What We Store Matters. Don't Store Stress.

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.

It’s important to recognise that conversations about mental health are relevant in the Australian cold chain. Our industry operates around the clock, often in demanding environments where employees manage tight deadlines, shift work, physical workloads, temperature-controlled facilities and the responsibility of keeping essential products moving safely across the country. While the cold chain has a strong culture of resilience and teamwork, these same qualities can sometimes make it difficult for people to speak openly about the challenges they may be facing.

At the RWTA, we believe that looking after our people is just as important as looking after our operations. Given that many roles across refrigerated transport, warehousing and logistics are predominantly occupied by men, Men's Health Month provides a valuable opportunity to start conversations that might not otherwise take place. Throughout the month, we will be exploring mental health in the cold chain and inviting members to share the initiatives, programs and support mechanisms they have in place within their businesses.

We are also pleased to highlight the work of industry wellbeing specialist Liz Tully, ‘Mental Wealth at Work” whose experience in helping organisations create healthier, more connected workplaces can provide valuable insights for our members. Find out more here.

Together, we can continue building a cold chain industry where checking in on a colleague, having a conversation and seeking support are recognised as strengths that contribute to safer and more successful workplaces.

Does your business have a mental health programme, a wellbeing initiative, a toolbox talk, an employee assistance programme, or a story worth sharing?

The RWTA would like to hear from you. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting examples of how cold chain businesses are supporting the well-being of their people.

New Member Haulmax Tyres: Driving Performance, Safety and Efficiency

Billy Addison from Haulmax Tyres joins the RWTA's Chilled-Out Series to discuss why Australian-engineered tyres are delivering real benefits for transport operators.

Discover how the right tyre choice can improve safety, reduce operating costs and maximise performance across the cold chain.

If your business relies on road transport, this is a conversation worth watching.

DEMATIC CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION AND SUPPLY CHAIN EXCELLENCE

RWTA Associate Member Dematic is marking a major milestone, 60 years of engineering excellence, innovation, and customer partnership in Australia and New Zealand.

Founded as Colby Engineering in 1966 by Gerry Hatton AM, the business began as a local manufacturing and engineering operation on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Six decades on, Dematic has grown into a global leader in supply chain automation, delivering advanced technologies including robotics, goods-to-person systems, and integrated software for some of Australia's biggest names in grocery, retail, and logistics.

It's a remarkable journey, and a great story for our industry.

Read the full press release here.

Pandemic, Climate, Cyber: Is Australia's Cold Chain Ready for the New Risk Landscape?

Recent global warnings about rising pandemic risks are a timely reminder that resilient supply chains are now fundamental to national resilience.

While public discussion often focuses on healthcare systems, one of the clearest lessons from COVID-19 was the critical role played by the cold chain industry in maintaining food security, pharmaceutical distribution, and essential services during prolonged disruption. The challenge for the future is not simply responding to crises but building systems capable of continuing to operate under increasingly complex pressures including pandemics, cyber threats, climate events and geopolitical instability.

For Australia’s refrigerated warehousing and transport sector, this means resilience must become part of everyday operational design through investment in workforce capability, automation, energy security, digital traceability and stronger industry-government collaboration.

The pandemic demonstrated that the cold chain is not simply a supporting service operating behind the scenes, but a critical national capability that underpins the stability of communities, healthcare and the economy. The lessons learned over recent years now provide the industry with an opportunity to lead the conversation on preparedness, adaptability and long-term supply chain resilience.

The global risk landscape is shifting. This ABC report is a timely read for anyone working in cold chain, logistics or food supply, because when the next disruption hits, our sector will again be on the front line.

Read the full article here.

Cargo Crime in Australia: Why the Cold Chain Can No Longer Treat It as Someone Else’s Problem

Recent cargo thefts overseas have targeted everything from frozen snow crab to pharmaceutical products and even 12 tonnes of chocolate. While these stories may sound unusual, they point to a much larger issue that is rapidly gaining attention across global supply chains, and Australia’s cold chain sector is not immune.

Cargo crime today looks very different from the traditional image many people still have in mind. It is no longer simply about opportunistic theft from a parked trailer or someone cutting a padlock at a warehouse gate. Increasingly, these crimes are sophisticated, coordinated and technology-enabled, often involving organised criminal networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.

For Australia’s refrigerated warehouse, and transport sector, this is becoming far more than a security issue. It is now a business resilience issue, a governance issue and, increasingly, a leadership issue.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has warned that serious and organised crime costs the Australian economy up to $68 billion annually. Supply chains have become attractive targets because they are complex, fast-moving and highly interconnected. Transport operators, warehouses, ports, subcontractors and digital systems all form part of an ecosystem that criminals are actively trying to exploit.

