In the beverage industry, speed, reliability, and product availability are essential. Whether supporting retail promotions, managing seasonal demand spikes, or maintaining on-shelf availability, efficient freight movement plays a critical role in keeping products flowing to market.
To support these demands, Mainfreight has invested in a new purpose-built transport facility in Brisbane, Queensland, designed to improve freight flow, increase network capacity, and enhance service reliability across Australia.
Watch a video tour of the facility.
A modern approach to freight movement
Spanning 6.5 hectares, the Brisbane Transport facility has been developed around a modern cross-dock operating model. Unlike traditional depots, where freight may be unloaded, stored, and handled multiple times before departure, the cross-dock design allows freight to move directly from inbound pick-up and delivery vehicles to outbound linehaul trailers.
By reducing double handling and unnecessary freight movement, products spend less time within the depot and more time moving towards their destination. For beverage manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, this can mean faster transit times, reduced risk of delays, and improved responsiveness to customer demand.
Supporting performance across the supply chain
At the heart of the operation is a 12,500m² cross-dock facility featuring 34 rear-load linehaul docks and a hybrid dock configuration that accommodates both local delivery vehicles and long-distance linehaul trailers.
The facility has been designed to improve operational flow by positioning freight closer to where it needs to go. This reduces forklift movements, improves loading efficiency, and supports faster departure schedules, helping businesses manage tight delivery windows and changing demand patterns more effectively.
Reducing handling also helps minimise the potential for freight damage, an important consideration for beverage businesses transporting bottles, cans, and packaged products through complex distribution networks.
Built for growth
Demand within the beverage sector can fluctuate significantly due to seasonal peaks, promotional campaigns, and evolving consumer trends. To support future growth, the facility includes a 15,298m² building footprint, 54 B-double parking bays, and extensive hardstand areas designed to accommodate increasing freight volumes while maintaining service quality.
This additional capacity provides greater flexibility and scalability for customers as their transport requirements evolve.
Investing in a sustainable future
Sustainability has also been incorporated throughout the development. The site features a 1MW solar power system supported by 2MWh battery storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and 600,000 litres of rainwater storage used for operational purposes.
By combining innovative design, increased capacity, and sustainable infrastructure, the new Brisbane facility reinforces Mainfreight's commitment to helping beverage businesses build more resilient supply chains and keep products moving to market quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively.