1981
Founder William Shaw purchased his first Kenworth
William 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.
1982
Fleet size expands
William purchases additional prime movers and trailers, fleet begins to grow in size.
1982
1986
‘Shaw’s Darwin’ registered as a trade name
The business name “Shaw’s Darwin” is officially registered.
1994
Fleet size continues to grow
New specialist equipment has been added to the fleet to meet customer demand.
1994
2011
New business ownership structure
After thirty years as sole owner of a successful growing business, William decided to expand the ownership base of the business by encouraging his long term Managers to take a financial and controlling interest in the business. On 31 March 2011, control of the business was passed over to the ‘New’ Board of Directors. Board members consisting of 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.
2013
Fleet size expands further
Fleet size is now at 43 Prime Movers and 127 Trailers, including maximum volume drop deck mezzanine floor tautliners, refrigerated tautliners, and refrigerated vans, plus local pick up and delivery vehicles.
2013
2014
Two driver operation implemented
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.
2014
Move to new Darwin depot
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.
2014
2019
Focus on innovative freight services into the future
The road freight services industry in Australia is going through some exciting changes in 2019. Shaws Darwin Transport are focused on continually improving the services we offer.
Our History
