Centurion expands national footprint

Transport and logistics provider Centurion has bought Adelaide-based refrigerated and general linehaul freight transport business ABC Transport Holdings.

ABC Transport and Gilberts Transport, which ABC acquired in 2021, will be transitioned to become part of Centurion’s operations.

In a statement, Centurion said the ABC Transport acquisition would bump the number of Centurion staff to 2,400 people employed across 35 sites.

More than 900 movers and more than 3,000 trailers would be deployed on transport routes throughout the country, according to Centurion's statement.

Centurion chief executive Justin Cardaci said the acquisition was part of the business’s strategy to expand its operational footprint, particularly to resources-rich areas in Australia.

“Centurion has a strong presence with service to the mining and energy sectors, and we believe this is an area of future opportunity for the combined business in South Australia and Northern Territory,” he said.

“This acquisition adds an important and central corridor into our national presence, providing further opportunities to leverage our existing operations in Australia’s west, east and north.

“Our vision is for a seamless national footprint and this acquisition, with its Adelaide-to-Darwin focus, is a key part of that.

“We will continue looking for ways to grow our trusted service and build on our commitment to service the regional communities of Australia.”

Earlier this year, Centurion acquired Queensland freight company Rocky’s Own Transport.

Centurion is based at the Perth Airport logistics hub and operates distribution centres in Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, NSW and Victoria.

ABC Transport chief executive Andrew Cogan founded the business in 1998 and has expanded it to transport frozen and chilled goods, dairy, fresh meats, and other perishable goods through central and northern Australia.

“Our 260-plus employees will have a great future at Centurion, which has an industry-leading approach to safety and deploying advanced technology both on the road and in the warehouse,” he said.

“The Cardaci family is committed long term to the transport and logistics industry, the people who work in it and the regional communities that it serves.”

Centurion confirmed Mr Cogan and his leadership team would remain with the business post-settlement, with ABC Transport to continue offering general freight services to local businesses up and down the Stuart Highway.