Brisbane Truck Show 2025 Breaks Records and Sets New Benchmarks

Brisbane Truck Show 2025 Breaks Records and Sets New Benchmarks

The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show has shattered all previous records, welcoming over 42,000 attendees and firmly cementing its status as Australasia’s premier transport industry event.

Held over four days at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the show featured 334 exhibitors across a massive 35,000 sqm footprint. Highlights included a growing emphasis on zero-emission vehicles, cutting-edge transport technology, and the vibrant South Bank Truck Festival. The event drew strong interstate attendance and bolstered the Queensland economy, generating over $40 million in visitor spending. A large international contingent also joined, with 70 delegates from 17 countries. The show’s collaboration with the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) and its extended Truck Show Festival offerings contributed to its expanded reach and appeal. With a clear industry focus on innovation and sustainability, the 2025 show proved to be not only the largest but one of the most future-forward yet.

Construction Update | Premium TradeCoast Cold Storage Facility

Prime Cold Storage Opportunity in the Heart of The TradeCoast Precinct

On behalf of the developers, Hale, Modus Property Group is pleased to provide an update on the construction progress at CityPort Coldstores, available now for lease.

CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development to ever be offered within Queensland. The facility can be occupied by a large single occupier, looking to secure the whole facility or three subdivided tenancies from 6,200sqm*.

Key highlights include:

■ Flexible tenancy options ranging from 6,200sqm* - 19,530sqm*
■ 4.07Ha* total site area
■ Internal heights of 11.5m* supports high-density storage, accommodating up to 7 pallets 
■ Advanced temperature-controlled environments with 50% freezer and 50% chiller
■ 6m* wide awnings for all weather loading and unloading 
■ 29 dock levellers spread across three tenancies with 15m* deep ante rooms
■ TradeCoast location with unparalleled connectivity to Port of Brisbane, Brisbane Airport, Gateway Motorway and the CBD
■ Construction has commenced with anticipated PC in Q4 2025

Location Overview 

CityPort Coldstores is nestled between the City and the Port, located in the well established industrial and logistics suburb of Morningside, 6* radial kilometres east of Brisbane’s CBD. The subject property provides efficient access to the Port of Brisbane and Brisbane’s International & Domestic Airports via major arterial road networks including Lytton Road, the Gateway Motorway and the Port of Brisbane Motorway.

Lytton Road is a major road popular with cold storage facilities due to the connection between the Port of Brisbane and major road networks. CityPort Coldstores is accessed via a heavy vehicle B-Double approved route with direct access for larger prime movers and refrigerated interstate logistics handling.

Gateway Motorway: 4 mins*
Brisbane Airport: 8 mins*
Port of Brisbane: 13 mins*
Brisbane CBD: 18 mins*
Pacific Motorway: 21 mins**Approx.

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact the Exclusive Marketing Agents below:

David Gibson
Partner 
+61 431 119 602

Henry Devine
Manager 
+61 408 745 466

Nick Bandiera
Partner 
+61 421 881 093

Meet Young Guns – RWTA’s Newest Member!

In this Chilled Out Series episode, RWTA’s Marianne chats with Scott Young, Director of Young Guns – the world’s largest container devanning specialists. Family-owned and proudly Australian, Young Guns supports the cold chain by expertly managing inbound and outbound container logistics, ensuring efficient, accurate handling from port to pallet. Learn how their hands-on approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to service excellence set them apart in cold supply chain operations.

Take a moment to watch the interview to discover how Young Guns is delivering precision and reliability across the cold logistics landscape. 

Lindsay Australia acquires leading refrigerated transport provider

 Congratulations to RWTA Members Lindsay Australia Ltd on the Strategic Acquisition of SRT Logistics! A milestone moment for the Australian cold chain and transport industry. By acquiring SRT Logistics, Tasmania’s largest and most respected temperature-controlled logistics provider into the Lindsay Australia family, this acquisition promises greater national reach, service capabilities, and supply chain resilience from Mareeba to Hobart, Launceston to Perth.

