The Australian transport industry is beginning to regroup and respond to the shock announcement late last week that major operator Don Watson Transport will be closing its doors.
Australian digital freight provider Ofload has warned that the country’s freight sector is under “escalating strain” due to another major transport operator closing its doors, while other operators have offered to take on any drivers who have been impacted by the news.
The Don Watson Group transported goods over 22 million kilometres annually and moved around 10,000 pallets per week for Woolworths down the east coast, with Ofload founder and CEO Geoffroy Henry saying this highlights the importance of supporting transport operators.
“We are deeply saddened by the closure of Don Watson Transport. This is a moment to reflect on the fragility of a sector that keeps Australia moving. We feel for those impacted and are focused on doing everything we can to support workers, families, and businesses affected by this collapse,” he says.
“We saw during COVID just how essential these supply chains are to the functioning of our economy. When volumes fall, freight pricing often spirals into a race to the bottom. But if we fail to support freight capacity during downturns, we risk doing lasting damage to supply chains and undermining our ability to keep supermarket shelves stocked when demand rebounds.
“Demand will return. When it does, we’ll need trucks and drivers ready to meet it. If the market doesn’t support transport businesses through the tight periods, unsustainable pricing today will lead to shortages tomorrow. The cost will be paid by everyday Australians.”
In response, Ofload has announced it will support all employees, truckers and customers of Don Watson, committing to helping affected employees and drivers find work.
It also says it will help affected shippers find carrier services and ensure end customers like supermarket shoppers get goods on shelves.
“We’re committed to backing the people who keep Australia moving. We support drivers through the long tail of logistics and helping them find steady, profitable work by matching them loads while also optimising those loads to reduce waste,” Henry says.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- Major NSW highways remain closed due to flooding
- Transport for NSW justifies budget blowout on Dubbo safety station
- Slow burn – inside the ongoing HVNL review
- TOTM: Western Star makes for wonderful retirement rig
- NHVR unveils new CEO
“Because our platform provides real-time transparency over national freight services, we can quickly divert necessary shipments to new carriers with better market knowledge and more efficient logistics.
“We know how important this freight is, especially when it means staple foods on shelves for Aussie customers, so we are dedicated to supporting affected shippers minimise disruption to supply chains.”
K S Easter has also made a social media post saying it is looking to hire drivers who have been affected by the news.
“We’d like to offer positions to any MC drivers with B-double and road train experience based in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane,” the operator says.
“We have positions running between Melbourne and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and Brisbane and Sydney, as well as Brisbane and Adelaide, Melbourne and Adelaide and also local in Brisbane.”
Meanwhile, Ofload has dedicated its People & Culture team to helping former Don Watson employees navigate the job market and find new roles. Any carriers, shippers or employees impacted by the closure of Don Watson Transport should reach out to Ofload on contact@ofload.com or www.ofload.com and they will connect you with the resources needed to tackle this difficult time.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.