Shaw’s Darwin Transport provides specialist Direct Road Freight Services to Darwin from Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

The business commenced in 1981 when William Shaw purchased his first Kenworth prime mover to operate a road express service between Sydney and Darwin as a subcontractor to one of the major national carriers. As the business developed additional prime movers and trailers were purchased. By 1986 it became necessary to further expand beyond the role of being a subcontractor. The trading name, which later became incorporated, was formed to allow the business to seek clients in its own right. All the equipment is owned or leased by the company, and all profits earned have been put back into the business to allow for the continued growth. In essence, hard work, long hours and a superior service have allowed us to expand.

After thirty years as sole owner of a continuously growing and evolving business, William Shaw decided in 2011 to broaden the ownership base by fostering an MBO which encouraged his long term Managers to take a financial and controlling interest in the business.  On 31March 2011 control of the business passed to the ‘new’ Board of Directors consisting of 5 existing key Managers; Allan Thornley, Managing Director; Jim Backhouse National Fleet Maintenance Manager; Malcolm Pascoe, National Linehaul Manager; Paul Williams, Financial Controller, and Gary Broughton, Manager Northern Region.  All members of the Board had over 10 years current service with the company and some can claim an association stretching back almost 30 years to when William bought his  first Kenworth.

By 2013 the fleet had grown to 43 Prime Movers and 127 Trailers including the latest maximum volume drop deck mezzanine floor tautliners, refrigerated tautliners, and refrigerated vans, plus local pick up and delivery vehicles. Our safety record has been maintained by implementing a two-driver operation on all express movements. This allows goods dispatched on our road express services from Perth, Sydney, or Brisbane to arrive in Darwin only 56 hours later without compromising safety or reliability. In confirmation of our commitment to safety and responsible operation we hold nationally recognised accreditation in Vehicle Maintenance, Mass Compliance and Fatigue Management.

The continued growth of Darwin, particularly as a support base for the Oil and Gas Industry, prompted the development of a major depot facility to service our client’s growing needs. The new facility, conveniently located at East Arm, totals some 11 acres; including two separate warehouses of 3600 m2 each linked by a covered freight handling area of 3600 m2. The bulk of the remaining area is developed as secure open hardstand for the storage of heavy equipment and supplies.

Our Clients currently include a broad cross-section of national and international businesses with a strong presence in Darwin, including national express freight companies, key suppliers to the oil and gas industry, industrial and commercial suppliers, as well as smaller retail clients.

Optimum utilisation of resources is achieved by specialising in well-defined market areas with all services operating to defined schedules. The resultant experience and reliability have built secure long-term relationships with our clients, many of whom have been retained since the commencement of the business.