Exodas

Driving Growth with Purpose: Inside the Success Story of Tynan Transport

In the dynamic world of Australian logistics, few companies have demonstrated the steady grit, adaptability, and heart that define Tynan Transport. What began in 2001 as a single truck operation driven by Managing Director Brett Tynan’s ambition has evolved into one of Queensland’s most respected refrigerated freight carriers—now operating a fleet of nearly 90 trucks and rigid vehicles, employing close to 300 people, and delivering vital goods to communities across the eastern seaboard.

From humble beginnings on the road to managing an integrated national operation, Tynan’s story is one of entrepreneurial spirit meeting strategic foresight. “I started as a truck driver,” Brett recalls. “Then I purchased one truck, then another, and it just grew from there.”

That growth has been guided not only by opportunity, but by deliberate choices—acquisitions, technology upgrades, and infrastructure investments that have transformed the company from a regional hauler into a modern logistics powerhouse.

A Turning Point in 2017

One of the company’s defining milestones came in 2017, when Tynan Transport acquired a complementary freight business that brought new efficiencies to its existing routes.

“The business we purchased was running one way full and coming back empty, while we were doing the opposite,” Brett explains. “When we combined the two operations, it created a great synergy. We were able to consolidate loads and make our revenue far more efficient.”

The acquisition added roughly a third to the fleet overnight and set the stage for exponential growth in the years that followed. “We had about 40 trucks before that,” Brett says. “Now we’re close to 90. It really was the catalyst that allowed us to double in size.”

Refrigerated Freight at the Core

While the company provides a range of freight services, refrigerated transport—or cold freight—has emerged as the fastest-growing segment. Handling produce and food products for both large retail clients and independent suppliers, Tynan Transport has positioned itself as a trusted link in Australia’s food supply chain.

“About 75% of what goes on our trucks is a food product,” Brett notes. “It’s an essential service. No matter what happens—weather events, floods, or market shifts—people still need food. The demand keeps growing.”

This focus on reliability has been central to the company’s success. With routes stretching from Brisbane to North Queensland and beyond, maintaining consistent, safe delivery across thousands of kilometres of Australian highway is no small task. But for Tynan Transport, that consistency is a non-negotiable part of the brand.

People First: Building a Family-Oriented Culture

For Brett and his leadership team, including General Manager Gerald Conna, the company’s greatest strength has always been its people. “Brett started the business as a family operation, and even as it’s grown, he’s kept that family culture alive,” Gerald says.

It’s a point of pride that Tynan Transport has long-term staff who’ve been with the company for a decade or more—some surpassing 20 years of service. “We have about nine employees with over 10 years here, and one who’s done more than 20,” Gerald adds. “That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident—it’s about making people feel part of something.”

That family culture extends to how Tynan Transport approaches recruitment and development, particularly as the driver shortage continues to challenge the transport industry nationwide. To stay ahead, the company operates its own employment division dedicated to recruiting and training drivers.

“We’re always recruiting,” says Gerald. “We’re also bringing in less experienced drivers and building them up through training. It’s about succession—helping people progress through licensing and roles so they can grow with the business.”

Investing in Safety and Technology

As the fleet has expanded, so too has the company’s investment in technology and safety. Every Tynan vehicle is equipped with satellite tracking, fatigue alerts, and on-board cameras to support both driver safety and operational efficiency.

“The technology in trucks now is incredible,” says Gerald. “We use telematics, active cruise control, lane-departure warning—everything that helps our drivers stay safe and keeps the operation running smoothly.”

At the workshop level, the team is also embracing diagnostic technology to better maintain its modern fleet. “Our technicians are doing manufacturer training and using plug-in systems to identify issues before they become problems,” Gerald adds. “It’s another way we keep things running at peak performance.”

This emphasis on proactive maintenance and data-driven logistics helps the company minimize downtime and improve reliability—critical factors in the refrigerated freight sector, where timing is everything.

Building for the Future

Physical infrastructure has also been a key part of Tynan Transport’s growth. The company recently completed a purpose-built depot in Mareeba, designed from the ground up to support operational efficiency.

“That depot became our flagship,” says Brett. “It showed us what we could improve on and what works best for our teams. Now, we’re applying those lessons to new sites.”

Tynan Transport has acquired land in both Council and Mackay, with plans underway to construct new depots that will enhance regional logistics capability and streamline the company’s expanding network. These developments represent not just investment in the company, but in the future of Australian freight infrastructure itself.

Bigger, Smarter, Safer: The PBS Advantage

Another area where Tynan Transport is taking the lead is in the adoption of PBS (Performance-Based Standards) vehicles—a new generation of longer, higher-capacity transport combinations that can carry more freight per trip.

“PBS vehicles are the future,” Brett explains. “They allow us to move more product with fewer prime movers, which helps offset driver shortages and improves fuel efficiency.”

Most of Tynan’s vehicles now operate as B-doubles and road trains, carrying between 40 and 46 pallets—a significant jump from the industry’s traditional 34-pallet configurations. “It’s a big step forward for productivity,” says Brett. “But it’s also about safety—PBS combinations must have advanced telematics and weight gauges, which make them safer and more compliant on the road.”

The move toward PBS reflects the company’s forward-thinking mindset, aligning operational growth with industry evolution and national safety standards.

Navigating a Changing Industry

While the broader transport sector continues to face uncertainty, Tynan Transport is positioning itself for resilience. “During COVID, there was a boom—work everywhere,” Brett recalls. “But when it dropped off, some companies couldn’t sustain the fleets they’d built. We’ve stayed disciplined, focusing on our strengths and long-term planning.”

That discipline extends to risk management. Weather events frequently disrupt major freight routes in Queensland and northern Australia, but Tynan Transport has systems in place to respond. The company continuously monitors conditions, communicates with drivers on the ground, and leverages information from industry associations and government bulletins to reroute deliveries safely and efficiently.

As Gerald notes, “The goal is always the same—get the freight there, but do it safely.”

Regulatory Evolution and a National Vision

Looking ahead, both Brett and Gerald see significant potential in the continued rollout of a truly national regulatory framework for heavy vehicles.

“The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is meant to be national, but it’s not quite there yet,” says Gerald. “Once it’s fully implemented, it’ll make operating across Australia much easier—especially for east coast carriers like us. Different rules between states can make it complicated, but that’s changing, and we’re hopeful the next few years will bring real consistency.”

The Road Ahead

As Tynan Transport enters its next chapter, the company’s priorities are clear: invest in infrastructure, expand the PBS fleet, and keep cultivating a culture where people feel valued.

“The industry’s competitive, no doubt,” Brett says. “But we’ve always taken the long view. Technology, safety, people, and smart investment—those are what will carry us forward.”

With its deep roots in family values and a clear vision for sustainable growth, Tynan Transport isn’t just moving freight across Australia—it’s driving the transport industry itself toward a stronger, safer, and more connected future.

AT A GLANCE:

Name: Tynan Transport ( Exodas)

What: Leading trucking and logistics company putting its valued clients first

Where: Queensland, Australia

Website: https://exodas.com.au

PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS