Australia’s logistics industry plays a major role in keeping businesses, retailers, manufacturers and consumers connected.

From freight moving between major ports to furniture being delivered from a warehouse to a customer’s living room, logistics covers a huge range of activities. It includes transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, inventory management, order fulfilment, last mile delivery and supply chain management.

Australia’s geography makes logistics particularly important. Major population centres such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are separated by significant distances, while businesses also need to serve regional and remote communities.

For businesses, logistics is more than simply moving goods from one location to another. Delivery speed, communication, tracking, handling and reliability can all influence the customer’s experience.

This guide looks at some of the major logistics companies operating in Australia in 2026, the services they provide, the industries they serve and the factors businesses should consider when choosing a logistics partner.

Australia’s Logistics Industry in 2026

Australia has a large and diverse logistics and supply chain sector supporting almost every major industry. Road freight remains particularly important for domestic transportation because businesses need to move goods between warehouses, distribution centres, retailers and customers. Rail also plays an important role in Australia’s domestic freight network, particularly for large volumes travelling over long distances. At the same time, eCommerce has changed what customers expect from delivery.

Customers increasingly want:

• Faster delivery
• Accurate delivery windows
• Real time tracking
• Better communication
• Flexible delivery options
• Safe handling
• Easy returns
• Reliable customer service

This has increased the importance of last mile logistics. The final stage of delivery is often the part of the supply chain that customers experience directly. A product can leave a warehouse perfectly packed, but if the final delivery is late, damaged or poorly handled, the customer may still associate that experience with the retailer. For this reason, choosing the right logistics provider has become an important business decision.

What Types of Logistics Companies Operate in Australia?

Not every logistics company provides the same service. Some companies specialise in international freight and freight forwarding, while others focus on road transport, parcels, warehousing, eCommerce fulfilment or last mile delivery.

Common categories include:

Freight and transport companies

These businesses move goods between warehouses, distribution centres, ports, businesses and other destinations.

Freight forwarders

Freight forwarders arrange transportation and coordinate shipments across different transport networks, including air and ocean freight.

3PL providers

Third party logistics providers can manage several parts of a business’s supply chain, including warehousing, inventory, fulfilment and transportation.

Last mile delivery providers

These companies focus on the final stage of the delivery journey, moving products from a warehouse, retailer or distribution centre to the customer.

Furniture delivery specialists

Furniture logistics requires different handling compared with standard parcel delivery. Large, heavy, fragile or awkwardly shaped items may require specialist vehicles, multiple delivery staff and careful placement.

Express delivery companies

These providers focus on urgent deliveries, including same day and next day services in selected areas. Understanding the difference between these services is important before choosing a logistics partner.

Top Logistics Companies in Australia

The Australian logistics market includes large domestic operators, international logistics companies, express delivery specialists and businesses focused on particular industries or delivery requirements.

The companies below represent different areas of the Australian logistics market.

1. Toll Group

Toll Group is one of Australia’s major logistics companies and operates across domestic and international supply chains. The company provides a broad range of logistics services, including freight forwarding, transportation, warehousing and supply chain management.

Toll works across industries including automotive, retail, healthcare and resources.

Key services

• Freight forwarding
• Road transportation
• Warehousing
• Supply chain management
• International logistics
• Contract logistics

Suitable for

Toll’s broad network and service range make it relevant to businesses with complex domestic or international supply chain requirements.

2. Linfox

Linfox is a major privately owned logistics company in Australia and has a significant presence across road transportation, warehousing and supply chain services. The company works with industries including FMCG, retail and resources, Its large transport operation makes road freight an important part of its business.

Key services

• Road transport
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Supply chain services
• Fleet operations

Suitable for

Businesses requiring large scale transport, distribution and supply chain support may consider providers such as Linfox.

3. Moving With Sam

Moving With Sam operates across Australia and New Zealand, providing moving, furniture delivery and logistics services for residential and business customers. Unlike logistics providers focused primarily on large freight networks or standard parcels, Moving With Sam has a strong focus on furniture delivery, bulky items, last mile delivery and practical delivery services. The company works with businesses that need products transported from warehouses, retailers or other locations to customers.

Services include furniture delivery, moving services, business deliveries, interstate services and 3PL related logistics support.

Key services

• Fragile item handling
• Furniture delivery
• Business deliveries
• Last mile delivery
• Local moving
• Interstate moving
• 3PL services
• Retail deliveries
• eCommerce delivery
• Office relocation
• Bulky item handling

4. Mainfreight

Mainfreight is a New Zealand headquartered logistics company with significant operations in Australia. The company provides transportation, warehousing and international freight services. Its operations cover multiple logistics requirements and industries.