What is changing most rapidly is the method.

Historically, cargo theft often involved physically stealing goods in transit or breaking into facilities. Today, many thefts are orchestrated digitally before freight even begins moving. Organised groups are using fake transport companies, cloned business identities, fraudulent pickup documentation, and cyber-enabled freight diversion tactics to secure loads before disappearing with them entirely.

In many cases, there is no forced entry, no dramatic interception, and no obvious signs of theft until the freight simply fails to arrive.

For refrigerated logistics operators, the risks are particularly significant. Food and beverage products consistently rank among the most targeted cargo categories globally. High-value seafood, meat, dairy products, pharmaceuticals and premium food products are attractive because they can often be resold quickly and are difficult to trace once removed from the legitimate supply chain. We all know that loss equals cost to the business.

One of the fastest-growing concerns internationally is carrier fraud. This occurs when criminals pose as legitimate transport providers or subcontractors, accept a freight booking and disappear with the cargo. These scams are becoming remarkably sophisticated, often involving cloned ABNs, copied company branding, fake insurance certificates and convincing email domains designed to look legitimate.

For many businesses, the first indication that something is wrong comes only after a scheduled delivery fails to arrive.

At the same time, law enforcement agencies continue to warn about organised criminal infiltration within supply chains and port environments. Recent drug seizures involving refrigerated shipping containers at Port Botany have reinforced concerns about how criminal groups attempt to exploit freight movements, insider access and weaknesses in chain-of-custody systems.

While these incidents may not directly involve cargo theft, they demonstrate how valuable and vulnerable logistics networks have become.

Cybercrime is also reshaping the freight risk landscape. Increasingly, cargo theft begins with a compromised email account rather than a physical security breach. Criminals are targeting transport operators and logistics businesses through phishing attacks, dispatch manipulation and identity impersonation schemes. Given that many freight movements still rely heavily on email communication and fragmented subcontractor networks, the opportunities for fraud continue to grow.

For operational teams, the challenges are becoming more complex. Unsecured overnight parking areas, roadside stops and depot access remain traditional risk points, particularly along major freight corridors between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. However, the modern risk environment now extends far beyond physical locations. Businesses must also consider the security of their digital systems, subcontractor onboarding processes and internal access controls.

Insider involvement remains another uncomfortable reality. Many sophisticated cargo crimes rely on operational knowledge, including freight schedules, customer information, depot procedures or transport routes. This makes workplace culture, governance and staff awareness just as important as locks, gates and tracking systems.

Encouragingly, many larger logistics and cold chain operators are already responding. Investments in real-time trailer tracking, geofencing technology, remote reefer monitoring and AI-enabled route analysis are becoming more common. Businesses are also strengthening carrier verification procedures, introducing dual-approval dispatch systems and placing greater focus on cyber-security training and incident response planning.

Importantly, leading organisations are recognising that cargo security can no longer sit solely within operations teams. It now requires involvement from executive leadership, risk and compliance functions, IT departments and frontline management alike.

We are all living the reality that Australia’s cold chain sector is operating in a very different environment than it was five years ago. Supply chains are faster, more digitised and increasingly interconnected. While this creates enormous efficiency opportunities, it also creates new vulnerabilities that organised criminal groups are learning to exploit.

For industry leaders, the conversation is no longer simply about preventing theft. It is about building resilient, secure and trusted supply chains capable of protecting products, customers, employees and business continuity in an increasingly complex operating environment.

For the cold chain sector, this is no longer someone else’s problem. It is now firmly part of the operational and strategic landscape we all need to navigate.

By Marianne Kintzel
Executive Officer, RWTA

RWTA Welcomes Comau: Advancing Automation in Logistics

Automation is reshaping our industry. New Member of the RWTA, Comau shares what’s ahead for robotics in the cold chain and what it means for your business.

If you’re thinking about efficiency, workforce challenges, or future growth, this is well worth a watch.

The Future of Cold Chain Is Running on Australian Sunshine

Protran Solutions brings the world's most capable solar-electric transport refrigeration unit to TruckShowX 2026, and the results speak for themselves.

Australian fleet operators are under pressure to cut emissions, reduce fuel costs, and prove their sustainability credentials. The Sunswap Endurance, a fully integrated solar-electric transport refrigeration unit, isn't a concept or a pilot programme. It's a commercially proven technology that has already completed the world's longest zero-emission solar-charged refrigerated transport trial: a 1,671-kilometre return journey between Sydney and Brisbane, finishing with 62 per cent battery remaining.