With 6 operating sites, 145 modern trucks, 100 dual electric-diesel rail containers, and a 400-strong team, SRT brings not only scale but also an award-winning track record in safety and service. Their strength in Tasmania’s thriving horticultural sector is a natural fit with Lindsay’s expansive transport and rural services. It’s especially exciting to see SRT continue under their iconic brand, led by the existing management team. This move respects local expertise while unlocking new opportunities across the country for employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. Wishing the entire team at Lindsay Australia and SRT Logistics a smooth and successful transition as they move toward Day One of operations together on 1 July 2025. A powerful partnership for the future of refrigerated logistics!

https://bigrigs.com.au/2025/05/13/lindsay-australia-acquires-leading-refrigerated-transport-provider/

GCCA Cold Chain Institute, 27-29MAY

The Cold Chain Institute is for professionals engaged in temperature-controlled logistics. The curriculum takes ‘students’ through cold chain management, customer service, employee safety, food safety, warehouse operations, transportation operations, and professional development and is taught by leading experts in the industry.

LAST OPPORTUNITY TO BOOK NOW! 

https://gcca.swoogo.com/2025ColdChainInstituteAustralia

What is the GCCF?

The Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) is the primary source for education, training, research and technical information on the proper handling and storage of perishable products and the development of best practices for the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of food and other temperature sensitive commodities globally. GCCF is led by a Board of Governors who strive to ensure the foundation provides cold chain research and training to the industry globally while also supporting the growth of temperature controlled logistics in developing countries.

The foundation also has a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of top scientists with expertise in many areas of importance to the temperature controlled logistics industry, including: food science/toxicology (seafood, poultry, meat, dairy, baking, produce), refrigeration systems, engineering, packing, postharvest, transportation, agriculture economics, operations, logistics and others.

What is the Cold Chain Institute?

The Cold Chain Institute is for professionals engaged in temperature-controlled logistics. The curriculum takes ‘students’ through cold chain management, customer service, employee safety, food safety, warehouse operations, transportation operations, and professional development and is taught by leading experts in the industry.

‘Students’ attend for four days, once per year. After three years, students receive a Certificate of Completion during a graduation ceremony. In addition to the valuable training opportunities participants take part in, students also receive the added benefit of networking with industry peers and developing relationships with mentors while taking their professional, leadership, and cold chain skills to the next level.

Who should attend?

Students from every professional area come to the Institute to enhance their individual specialty while developing a 360-degree understanding of their company and the temperature sensitive industry. The program is tailored for current or potential PRW engineers, supervisors and managers in the following areas:

• Operations

• Administration

• Engineering

• Information Technology and Systems

• Construction

• Sales

• Marketing

• Human Resources

Why attend?

•  Receive comprehensive training in cold chain operations and business

• Improve operational efficiency on the job

• Sharpen internal and customer communication

• Develop leadership and management skills

• Improve expertise in specialty area

• Learn from recognised industry leaders

• Network and build relationships with peers

Young Guns Join the RWTA Network!

Meet Young Guns – RWTA’s Newest Member!

In this Chilled Out Series episode, RWTA’s Marianne chats with Scott Young, Director of Young Guns – the world’s largest container devanning specialists. Family-owned and proudly Australian, Young Guns supports the cold chain by expertly managing inbound and outbound container logistics, ensuring efficient, accurate handling from port to pallet. Learn how their hands-on approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to service excellence set them apart in cold supply chain operations. Take a moment to watch the interview to discover how Young Guns is delivering precision and reliability across the cold logistics landscape.

RWTA Frank Vale Tech Tour 2025

In collaboration with SWISSLOG and ASKIN PERFORMANCE PANELS, the RWTA was delighted to again host the RWTA Frank Vale Tech Tour 2025 in Sydney on Tuesday the 13th May. 

Swisslog automation technologies were the focus of the day at three sites, JD Sports, Jaycar and Linfox Bevchain.

Attendees from Americold, Cold Xpress, HDS Distribution and Storage, Lineage Logistics, Linfox and Primary Connect were taken for a guided tour through these sites to see pallet, robot and mini load technologies firsthand. Interrupted only by lunch and numerous animated conversations regarding automation and how it can be used to increase safety and productivity in the cold chain, the day was undoubtedly a success! Technologies on show included Swisslog AutoStore with 113 R5+ robots, Quick Move light goods conveyor ports, the impressive ASRS Vectura Cranes, CycloneCarrier shuttles, ProMove pallet conveyor, and at the last site, the fascinating and practical high density pallet and monorail system.  

The RWTA holds this function annually and it is open to future leaders in the Australian Cold Chain to gain knowledge for the future of the most advanced sites in the world. Please enjoy the photos from the day here:

ARC headlines conversation on licensing reform in Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government is reviewing its licensing framework, with key considerations being information asymmetry between consumer and technician, alignment with national licence competencies, and the potential to establish refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) as a distinct trade category.

