National freight and logistics company Northline and Darwin-based carrier QAL Transport have teamed up to strengthen their NT operations by delivering access to Northline’s Australia-wide freight network.

From December 1, 2011, QAL Transport will amalgamate its road transport operations with Northline to deliver freight to its customers, including 30 remotely located communities throughout the Territory. About 40 QAL Transport employees will join Northline and freight rates will remain unchanged.

Northline is a privately owned transport and warehousing specialist which has operated in the NT for nearly 30 years.  The Australian logistics company specialises in servicing remote locations throughout the country. A privately-owned business which employs more than 400 people, Northline provides freight, warehousing, international freight services and undertakes special projects throughout Australia.

QAL Transport was established in 1998 by Ken Conlon, who had worked for TNT Transport in Brisbane and Sydney for nearly two decades. QAL Transport provides vital transport services to 30 indigenous communities across the Top End and has contracts with clients including Coca-Cola Amatil and Independent Grocers of Darwin.

Northline owner David Harford and QAL Transport Managing Director Ken Conlon said the two businesses were “a perfect fit”. “I’m delighted to join forces with Northline and I look forward to working with the Northline team,” said Mr. Conlon.

“By amalgamating QAL’s operations with Northline, QAL customers retain all the benefits they enjoy plus they get access to a national freight and warehouse network and Northline’s multi-million-dollar investment in technology that will make organising their freight even easier.”

Northline Chief Executive Officer Craige Whitton said QAL customers would notice no difference in their service. “It’s business as usual,” he said.

“The only change is that organising freight will become even easier because they’ll gain access to Northline’s national network and a greater range of services. By joining forces, Northline and QAL Transport will continue to provide daily and weekly services to more than 18 communities including Jabiru, Katherine, Port Keats and Oenpelli.”

Mr. Whitton said the QAL road transport business complemented Northline’s national long-haul operation perfectly. “QAL generates all its business within the Territory, so there’s virtually no overlap between the two operations,” he said.

“As well as seamless access to our national network, QAL customers can take advantage of Northline’s large investment in information technology and state-of-the-art logistics systems while still enjoying the same rates and working with the same team as at present.

“For Northline, this amalgamation with QAL Transport further strengthens our commitment and services to the NT, which will stand us in good stead as new mining and energy projects come online.”

To learn more about Northline, visit www.northline.com.au.

Northline PR for media assistance

For media assistance and photographs, please call Janet Bonython at Northline on (08) 8273 7336 or email janet.bonython@northline.com.au