Key services

• International freight
• Warehousing
• Domestic transportation
• Air freight
• Ocean freight
• Supply chain services

Suitable for

Mainfreight can be relevant to businesses looking for an integrated logistics provider with Australian and international capabilities.

5. Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel is a global logistics company with operations in Australia. Its services include air freight, ocean freight, road transportation and contract logistics.

The company is particularly relevant to businesses managing international supply chains.

Key services

• Air freight
• Ocean freight
• Road logistics
• Contract logistics
• Supply chain management

Suitable for

Businesses with international shipping and complex global supply chain requirements may require the capabilities offered by global logistics providers.

6. DB Schenker

DB Schenker provides logistics and freight services across Australia and international markets. Its services include land transport, air freight, ocean freight and supply chain management.

Technology and supply chain visibility are also important components of modern logistics operations.

Key services

• Land transport
• Air freight
• Ocean freight
• Contract logistics
• Supply chain solutions
• Logistics technology

Suitable for

DB Schenker can be relevant to businesses managing larger or international supply chains across multiple transport modes.

7. CEVA Logistics

CEVA Logistics operates internationally and provides freight management, warehousing, distribution and supply chain services.

The company works across multiple industries and is part of the CMA CGM Group.

Key services

• Freight management
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Contract logistics
• Inventory management
• Supply chain services

Suitable for

CEVA can be relevant to businesses with more complex logistics and international supply chain requirements.

8. Allied Express

Allied Express is an Australian logistics and transport company known for express freight and delivery services.

Its services include express transportation, warehousing and distribution.

Key services

• Express delivery
• Same day delivery
• Next day delivery
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Business freight

Suitable for

Businesses that require time sensitive deliveries may consider express delivery providers such as Allied Express.

9. Northline

Northline is an Australian logistics company providing freight, warehousing and distribution services. Its network includes metropolitan, regional and remote areas, making regional freight an important part of its operation.

Key services

• Freight
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Freight forwarding
• Regional transportation

Suitable for

Businesses that need to move goods beyond major metropolitan areas may require a provider with strong regional and remote freight capabilities.

10. StarTrack

StarTrack is part of Australia Post and is widely associated with parcel and express freight delivery across Australia. It plays an important role in the eCommerce delivery market, where businesses need to move individual orders to customers across metropolitan, regional and other locations.

Key services

• Parcel delivery
• Express freight
• Business delivery
• eCommerce logistics
• Tracking
• Freight services

Suitable for

StarTrack can be relevant to retailers and eCommerce businesses that need parcel and freight delivery through a large national network.

Why furniture logistics is different

Furniture cannot always be treated like a standard parcel.

A sofa, mattress, dining table, bed frame or other large item may require:

• Larger vehicles
• Multiple delivery staff
• Careful lifting
• Protective equipment
• Stair access
• Lift access
• Narrow entrances
• Careful placement
• Customer communication

That is where a specialist furniture delivery partner can become particularly valuable. For retailers and furniture brands, the delivery experience is also part of the customer experience. A customer may spend weeks researching and purchasing a product, only to judge the overall experience based on what happens when that product finally arrives at their home.

Logistics Companies vs Furniture Delivery Specialists

One important consideration for businesses is that logistics is not one size fits all. A company shipping thousands of small parcels may have very different requirements from a furniture retailer delivering sofas and mattresses.

For example, standard parcel delivery may focus on:

• Package volume
• Delivery zones
• Sorting
• Automated processing
• Tracking
• Delivery speed

Furniture delivery may require greater attention to:

• Item dimensions
• Weight
• Access
• Handling
• Multiple staff
• Vehicle requirements
• Customer communication
• Placement

Businesses should therefore choose a provider based on the type of products they sell and the delivery experience they want to provide.

Why Last Mile Delivery Matters to Australian Businesses

Last mile delivery is the final stage between a warehouse, distribution centre or retail location and the customer. It is one of the most visible parts of the supply chain. A business may have excellent manufacturing, inventory management and warehousing, but the customer ultimately experiences the product when it arrives at their door.

A strong last mile operation can help businesses provide:

• Better communication
• Reliable delivery
• Professional handling
• Improved customer experience
• Greater delivery visibility
• More consistent service

For furniture and bulky products, last mile delivery becomes even more important because the delivery often involves direct interaction with the customer.