A more recent 1,200-kilometre trial through Sydney, Canberra, and Griffith returned 67 per cent battery life, maintaining a constant temperature of -5°C across a 36-hour cycle on Australian roads.

Protran Solutions will showcase the Sunswap Endurance at TruckShowX 2026 in the Hunter Valley, 18–19 May, and take to the main stage on Tuesday 19 May as part of the "Innovative Energy Security" session.

If you're a fleet operator, logistics manager, or cold chain professional, this is worth your attention.

Read the Full Media Release

Introducing new Member JLL!

New Member, Miguel Lee from JLL joins us in this week’s Chilled Out series, sharing his perspective from the front line of Australia’s industrial and logistics property market.

With Western Sydney at the centre of freight and distribution growth, Miguel offers valuable insight into what’s shaping facility demand and future cold storage development.

In this conversation, he outlines what RWTA members should be considering now to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Grab a cuppa and watch now!

New member CBRE and Market Insights in Australia

New member CBRE is a global leader in commercial real estate, with deep expertise across industrial and logistics assets.

In this interview, Andrew Needham of touches on how CBRE play a key role in advising on property trends that directly impact supply chains, including the growing demand for cold storage infrastructure.

With insight across both local and global markets, CBRE brings a valuable perspective on where the sector is heading.

Watch here now!

Global Insights from the GCCA Scottsdale Conference

As we speak, I (Marianne) am attending the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is a timely reminder that while Australia may be geographically isolated, the challenges we’re facing are anything but unique. Across the board, the global cold chain is under pressure.

From the US to Europe and beyond, the same themes kept emerging: rising costs, fuel uncertainty, labour shortages, and increasing compliance expectations. What was particularly striking was just how quickly these pressures are converging, forcing the industry to adapt in real time.

Fuel, as would be expected, was indeed part of the conversation. It’s no longer just about price. There is growing concern globally around fuel reliability and quality, and the direct impact this has on transport performance, refrigeration continuity, and overall supply chain integrity. It’s an issue we are seeing play out in Australia right now, and one that will require ongoing focus.

Technology is clearly stepping up to meet these challenges. There is strong momentum behind real-time temperature monitoring, IoT-enabled tracking, and predictive analytics, tools that are giving operators greater visibility and control than ever before. The shift from reactive to proactive management is well underway, and those investing in data are gaining a clear advantage.

Another consistent message was the importance of getting the basics right, particularly at the “last mile.”

While large distribution centres are generally well controlled, it’s the transition points- loading docks, transport handovers, and retail environments where the greatest risks remain. Maintaining temperature integrity at these stages is critical, and it’s an area where continuous improvement is needed across the industry.

There is also a growing recognition that the cold chain cannot operate in silos. Collaboration between producers, transport operators and retailers is becoming essential, not just to manage cost pressures, but to ensure product quality and supply continuity. The cold chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

For Australia, the insights from Scottsdale reinforce a clear message: we are part of a global system facing structural change.

The challenge, and opportunity, for our industry is to continue strengthening resilience, investing in smarter systems, and working together to ensure that the cold chain remains reliable, efficient and fit for the future.

New Member Lift Video Joins the RWTA!

Lift Video Production helps transport & logistics businesses deliver better safety training, recruit the best talent and win more work with video production.

They create engaging videos that help communicate the work you do and your capabilities, specialising in operational environments across Australia.

Trusted by over 20 transport industry businesses and organisations for their video content needs, get in touch with them now to see how they can raise the profile of your business! .

Visit their website to learn more.

Or Call Grant Jamison

Director, Lift Video Production

m. 0425 812 634

e. grant.jamison@liftvideoproduction.com.au

w. liftvideoproduction.com.au

RWTA in the News: Fuel Quality Fears

Fuel quality has emerged as a critical and growing concern for Australia’s freight and cold chain sectors, as the ongoing supply crisis forces a shift towards alternative fuel sources.

Industry leaders are warning that inconsistent or substandard fuel not only risks damaging vehicles but could also disrupt temperature-controlled supply chains and increase operating costs.

For the cold chain, where reliability is everything, even small variations in fuel quality can have significant consequences for food safety and supply continuity.

RWTA acknowledges RFNSW for the opportunity to contribute a statement and be included alongside industry partners regarding this important issue.

Read more here.

Download the full Media Release here.

RWTA Driving Cold Chain Representation in National Food Security Strategy

The RWTA is actively working with a broad group of industry organisations to make sure the Australian Government fully understands one thing: you can’t have food security without a strong cold chain.

