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Avoid transportation risks: Use the 5 best freight forwarders in Adelaide!

  • Experience - We considered companies with at least 20 years of experience, ensuring that they’ve built a reputation among Adelaide residents.
  • Service Range - We looked into the different types of freight forwarding services they offer, such as air, sea, and land freights. Those with specialised logistics like oversized load transport were also considered.
  • Technology Integration - We noted the companies that use advanced technologies like Microsoft Exchange Online, real-time tracking systems, and warehouse management tools for efficient tracking and overall service quality.
  • Cost-Effectiveness - We considered companies that use modern trucks for fuel efficiency and personal approaches like the One Touch Guarantee, ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining high service standards.

Since the 18th century, freight forwarders in Australia have been crucial to businesses, especially innkeepers. They helped guests store and transport their belongings and goods.

In Adelaide, freight forwarders played a key role in moving South Australia’s famous wines to global markets, establishing the city as a major player in the wine trade.

Today, freight services are used for much more than wine. If you need to transport goods, we’ve rounded up the best freight forwarders in Adelaide to get your products shipped without hassle.

1. Platinum Freight Management Pty Ltd

platinum-freight-management-pty-ltd-logo

Services: Freight forwarding, sea freight, air freight, platinum marine insurance, and more
Address: Tower 2/121 King William St
Phone: +61 300 882 877
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website

Google Review Score4.8/5
ProductReview Review Score3.9/5
Total Score4.4/5
Score Consistency4.4/5
Experience 5/5
Service Range5/5
Technology Integration5/5
Cost Effectiveness4.5/5

Platinum Freight Management Pty Ltd has been helping Adelaide businesses with freight forwarding for over 20 years. They’re known for offering reliable services while keeping port and freight charges manageable. Their use of tracking systems, customs tech, and warehouse management ensures things run smoothly.

They handle everything from sea freight and air freight to parcel post shipments. 

One thing that we love about them is their One-Touch Service Guarantee. It’s a personal touch that means you only deal with one person for the whole shipping process, making things simple and stress-free.

On the flip side, some clients have been caught off guard by unexpected fees. There’s also been the occasional issue with updates not being as prompt or clear as they should be. It’s worth keeping these in mind if you’re thinking about using their services.

Pros

  • Over 20 years of experience in freight forwarding
  • Known for cutting costs on freight forwarding and port charges
  • Uses advanced tracking systems, customs tech, and warehouse management for smooth operations
  • Handles sea freight, air freight, and parcel post shipments
  • One-Touch Service Guarantee for a simplified, personal shipping experience

Cons

  • Occasional unexpected fees
  • Occasional not prompt or unclear updates

Fast and efficient service

“I imported an excavator to Adelaide Australia from China I contacted Peter from Platinum frieght regarding my import and he took over all the import papers and shipping arrangements, the end result I had a trouble free import thru customs and quarantine and was ready for me to pick up on the due date. I will definitely use Platinum Freight Management again when I purchase from overseas, all I can say is that he was fast, efficient and very helpful a pleasure to do business with.Thank you Peter.”

James Mcgregor, Google Review

Platinum Freight Management Pty Ltd all the way!

“Peter McRae gave me wonderful advice when I was very confused and unsure of the process in my new world of importing. He was very generous in assisting me and he ensured the process was smooth and uncomplicated. I can’t recommend Peter highly enough! I will always use and recommend Peter and Platinum Freight in future.”

Julie Hannan, Google Review

2. Sprint Freight & Logistics

sprint-freight-logistics-logo

Services: Air freight, ocean freight, land freight, third-party logistics and distribution, reverse logistics, and more
Address: 29 Watervale Dr, Green Fields
Phone: +61882624044
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website

Google Review Score4.7/5
ProductReview Review Score4.6/5
Total Score4.7/5
Score Consistency4.7/5
Experience5/5
Service Range4.5/5
Technology Integration5/5
Cost Effectiveness5/5

Spring Freight & Logistics has been a go-to freight-forwarding service in Adelaide for 74 years. They’ve built a solid reputation for handling delicate, hazardous, oversized, temperature-controlled, and high-value items. 

