Partners highlight efforts in support of supermarkets in state’s north
Linfox Logistics and Aurizon have highlighted their intermodal efforts to keep grocery shelves filled in regional Queensland, saying they have boosted operations 20 per cent in support of supermarkets there.
The move comes just over a week after rail industry body Freight on Rail Group (FORG) underlined the mode’s readiness to push on with its part of the transport and distribution task in the face of coronavirus Covid-19 economic and supply chain disruption.
That challenge includes urban panic buying which has roiled supply chains and led to shortages there and elsewhere.
Aurizon locomotives transport Linfox rail containers to rail hubs in the Central Queensland and North Queensland regions, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, Alpha, Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton.
The increased northbound rail services from Brisbane transport essential items such as food, groceries and beverages. Linfox then delivers the freight to scores of locations across regional Queensland.
Return southbound rail services transport fresh produce to markets and distribution centres for consumers across the country. Each train carries the equivalent of 80 B-double truckloads of freight.
Read about the FORG Covid-19 transport and logistics pledge, here
“Collectively, we have mobilised a significant number of additional truck and train services to ensure essential items flow through to regional Queenslanders,” Linfox Logistics CEO Australia and New Zealand Mark Mazurek says.
“Everything from groceries, to cleaning and personal care products, to fresh produce from Far North Queensland farms are delivered via these critical networks.
“There has been a fantastic response from both Linfox and Aurizon employees.
“They are showing extraordinary community spirit, responding delivering essential goods safely and efficiently.”
Linfox and Aurizon continue to remain focused on the health, safety and well-being of employees and the community.
“This applies not only in their everyday roles in the transport and logistics business but also in practicing safe distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures and high levels of workplace hygiene,” Aurizon group executive bulk Clay McDonald says.
“Together, we are pleased that our supply chain is delivering such an important service to the community during a very testing time for customers and communities across Queensland.”
The increased Linfox and Aurizon point out that their collaboration comes as the two companies celebrate one year since Linfox’s successful acquisition of Aurizon’s Queensland Intermodal business, that saw the transfer of employees, freight forwarding, pick-up and delivery assets as well as rail wagons to Linfox.
The acquisition expanded the reach of Linfox’s intermodal network and provides the business with a strong platform for growth in the expanding Queensland market.
“Linfox continues to invest in Queensland, bolstering its rail network in partnership with Aurizon and developing a new Linfox-owned multi-user facility at Camden Road in Willawong, Brisbane.
Due to open in August 2020, the 30,000m2 intermodal facility offers high-security warehousing capabilities, five temperature-controlled zones, fleet workshop, fuelling station and truck wash.