Townsville Logistics is a successful transport and logistics operation which is a direct subsidiary of the Korea Zinc Company and is based in the North Queensland city of Townsville.
Townsville Logistics has developed the capabilities required to provide a tailored solution for new and existing business partners, offering productivity and financial advantages to enhance their clients’ own operations.
Townsville Logistics was established in 2017, providing transport services to the Sun Metals Zinc Refinery located 15 kilometres south of Townsville. Sun Metals is also a subsidiary of Korea Zinc and its North Queensland refinery is one of the most technologically advanced in the world. Townsville Logistics quickly expanded its scope of operations to provide transport and logistics services to other companies.
On average, Townsville Logistics transports approximately 1.2 million tonnes of product each year and current operations focus on the transport of concentrates, chemicals, cement, lead bullion and containers throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory or some of the largest mining operators in Australia.
A key priority for everyone at Townsville Logistics is continuous improvement in all aspects of the operation.
“We actively invest in technology and innovation to remain at the forefront of the heavy haulage sector, ensuring our operations are safe, efficient and future-focused,” says the company’s Logistics Lead, Ken McKenzie.
Townsville Logistics’ partnership with its sister company Townsville Marine Logistics (TML) results in the provision of the full package of logistics, from on-site haulage, mine to port transport, storage, and stevedoring using TML’s state of the art port equipment.
“We pride ourselves on delivering tailored solutions to both new and existing customers, adapting to their operational needs and creating long-term value,” says Ken.
Equally important is Townsville Logistics’ commitment to its own people and the communities in which it operates. The company consistently invests in its workforce, recognising that strong teams are critical to delivering safe and reliable outcomes. Townsville Logistics is also dedicated to its desire to be a good corporate citizen and is active in supporting the local community, primarily through its longstanding relationship with Fuel For Schools, a local charity which supports schools across North Queensland by encouraging students to attend school and also providing them with nourishing breakfasts as well as essential school supplies.
In 2025 ten of Townsville Logistics’ trucks participated in the tenth anniversary Convoy for the Cure, and will be involved again this year, raising funds for The Cure Starts Now charity. In June, many Townsville Logistics team members will also be participating in the Castle Hill Foot Race to the top of the huge stony outcrop which dominates the Townsville skyline, fundraising for Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation, a charity that hits close to home as one of the staff members’ son has the debilitating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy condition.
Townsville Logistics is focused on optimising its operations by being at the technological forefront of the heavy haulage transport sector by actively considering all of the possible technological improvements available. This commitment extends to the modern fleet of around 30 prime movers.
During the past year Townsville Logistics has added ten DD16 powered Freightliner Cascadias to the fleet, joining seven Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 prime movers. As an operation which routinely utilises road train combinations in remote areas, performance and reliability are crucial factors in the choice of equipment, as is the inherent comprehensive safety and driver support systems available with the modern range of Daimler trucks.
In common with the broader transport industry, Townsville Logistics faces the regular challenges associated with the extensive flooding in both the coast and inland areas during the wet season. Flood events are especially difficult to manage because the reopening dates of roads can change quickly depending on river levels, road inspections and damage repairs.
The floods initiate a chain reaction which goes way beyond being merely a transport inconvenience due to the large number of road closures. The subsequent road damage also results in further road closures as repair teams are deployed to make the roads passable again. The effects of flooding can lead to higher operating costs because of being forced to take detours, which increases the amount of fuel used and adds to driver operating hours, plus the additional travel can result in additional wear on the fleet.
Townsville Logistics operates a 24/7 maintenance department located near the Sun Metal’s refinery complex which services its own equipment, along with Sun Metals’ on-site fleet of mobile machinery. This in-house capability allows Townsville Logistics to maintain its high standards of reliability and minimise downtime, ensuring continued and seamless service delivery for its customers. All of the prime movers are on Daimler Trucks’ repair and maintenance contracts.
Due to its diverse transport offerings, Townsville Logistics has an impressive fleet of trailers mainly across multiple road train sets including Azmeb BK2 compliant side tippers suitable for carrying dangerous and non-dangerous goods such as ore concentrate, with each trailer having a 23 cubic metre capacity. Skel trailers suitable for containers also form a key part of the fleet.
Triple road train sulphuric acid tankers with a capacity of 16,000ltrs to 19,000ltrs have been designed for off-road use and have provision for top and bottom discharge. An innovative new trailer design of tanker-tippers is utilised where each unit incorporates two powder tankers with a BK2 compliant side tipper in the centre. This provides the ability to backload to Townsville with an ore product. Each triple road train consists of six 16 cubic metre tankers and three 18 cubic metre side tippers.
Townsville Logistics’ ambitious mission is to be the best logistics company in the world by being primarily the safest, the most customer oriented and the most innovative logistics services provider on the planet. As safety is the key priority, there is a distinct focus on continuously improving the company’s Safety Management system, the processes and the overall company culture to achieve the very highest standard of Occupational Health and Safety in all activities, while aspiring to zero harm.
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