Their use of advanced tech ensures smooth customs processes and accurate inventory management with real-time tracking.

We are impressed by their global network, which effortlessly connects Adelaide to the rest of the world. They offer air, sea, and land freight services tailored to industries like automotive, healthcare, and perishable goods. 

Plus, their global network and strong relationships with carriers allow them to negotiate better rates, thus reducing operational costs.

That said, their services have some limits, especially with unique shipping needs like live animal transport. It’s worth checking if they can handle your specific requirements before committing.

Pros

  • 74 years of experience in freight forwarding with a strong reputation
  • Expert handling of delicate, hazardous, oversized, temperature-controlled, and high-value items
  • Advanced tech for smooth customs, inventory management, and real-time tracking
  • Global network connecting Adelaide to the world
  • Offers air, sea, and land freight services for industries like automotive, healthcare, and perishables
  • Cost-effective through streamlined processes and strategic partnerships

Cons

  • Limited capabilities for unique shipping needs like live animal transport

No promises were broken

“Fantastic to deal with. Very friendly and helpful man who answered the phone and my query in relation to transporting a bike from mount gambier to whyalla (cant rememberhis name). Nothing too much trouble. Picked up the bike on Friday and it arrived in whyalla the following Monday, as promised.”

ann mackie, Google Review

An honest freight forwarding service

“Sprint freight were absolutely awesome to deal with and called me back to say they had over quoted me and would do the freight for a cheaper price after I was already happy and had paid, such friendly staff and fast professional service, highly recommended.”

Paul Moseley, Google Review

3. Symons Clark Logistics

symons-clark-logistics-logo

Services: Wharf cartage, container transport, warehousing, distribution, over-dimensional transport, and more
Address: 13 Francis St, Port Adelaide
Phone: +61 884 404 100
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website

Google Review Score4.3/5
BirdEye Review Score4.4/5
Total Score4.4/5
Score Consistency4.4/5
Experience5/5
Service Range5/5
Technology Integration5/5
Cost Effectiveness4/5

With over 140 years of experience, Symons Clark Logistics is a trusted name in Adelaide for freight forwarding. They specialise in wharf cartage, container transport, warehousing, and distribution. 

Their use of tech like SPF, Microsoft Exchange Online, and DMARC keeps their logistics services reliable and efficient.

We love the fact that they have a fully serviced container park located close to key shipping hubs like Port Lincoln and Port Pirie. This allows them to provide features like onsite secure indoor and outdoor storage and container pack/unpack services. These features make their operations smoother and more convenient for clients.

However, one drawback is their lack of transparency with pricing. Their website doesn’t list fees, which can lead to unexpected costs if not clarified beforehand. It’s worth confirming all charges upfront to avoid surprises.

Pros

  • Over 140 years of experience in freight forwarding
  • Specialises in wharf cartage, container transport, warehousing, and distribution
  • Uses advanced tech (SPF, Microsoft Exchange Online, DMARC) for reliable and efficient services
  • Fully serviced container park near key shipping hubs like Port Lincoln, Port Pirie
  • Offers secure indoor/outdoor storage and container pack/unpack services for convenience

Cons

  • Lack of transparency with pricing

A company with a long history

“If you are looking for a drivers job then I would recommend them, the person I spoke to was very helpful and they are a local Port Adelaide company with a lot of history.”

Dave Russell, Google Review

A company that will last for a very long time

“Been around for years and probably still going to be around for years to come.”