This review echoes the changes made in Victoria three years ago, where the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) played a pivotal role in advocating for RAC to be recognised as a separate licence category, rather than being considered as a subclass of plumbing. Tasmania is now progressing along a similar path.

RAC is a highly specialised trade that, while overlapping in some areas with generalist plumbing and electrical work, differs significantly in technical scope and expertise. As such, it warrants its own licensing category to reflect these unique requirements.

A critical element of this review will be ensuring alignment with the national competency standards of the ARCTick scheme. This will raise the level of competence in the state, and help prevent confusion and avoid placing unnecessary administrative burden on RAC technicians.

The ARC remains committed to working closely with the Tasmanian Government to achieve a licensing framework that meets both policy objectives and industry needs.

Exciting Opportunity in Melbourne's West!

Aliro, in conjunction with CBRE, is thrilled to present the first large-scale speculative freezer development in Melbourne's West.

 Highlights of the new facility include:

• 29,544* pallet capacity

• 4 individual freezer chambers

• Large loading/unloading staging area

• 22 dock revellers

• Prime inner western location close to retail customers and Port of Melbourne.

To arrange an inspection, contact Harry Kalaitzis:

0409 994 419 | harry.kalaitzis@cbre.com

Cooler Joins the RWTA Network!

In this edition of the Chilled Out Series, RWTA’s Marianne welcomes Mark Carter from Cooler, a new RWTA member delivering reliable transport refrigeration solutions. Based in Brisbane with two locations, Cooler provides full end-to-end services—from custom builds to ongoing repairs—supporting cold chain operators with efficiency and reliability. Learn how Cooler is helping to ensure product integrity throughout transport with tailored, responsive service for Australia’s growing cold chain needs.

Watch now to see how Cooler is keeping things chilled on the move!

An overview of the 28th Annual European Cold Chain Conference, hosted by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) in Copenhagen, Denmark, March 2025

The 28th European Cold Chain Conference brought together over 200 cold chain professionals from across Europe and the world for a dynamic three-day program in Copenhagen. Held by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), this annual event continues to be a flagship forum for fostering collaboration, sharing innovation, and addressing the industry's most pressing challenges.

This year’s conference was particularly notable for good attendance, insightful presentations, and multiple panels discussing critical issues affecting the cold chain worldwide, including labour shortages to energy costs and sustainability imperatives.

Opening Highlights

The event commenced with a welcome by Julie Hanson, GCCA’s Europe Director, alongside Ben van Leeuwen, Vice Chair of the European Council, and Tim Ludwig, Chair of the GCCA Warehouse Board. Their introductions set the tone for a forward-looking conference centered around resilience and adaptation in an evolving global market.

These leaders emphasised the importance of international collaboration in navigating supply chain disruptions, climate regulations, and technological evolution. Their remarks were followed by a panel discussion featuring some of the larger European GCCA members, who shared operational insights and strategic outlooks.

Critical Themes and Expert Contributions

This year’s agenda focused on five central themes:

1. European Market Outlook: Speakers such as Sean Vanderelzen (Lineage), Jonas Swarttouw (NewCold), and Mathew Moore (Americold Logistics) shared forecasts and strategic insights on shifting consumer behavior, regional investment patterns, and supply chain agility.

2. Energy & Sustainability: The industry’s push toward carbon reduction and energy efficiency was a dominant topic. Presenters discussed integrating renewables, heat recovery systems, and automation technologies to balance environmental stewardship with operational performance.

3. Innovation & Technology: Companies like Thermotraffic and Rob Haesakkers highlighted the importance of digital transformation, AI-enabled logistics, and IoT tracking solutions to streamline warehousing and transport operations.

4. Global Trade Dynamics: Discussions explored how geopolitical shifts, EU trade regulations, and infrastructure modernization are influencing cross-border cold chain logistics.

5. Labour Force Investment: Delegates explored ways to attract and retain talent in a tight labour market, including upskilling, automation, and more inclusive workplace cultures.

Interactive Engagement: The Cold Chain Café

The GCCA conduct a Cold Chain Café, this year facilitated by Ndustrial, which provided a collaborative space for attendees to engage in structured conversations around key operational challenges and best practices. This setting encouraged practical dialogue and problem-solving among executives, managers, and solution providers.