Recently, we joined more than 20 key stakeholders in a coordinated industry discussion, helping shape a joint position that has now been put directly to the Minister for Agriculture. This is a serious, collective push to get the right settings in place and to make sure our sector is front and centre.

There was strong alignment across the industry on a number of priorities.

First, food security starts with getting the basics right—reliable access to critical inputs like energy, fuel and infrastructure, all of which are essential for refrigerated operations. Fuel, especially at present, is an ongoing problem. Even when the price goes down, it will unlikely go back to where it was. *As of the 6th April 2026, GlobalPetrolPrices lists Australia’s diesel at USD 1.90 per litre versus a world average of USD 1.58 per litre. So Australian diesel is currently well above the global average.

There was also clear agreement that food security should be treated as a national security issue, creating a real opportunity for the cold chain to be recognised as critical infrastructure. At the same time, industry is pushing for a shift in how government views the sector, not just as something to regulate, but as delivering an essential service for the public good that requires appropriate support. Strengthening biosecurity systems and improving regional resilience, particularly around the energy/ water/ food connection, were also highlighted as key priorities.

This work matters directly to RWTA members. It’s about getting proper recognition for the role you play, strengthening the case for investment, ensuring regulation is practical and workable, and ultimately improving resilience across the entire cold chain.

RWTA is actively representing the sector in these discussions. We are working closely with major industry groups, bringing real operational insight to government, and making sure decisions reflect how the cold chain works on the ground.

The bottom line is simple: if the cold chain fails, food security fails. That message is being heard, and we’re making sure it sticks. We’ll keep you updated as this progresses.

Inside the Cold Store: Linde Material Handling on the Future of Warehouse Efficiency

Temperature-controlled warehouses demand precision, reliability and smart design to keep food moving safely through the supply chain.

In the latest episode of the RWTA ‘Chilled Out’ 2026 series, Executive Officer Marianne Kintzel sits down with Alexander Leon, Head of Key Accounts & Business Development at Linde Material Handling, to explore how advances in material handling equipment, automation and fleet management are helping cold chain operators improve safety, efficiency and performance in demanding environments.

From navigating tight warehouse spaces to supporting fast-moving refrigerated logistics operations, this conversation offers practical insights into the technologies shaping the next generation of cold storage facilities.

Watch the interview to learn more.

New RWTA Member RASALAN works for tenants in Sydney!

RASALAN supports cold chain warehouse and factory operators in metro Sydney by providing independent representation during market rent reviews, ensuring tenants only pay what is fair and strictly required under their lease.

They act exclusively for tenants, never landlords, eliminating conflicts of interest and aligning fully with the tenant’s commercial interests.

With deep experience in industrial property valuation, they help cold chain businesses control occupancy costs and protect margins at a time when rental increases are placing significant pressure on operations.

Need to Know More? Call John Rasaku

Rasalan Group
0449 106 044
john@rasalangroup.com

TRS introduces 5-year warranty on Thermaxx refrigerated truck bodies

Transport Refrigeration Services (TRS) has introduced an industry-leading 5-year warranty across its Thermaxx refrigerated truck body range, reinforcing its commitment to long service life and long-term asset performance for operators across Australia.

This 5-year warranty reflects confidence in the engineering, materials and manufacturing processes behind each Thermaxx build.

The warranty applies to the structural integrity of eligible insulated bodies delivered from 31 March 2026.

Thermaxx truck bodies are designed for demanding Australian conditions, sustained thermal load and operational durability. Build discipline, panel construction and material selection are centred on performance that remains consistent over time.

“This decision reflects how we approach product development,” TRS CEO, Daniel Wilton said. “The 5-year warranty demonstrates confidence in the way Thermaxx bodies are engineered and constructed and provides operators with assurance that their build is designed to remain in service for the long-term.” Thermaxx bodies are built, serviced and maintained by TRS at branches located in NSW, QLD, VIC and SA, providing national support throughout the life of the vehicle.

Full warranty terms and eligibility criteria are available at thermaxx.com.au.

Like to know more?

Contact Evan Roubekas
Email: communications@trsservice.com.au
MOB: 0436 698 936

Welcoming New RWTA Member, Adlerian Consulting!

New member, Adlerian Consulting is an Australian organisational consultancy dedicated to helping businesses strengthen leadership capability, workplace culture and overall performance.

With a strong focus on practical, people-centred solutions, the team partners with organisations to navigate change, build aligned teams and deliver sustainable results.

Their expertise spans leadership development, organisational transformation, employee engagement and strategic HR advisory. Grounded in a deep understanding of human behaviour, Adlerian Consulting works closely with leaders to create clarity, accountability and shared direction.