Australia’s Major Logistics Hubs

Australia’s logistics network is strongly connected to its major cities and ports.

Melbourne

Melbourne is one of Australia’s major freight and logistics centres. The city has extensive road, rail, warehousing and port infrastructure, making it an important distribution point for businesses operating across Victoria and interstate. Moving With Sam is based in Victoria and provides furniture delivery and logistics services in Melbourne and surrounding areas.

Sydney

Sydney is another major logistics and commercial centre. The city supports significant freight activity through road networks, air freight infrastructure and Port Botany. Businesses operating in Sydney often require reliable local delivery as well as interstate logistics.

Brisbane

Brisbane serves as an important logistics gateway for Queensland. The city supports industries including retail, agriculture, resources and manufacturing.

Perth

Perth plays a major role in Western Australia’s logistics network. Its geographic separation from Australia’s eastern states creates unique transportation requirements, particularly for businesses serving mining, resources, construction and remote areas.

Adelaide

Adelaide is an important logistics hub connecting South Australia with other Australian markets. It also supports industries including manufacturing, defence, agriculture and retail.

How to Choose a Logistics Company in Australia

There is no single logistics provider that is suitable for every business. The right choice depends on what you sell, where your customers are located and what level of service you require.

Here are some important factors to consider.

1. Type of products

Start by looking at the products you need to deliver.

Are you shipping:

• Small parcels?
• Furniture?
• Appliances?
• Fragile products?
• Bulky items?
• Commercial equipment?

The answer can significantly influence which logistics provider is appropriate.

2. Delivery locations

Consider where your customers are located.

You may need:

• Metro delivery
• Interstate delivery
• Regional delivery
• Remote delivery
• Cross border services

Make sure the provider’s network matches your requirements.

3. Delivery speed

Different businesses have different expectations.

You may require:

• Same day delivery
• Next day delivery
• Scheduled delivery
• Standard delivery
• Interstate freight

Do not choose a provider based solely on advertised speed. Consider whether the service is suitable for your products and customers.

4. Tracking and communication

Customers increasingly want to know where their order is.

Ask potential logistics partners about:

• Tracking
• Delivery notifications
• Proof of delivery
• Customer communication
• Delivery status updates
• Booking systems

5. Handling requirements

For furniture and fragile products, handling is particularly important.

Ask how products are transported, protected and handled during delivery.

6. Scalability

Your logistics requirements may change as your business grows.

A suitable logistics partner should be able to support increasing order volumes where possible.

7. Technology

Modern logistics can involve digital booking systems, tracking, route planning and delivery management.

Technology can make it easier for businesses to monitor shipments and communicate with customers.

8. Cost transparency

Do not look only at the initial delivery price.

Ask about potential additional costs associated with:

• Fuel
• Storage
• Stairs
• Difficult access
• Waiting time
• Special handling
• Remote locations
• Additional delivery staff

Understanding the full cost structure can help avoid surprises.

What Is a 3PL Provider?

3PL stands for third party logistics.

A 3PL provider helps businesses outsource some or all of their logistics operations.

Depending on the provider, this can include:

• Warehousing
• Inventory management
• Order fulfilment
• Picking and packing
• Transportation
• Distribution
• Last mile delivery
• Returns

For growing businesses, outsourcing logistics can reduce the need to build and manage every part of the delivery operation internally.

However, the services included in 3PL vary between providers, so businesses should always confirm exactly what is included.

What Is the Difference Between Freight Forwarding and 3PL?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different logistics functions.

A freight forwarder generally arranges transportation and coordinates shipments between locations.

A 3PL provider can manage a wider range of logistics functions, potentially including warehousing, inventory, fulfilment and delivery.

Some large logistics companies offer both services.

The right option depends on the complexity of your supply chain.

What Should Furniture Businesses Look for in a Delivery Partner?

Furniture brands and retailers have different delivery requirements from businesses shipping standard parcels.

When selecting a furniture delivery partner, consider:

Vehicle suitability

Can the provider transport large and bulky furniture safely?

Handling

Does the delivery team have experience handling heavy or fragile items?

Access

Can the team manage apartments, stairs, lifts and difficult entrances?

Customer experience

Will the delivery team communicate professionally with your customer?

Coverage

Can the provider support your delivery areas?

Business communication

Can your business receive relevant delivery updates and proof of delivery?

Scalability

Can the service support your business as order volumes increase?

These factors can make a significant difference to the customer experience.

