As in previous reports, we review developments in the three key segments of the market. These are the time definite, integrated logistics and general freight segments. In this report we have further segmented the time definite segment not only into express freight and courier services, but also segmented express freight into stachel and parcel based services.

For the first time we have investigated the supply chain dynamics associated with the task of moving intermodal freight into and out of major Australian ports. In this context we also highlight the warehousing models used by Australian business and the reasons for adoption of these models.

Since 1997, we have followed the inexorable progress of the emergence of the rail freight industry as an increasingly viable alternative to line haul. Today, this industry is now mainly in commercial hands leaving the parlous state of the track infrastructure in New South Wales, the only encumbrance to genuine growth.

This edition has been further re-structured to deal with all the issues canvassed for individual market segments to be reported together in the one chapter. This change simplifies presentation of the vast amount of information included and, thus, the reference process to access this information.

This strategic marketing document is designed primarily to aid the business planning process undertaken by the freight transport industry. In this respect early subscribers assisted in identifying those market issues that are of most importance to them in their business planning initiatives.