Through structured frameworks and tailored programs, they support organisations to grow with confidence and purpose.

Get in touch now! 

Keith Abbott
Managing Director
+61 477 321 449
www.adlerianconsulting.com.au

RWTA Sydney Golf Day Wash-Up!

Could the day have been better? The weather was warm (OK, it was a bit hot!), very sunny, very well attended (>100 were booked in to play!), with great sponsored holes offering a very tasty hot dog and impressive wagyu beef pie with all the trimmings that went down extremely well!

The RWTA was proud to donate $5,000 to Foodbank on behalf of the Australian cold chain industry.

This contribution celebrates the extraordinary work our sector delivers every day behind the scenes — ensuring that quality food reaches Australians who need it most.

At a time when food insecurity in New South Wales is the worst it has been in Australia’s recent history, the partnership between Foodbank and the Australian cold chain is more important than ever.

From refrigerated transport and cold storage to the skilled people who manage and move food safely across the state, the cold chain plays a critical role in helping Foodbank deliver safe, nutritious and delicious meals to hundreds of thousands of individuals and families.

It is a powerful reminder that beyond keeping food fresh, our industry helps keep communities fed.

Thank you to all who made it on the day, it is always our pleasure to host you!

Click here for the link to view the event gallery.

Have Your Say: Help Shape a Thriving Transport and Logistics Industry with the Thriving Workplace Index (TWI) survey.

The Thriving Workplace Index (TWI) survey is now open, and we want to hear from you. This is your chance to share your experiences and help drive meaningful change across the transport, warehousing, and logistics industry.

The initiative stems from a partnership between Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (Healthy Heads) and SuperFriend, with support from GT Insurance.

Why Participate?

Over the past eight years, research has shown that people working in transport and logistics face consistently higher psychological risks than those in other industries. Frontline workers report greater exposure to stressors such as traumatic events, unclear responsibilities, heavy workloads, and limited support from management. These pressures lead to stress, burnout, and workforce turnover, impacting both safety and performance.

Key industry insights from the Healthy Heads and SuperFriend 2025 Industry Forum include:

1. Disconnection and Leadership Gaps: Long shifts, remote work, and automation can leave workers feeling isolated. Only 69% of people in transport and logistics feel that colleagues care about one another at work. Strong, visible leaders are essential to building trust and supporting mental health.

2. Work Design Matters: Systems frequently prioritise operations over people. Only 50% feel comfortable speaking up about mental health, and just 54% believe their organisation is mentally healthy.

3. Connection is the Catalyst for Change: Structured peer support, regular check-ins, and visible leadership can help reduce isolation and improve overall wellbeing.

Your Input Makes a Difference

The TWI survey gives industry workers a direct voice in shaping workforce wellbeing strategies. Insights gathered will inform practical solutions for:

• Building connected, resilient teams

• Developing visible, capable leaders

• Creating work and safety systems that treat mental health as essential

How to Get Involved

Encourage your colleagues, teams, and networks to participate. To simplify promotion, a marketing kit is available for sharing across your workplace and community.

Welcoming New RWTA Member, Aushin!

We are pleased to welcome Aushin Pty Ltd as a new member of the RWTA.

Established in 2004, Aushin is a privately owned Australian business that has grown to become one of the country’s leading importers and distributors of premium frozen products. Operating from its facility in Lidcombe, adjacent to Sydney Olympic Park, Aushin plays an important role in supplying quality frozen seafood and produce to its customers across Australia.

Aushin specialises in the import and distribution of a broad range of frozen products, including prawns, fish, crabs, cephalopods, seafood dim sims, surimi-based products, frozen fruit and frozen vegetables. The company is recognised for delivering premium-quality products at competitive prices to restaurants, fish shops, seafood markets, supermarkets and other commercial food businesses nationwide.

Beyond importing and distribution, Aushin also provides comprehensive cold chain services. Its cold storage facilities offer extensive freezer and chiller capacity to the market, supporting businesses that require reliable, temperature-controlled storage solutions. Complementing its storage capabilities, Aushin operates a fleet of temperature-controlled vehicles, enabling daily deliveries throughout the Sydney metropolitan area.

By combining import expertise, modern cold storage infrastructure and dependable refrigerated transport, Aushin delivers an integrated cold chain solution that supports Australia’s food service and retail sectors.

RWTA looks forward to supporting Aushin’s continued growth and contribution to Australia’s temperature-controlled logistics industry.

You can reach out to Aushin here:

Richard Liu
M: +61 404 008 188
Ph: 02 97081586
4 Arkley Street, Bankstown NSW 2200 Australia
https://www.aushin.com.au/