How Moving With Sam Supports Businesses

For businesses selling furniture, bulky products and other items requiring professional handling, Moving With Sam provides a delivery focused approach.

The company works with businesses that need products moved from one location to another and delivered to customers.

This can include furniture brands, retailers, eCommerce businesses and other organisations requiring professional delivery support.

Moving With Sam’s services include furniture delivery, business deliveries, last mile logistics, moving services, interstate services and 3PL related solutions.

The focus is not simply on getting an item from point A to point B.

The delivery is part of the customer’s experience with your brand.

When a customer receives a large furniture item, the way that delivery is handled can influence how they remember the entire purchase.

That is why choosing the right delivery partner matters.

How Businesses Can Improve Their Delivery Operations

Working with a logistics provider is only one part of improving delivery performance.

Businesses can also improve their logistics process by:

Providing accurate delivery information

Incorrect addresses, phone numbers or access details can create unnecessary delays.

Preparing products correctly

Products should be packaged and prepared according to their size, material and handling requirements.

Communicating delivery expectations

Customers should understand what to expect before delivery.

Planning difficult deliveries

Apartments, narrow entrances, stairs and restricted parking should be identified in advance where possible.

Tracking delivery performance

Businesses can monitor delivery times, failed deliveries, customer feedback and other operational information to identify recurring issues.

Choosing the right service

Not every order needs the same delivery method.

A small parcel and a large sofa may require completely different logistics solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Logistics Companies in Australia

What are the major logistics companies in Australia?

Australia has a large logistics market with domestic and international providers including Toll Group, Linfox, StarTrack, Mainfreight, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, CEVA Logistics, Allied Express and Northline. Moving With Sam also provides furniture delivery, moving and logistics services for businesses and customers.

What does a logistics company do?

A logistics company can manage the transportation, storage, distribution and delivery of goods. Depending on the provider, services may include freight, warehousing, fulfilment, last mile delivery, inventory management and 3PL.

What is the best logistics company for a business?

There is no single provider suitable for every business. The right logistics company depends on your products, delivery locations, order volumes, required delivery speed, handling requirements, technology needs and budget.

Which logistics companies deliver furniture?

Furniture delivery is provided by a range of logistics and specialist delivery companies. Moving With Sam provides furniture delivery services for businesses and customers, including the transportation and handling of bulky furniture.

What is last mile delivery?

Last mile delivery refers to the final stage of transporting a product to the customer. It can involve moving an order from a warehouse, distribution centre or retail location to a residential or business address.

What is 3PL?

3PL means third party logistics. A 3PL provider can manage logistics functions on behalf of a business, potentially including warehousing, fulfilment, inventory, transportation and delivery.

Why is last mile delivery important?

Last mile delivery is often the part of the supply chain that customers experience directly. Delays, poor communication or damaged products can affect the customer’s perception of the retailer.

Do logistics companies provide interstate delivery?

Many Australian logistics companies provide interstate services. However, coverage and service types vary, so businesses should confirm the routes and delivery requirements relevant to their products.

Can businesses outsource furniture delivery?

Yes. Furniture retailers and brands can work with specialist delivery providers to outsource part or all of their furniture delivery operations.

What affects furniture delivery costs?

Costs can depend on factors including the size and number of items, distance, access conditions, stairs, lifts, delivery requirements, number of delivery staff and special handling requirements.

What should I consider when choosing a delivery partner?

Consider the provider’s coverage, experience with your products, delivery options, tracking, communication, handling processes, scalability and pricing structure.

Do eCommerce businesses need a logistics partner?

As an eCommerce business grows, managing transportation and delivery internally can become increasingly complex. A logistics partner can help businesses manage delivery operations and scale their logistics processes.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s logistics industry is made up of businesses with very different capabilities.

Large logistics companies provide extensive freight, warehousing and supply chain networks. Express providers focus on time sensitive deliveries. Freight forwarders support international transportation, while regional specialists help businesses reach areas outside Australia’s major metropolitan centres.

At the same time, specialist delivery providers play an important role in areas such as furniture, bulky goods and last mile delivery.

For businesses, the most important question is not simply which logistics company is the biggest?

It is:

Which logistics partner is suited to the products, customers and delivery experience your business needs to provide?

For furniture brands, retailers and eCommerce businesses, that can mean finding a provider that understands the practical challenges of moving large products from warehouse to customer.

Moving With Sam provides furniture delivery, moving and logistics services across Australia and New Zealand, helping businesses manage an important part of the journey between their products and their customers.

Your product represents your brand. The delivery does too.