Shane Thompson, Google Review

4. Pickering Transport Group

pickering-transport-group-logo

Services: Refrigerated freight, general freight, warehousing, and distribution
Address: 13-21 Wilkins Rd, Gillman
Phone: +61 881 937 400
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website

Google Review Score4.1/5
BirdEye Review Score3.7/5
Total Score3.9/5
Score Consistency3.9/5
Experience5/5
Service Range5/5
Technology Integration5/5
Cost Effectiveness5/5

If you need a freight forwarding service specialising in general and refrigerated freight, Pickering Transport Group is worth considering. With 70 years of experience, they also handle container transport and oversized loads alongside their core services. 

They use DocuWare for digital paperwork and Carrier Transicold’s Vector HE 19 trailers for efficient refrigerated shipping.

We appreciate that Pickering Transport Group is all about cost-effective solutions. Their modern Scania trucks are fuel-efficient, cutting fuel expenses, and their durable design reduces maintenance costs. These trucks also use route optimisation technology, which boosts efficiency and helps lower overall costs.

However, their specialised or unique shipping services are limited. If your freight falls outside their standard offerings, it might be challenging to find the right solution with them.

Pros

  • 70 years of experience in freight forwarding, specialising in general and refrigerated freight
  • Handles container transport and oversized loads
  • Uses DocuWare for digital paperwork and Carrier Transicold trailers for efficient refrigerated shipping
  • Cost-effective with fuel-efficient Scania trucks and route optimisation technology

Cons

  • Limited specialised or unique shipping services
  • Freight sizes outside their standard offerings can be challenging

Odd courier request fulfilled

“Great family run company that was able to help me with an odd courier request from a regional location to Adelaide. The price was better than a competitor I looked at and they were able to pick it up working around my schedule rather than me trying to work around theirs. Thank you for your help Pickerings.”

Kay Dot, Google Review

No hesitations recommending this company

“Great dealings with Pickerings Transport through the NSW and SA network. The local SA guys and girls were extremely helpful and very nice people. No hesitations recommending this company highly.”

Nick S, Google Review

5. Aussiefast Transport Solutions

aussiefast-transport-solutions-logo

Services: Interstate freight & linehaul, local courier services, distribution and warehousing, and supply chain solutions
Address: 2-6 Williams Cct, Pooraka
Phone: +61 13 13 64
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours
Website

Google Review Score4.2/5
Yably Review Score4.3/5
Total Score4.3/5
Score Consistency4.3/5
Experience5/5
Service Range5/5
Technology Integration5/5
Cost Effectiveness5/5

Aussiefast Transport Solutions is a solid choice for freight forwarding in Adelaide. With 37 years of experience, they handle interstate freight, local courier services, and supply chain management with ease. 

They also offer tailored solutions for industries like food and beverage, retail, and healthcare, focusing on cost-effective deliveries.

What impresses us the most is their national network. Their fleet includes everything from bike couriers to large trucks, all with advanced tracking systems. This means flexible and efficient deliveries across Australia, without breaking the budget.

However, their coverage in remote areas like the Cape York Peninsula is less robust. Delivery times can be longer in these regions, so it’s worth considering if you need services in harder-to-reach locations.

Pros

  • 37 years of experience in freight forwarding, specialising in interstate freight, local courier services, and supply chain management
  • Tailored solutions for industries like food and beverage, retail, and healthcare
  • National network with a fleet ranging from bike couriers to large trucks, equipped with advanced tracking systems
  • Timely deliveries and flexibility across Australia

Cons

  • Limited coverage in remote areas like the Cape York Peninsula
  • Longer delivery times in harder-to-reach locations

Satisfied with their service every time

“We’ve used Aussiefast Transport A number of times now and couldn’t be happier. From the customer service team to the team quoting the jobs everything was very straightforward, efficient and very transparent. I can’t recommend them enough.”

ross diakos, Google Review

What a 5-star experience!

“I contacted Aussie Fast today, late morning, for a same day collection at 4pm. The phone officer was efficient and friendly, the quote was very reasonable and my item was delivered to me around an hour later, from the other side of town. The delivery person Steve, was well presented, helpful and friendly. I definitely rate my experience 5 star.”

Helen Bain, Google Review

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