform for Qube in the domestic freight logistics market that will provide significant paths for growth.”