Industry Collaboration and Sponsors

The success of the conference was made possible thanks to the support from a broad array of sponsors and exhibitors. Key contributors included Boltrics, FlexiTog Global, Honeywell, Isopan, WAGNER Fire Safety, B-Built BV, EFAFLEX, Movu Robotics, and QuickFreeze, among others. Their innovations were showcased in the exhibitor space, highlighting the future of cold chain infrastructure and safety.

The 28th European Cold Chain Conference  went well and it is recommended that any member of the RWTA attend in the future to consolidate contacts and ensure a broad cold chain perspective is realised through this information sharing opportunity. 

As with cold chain internationally, this conference supported the value of united efforts in securing a sustainable, efficient, and resilient cold chain for years to come.

Federal Budget Update: A Focus on Energy Costs and Implications for the Food Distribution Sector

In the recent Federal budget reply, significant attention was given to the pressing issues of energy costs and their direct impact on the food distribution sector. The Shadow Minister for Energy, the Hon. Ted O’Brien, highlighted the need for sustainable energy solutions, which was further echoed by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP, in his speech. Both acknowledged the challenges our sector faces due to high energy prices affecting the entire food supply chain—from farmers to manufacturers to distributors—and ultimately, the consumer.

The proposed National Gas Plan aims to ensure a balanced mix of base load power, potentially easing energy costs for our industry. This initiative, coupled with the commitment to streamline regulatory processes, specifically the approval times for solar installations on warehouse roofs, promises to reduce operational hurdles significantly.

Additionally, the reduction of fuel excise on diesel was noted as a positive step, though it was also mentioned that the maximum benefit would be realized only if accompanied by a reduction in the road users charge. These changes are poised to provide some relief to our members facing high logistics costs.

While the budget was largely neutral with regards to direct initiatives for the freight and supply chain industry, it remains focused on easing cost-of-living pressures. It is crucial, however, to maintain advocacy for improved supply chain efficiencies and investments that support our transition to net zero.

The RWTA continue to push for tax offsets on investments in renewable energy solutions like solar panels and batteries, particularly for medium-sized enterprises, to further aid our industry in becoming more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

ARC Update: What the 2025 Code of Practice Means for the Cold Food Chain

The 2025 editions of the Australian and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice introduce important updates that impact the refrigeration and cooling sectors, including the cold food chain.

These revised codes reflect significant advancements in refrigerant technology, safety practices, and environmental standards. Compliance with the updated codes is mandatory for anyone holding a refrigerant handling licence or trading authorisation through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).

The codes provide mandatory requirements, best-practice recommendations, and essential guidance on the proper handling of scheduled refrigerants and any equipment containing them. These updates aim to reduce refrigerant emissions, delivering both environmental benefits and cost savings. The cold food chain, which spans cold storage, transport, and refrigeration systems for perishable goods, is a vital part of the economy. It relies heavily on effective refrigerant management to maintain product quality, prevent food waste, and ensure energy efficiency. The new codes strengthen safety, enhance system efficiency, and optimise refrigerant management, all of which are essential for businesses in the cold food chain sector.

Glenn Evans, ARC’s Chief Executive Officer, highlights the importance of these updates in relation to safety, industry standards, and evolving technology.

"The updated Code of Practice provides clearer guidelines and enhanced safety measures for technicians working with refrigerants in stationary systems," says Glenn.

"This update not only strengthens the competence and safety of our technicians but also aligns with ongoing changes in industry standards, refrigerants, and technology. By setting these clear benchmarks, the Code ensures that our technicians continue to meet the highest standards in the industry."

The updated Codes of Practice are freely available on the ARCTick website (https://arctick.org/refrigerant-handling-licence/codes-of-practice/). ARC strongly encourages all technicians and businesses in the cold food chain to familiarise themselves with these latest standards to ensure compliance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

The RWTA welcomes Paul Wood as a speaker for the 83rd National Conference.

Welcoming Cooler as our newest Member of the RWTA!

Cooler have provided high-quality Refrigerated Truck bodies , Pantechs, Servicing and Body Repairs for over 40 years.

Their team has fostered a reputation for crafting robust and long-lasting solutions that cater to all your transportation needs.

They are committed to excellence, ensuring that they deliver nothing but the best service for their valued clients.

Offering full end-to-end care as part of their transport refrigeration and Pantech services, they can handle everything from the initial build to any required repairs. 

With two dedicated worksites in Brisbane, they are capable of handling all your build, service, and maintenance demands so you can continue transporting refrigerated freight and other goods where they need to be.

