Butler Freight has acquired Coynes Freight Management, a third-generation, family-owned transport company based in Melbourne.
Established in 1950 by Neville Coyne and his father, WR (Bob) Coyne, Coynes began as a newspaper delivery business and has grown into an independent transport company specialising in wharf container cartage.
The 74-year old Coynes operates a modern fleet of over 70 vehicles—including Super B combinations, B-doubles, and sideloaders.
Coynes offers services in container cartage, warehousing, unpacking/packing, and goods distribution.
The Coynes Freight Management brand will continue to operate under the ownership of Butler Freight, ensuring continuity for its customers.
All members of the Coynes team will remain employed, according to the business management consultancy EP Advisors who said Butler Freight had sought to preserve the “expertise and dedication that have been hallmarks of the Coynes operation.”
The acquisition marks a new chapter for both Butler Freight and Coynes Freight Management, as it brings together two industry leaders to better serve Australia’s transport and logistics needs.
Butler Freight Services (BFS Extra) is a privately owned Australian company with deep roots in Melbourne’s wharf transport industry.
In February 2017, Butler Freight Services expanded its operations by acquiring Extra Transport, positioning BFS Extra as one of the
larger wharf transport operators in Australia.
The company’s operational facilities include a highly efficient West Melbourne wharf facility, located just 300 metres from the wharf, handling over 110,000 TEUs yearly.
BFS Extra operates a diverse fleet of approximately 140 prime movers daily, comprising Super B-doubles, B-doubles, sideloaders, retractable skels, Tautliners, and other trailer combinations.
BFS Extra utilises its proprietary wharf management IT solution, which offers web-based booking and scheduling, EDI capabilities, online visibility of scanned PODs, and extensive automated reporting.
EP Advisors put out a statement in which it said it had been honoured to act as sell-side advisors to facilitate the sale of Coynes Freight Management.
“As the family prepared for retirement, they entrusted EP Advisors with a clear mandate: to secure a strategic industry buyer who would uphold the legacy of the business,” the company said.
“The selection of Butler Freight as the acquirer ensures that the Coynes brand, team, and values will remain intact while
benefiting from the resources and vision needed to drive future growth.
“We congratulate both the Coynes family and Butler Freight on this exceptional partnership and are proud to have played a role in this significant transition.”