Get in touch:

Mark Carter CPEng RPEQ

Managing Director

Phone: 07 3848 6979
Email: info@cooler.au

GCCA Copenhagen Conference Insight: Navigating EU-China Trade Dynamics

We are pleased to share an exclusive article written by keynote speaker John Clarke following the recent GCCA Copenhagen Conference:” EU China: The Light That Fails?”

Click here to read more + picture attached + link towards article pdf

John Clarke is the Former Director Int’l Affairs EU Commission & Head EU Del to WTO and UN. Senior Trade negotiator. Journalist, Univ lecturer, consultant. Fellow Royal Asiatic Society, Board of Journal of Intl Trade Law and Regulation.

His article, “EU China: The Light That Fails?" focus is on the complex and evolving trade relations between the European Union and China in the context of rising global trade tensions, notably the U.S.'s impending tariff war. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič's recent trip to China was aimed at resetting these strained relations, amidst aggressive U.S. trade policies and China's strategic manoeuvring in Europe.

The piece highlights how China, facing significant external pressures, is keen to avoid a two-front trade war and is thus courting European alignment more fervently than ever.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the article stresses ongoing tensions over issues like cyberattacks, industrial subsidies, and China's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. As both regions grapple with these challenges, the article also considers the potential for cooperation on multilateral fronts such as WTO reforms and climate commitments, setting a cautiously optimistic tone for future engagements. This piece is essential for understanding the intricate dance of diplomacy and economic strategy between two major global players. To get the whole story, read here.

Have Your Say – Draft 2025 Workforce Plans

Now Open for Feedback

Industry Skills Australia is seeking your feedback on their draft 2025 Workforce Plans for the Transport and Logistics Industry. 

These Workforce Plans set out the workforce development challenges and opportunities facing the industry and serve as a roadmap for the future by identifying what employers, unions, the national skills system, and governments need to do to build an agile, highly productive, and resilient workforce.

Feedback closes Monday 5:00PM AEDT, 7 April 2025.

To read the draft plans and provide your feedback, please visit:
👉 https://www.industryskillsaustralia.org.au/draft-2025-workforce-plans

If you have any queries, please contact our Industry Engagement Manager: 

Transport & Logistics: Camilla Elmes – camilla.elmes@isajsc.org.au | 0484 821 888

Americold Expands in Christchurch

Americold Breaks Ground in Christchurch, Doubling Site Capacity to Support FMCG, Retail, and QSR Business Growth

Americold, a global leader in temperature-controlled storage, logistics and facilities solutions, and value-added services, today announced the groundbreaking of its USD$34 million Halwyn facility expansion in Hornby, Christchurch. This ambitious project will more than double the site’s capacity, significantly enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for temperature-controlled storage solutions across the South Island of New Zealand.

This expansion marks the third regional growth initiative for Americold in the past 24 months, underscoring its commitment to provide solutions to capacity constrained markets across the APAC region.

"Temperature-controlled warehouses play a critical role in the farm-to-table supply chain," says Richard Winnall, President, International at Americold. "As a market leader, we operate varied types of facilities essential to the temperature-controlled food supply chain, also known as the cold chain. This ensures that products move from manufacturers to end consumers in a safe, reliable, cost-effective manner, with minimal environmental impact."

 By bringing global best practices and delivering top-tier service to the retail and QSR channels, Americold are poised to modernise the industry. “This expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to local business, job creation and sustainable facility design. Our New Zealand facilities are leading the way within Americold, achieving significant kilowatt-hour savings, high emission reductions, rainwater harvesting and solar energy generation,” said Doug Seccombe, Managing Director APAC at Americold.

"We have designed this facility to meet the immediate and future needs of our grocery and retail customers. This expansion will enable our South Island customers to grow their temperature-controlled supply chain now and into the future,” says Doug Seccombe, Managing Director, APAC. "We continue to provide innovative solutions and best-in-class service to help our customers feed the world." 

The 15,240m² site, at 32 Halwyn Drive, is just 10 minutes from Christchurch airport and 20 minutes from the CBD.

In conclusion, a love letter to the cold chain!

In the last in the Frostbite series, we discuss Govt involvement, national security, resilience and food security. Understanding the cold chain and questioning how it’s done and how can we do it better? A love letter to the cold chain!

National licensing scheme for electrical trades

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement to design a national licensing scheme for electrical trades.