If you’re waiting on a package or trying to move freight across the Nullarbor right now, things are looking a bit messy. Australia logistics news today is dominated by a perfect storm of track washouts, industrial standoffs, and a massive shift in how the big players handle their software.
It's not just "business as usual." Honestly, it’s a bit of a scramble.
Between a train derailment cutting off the West and miners threatening to walk off the job in the Pilbara, the national supply chain is feeling the pinch. If you've noticed your local Coles or Woolies looking a little thin on the shelves in Perth, there’s a very specific reason for it.
The Rail Gap and the Great Trucking Pivot
On January 7, a partial derailment north of Port Pirie effectively severed the rail link between the east and west coasts. This isn't just a minor delay; it’s a total suspension of the Sydney–Perth and Melbourne–Perth routes.
When the trains stop, the trucks have to step up.
Coles and Woolworths have already started calling in massive additional trucking capacity to bypass the broken tracks. It’s a logistical nightmare. You’ve got hundreds of containers that were supposed to be on rail now needing drivers and diesel. This shift usually sends spot rates for road freight through the roof because everyone is fighting for the same limited pool of available rigs.
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Why the weather is winning right now
It’s not just the rail. Up north, Tropical Cyclone Koji has been causing absolute chaos. The Port of Townsville and various Queensland supply chains are currently underwater or blocked by torrential rain.
Abbot Point coal port is trying to prove its "resilience," but let’s be real—when a cyclone hovers offshore for a week, the ships stay out at sea and the coal stays in the ground. We are seeing 15 to 20 ships at a time just sitting there, waiting for the wind to drop.
Port Strikes and the FIFO Headache
The waterfront isn't much calmer. The Maritime Union (MUA) is currently locked in a battle with Qube Holdings. The union recently knocked back an 18% pay rise offer.
Ships are literally stuck off the coast.
In some cases, cars are being offloaded at the "wrong" ports just to get them off the ships, then trucked across the country. It’s inefficient and expensive. If you’re waiting for a new EV, this is likely why your delivery date keeps sliding.
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Then there’s the Western Australia FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) situation. Cabin crew for Qantas’s Network Aviation subsidiary have voted for protected industrial action.
- A 24-hour strike could strand 6,000 workers.
- It’s estimated to cost the mining sector about $40 million in a single day.
- Negotiations are currently stuck at the Fair Work Commission.
If those planes don't fly, the iron ore doesn't move. It’s that simple.
The Software Shake-up: WiseTech and the ACCC
In a bit of news that surprised the tech side of the industry, WiseTech Global is being forced to sell off Expedient. The ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) wasn't happy about WiseTech buying up a competitor before they could even finish their review.
Basically, the ACCC is worried that WiseTech—who already owns the massive CargoWise platform—is getting too much power.
Starting January 1, 2026, the rules for mergers in Australia got a lot stricter. You can't just buy your way to the top without a green light anymore. This forced divestiture is supposed to keep the market competitive and, hopefully, keep software prices from skyrocketing for smaller freight forwarders.
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Warehouse Space is About to Get Primal
If you’re a tenant looking for a warehouse, you might want to sign that lease today. According to the latest data from Cushman & Wakefield, we are entering a "tightening cycle."
Vacancy rates are expected to drop from 4% down to 2.5% very soon.
- New developments are slowing down because construction costs are nuts.
- Tenant demand is actually picking up as companies try to hold more "just-in-case" stock.
- Rents are predicted to climb by nearly 4% annually over the next few years.
Melbourne is leading the charge here. If you've got a shed, you're sitting on gold. If you need one, you're in for a fight.
Tech Trends: The 2D Barcode Revolution
While all the chaos happens on the roads and docks, something subtle is happening at the checkout. GS1 Australia is pushing "Next Gen Barcodes." These are 2D barcodes (like QR codes) that can hold way more info than the old-school stripes.
Woolworths is already using them on fresh produce. Why? Because it helps with "use-by" dates and traceability. If there’s a food recall, they can pinpoint the exact batch in seconds rather than pulling everything off the shelves.
Actionable Insights for the Week Ahead
The situation is fluid, but if you're managing a supply chain or just waiting on a delivery, here's what you need to do:
- Audit your WA lanes immediately. With the rail link down, expect at least a 5-to-7-day blowout on lead times for any freight moving from the east to Perth.
- Secure your warehouse renewals. If your lease is up in 2026, start negotiating now. The "landlord-favorable" shift is real and it's going to hurt your bottom line if you wait.
- Watch the FIFO strike dates. If you operate in the resources sector, activate your contingency air-charter plans now before the union gives their 7-day notice.
- Prepare for 2D barcode integration. If you're a manufacturer, the shift from 1D to 2D barcodes isn't optional for much longer. Check if your current scanners and ERP systems can actually read the new formats.
The logistics landscape in Australia right now is a mix of high-tech ambition and old-school infrastructure failures. It’s messy, but knowing where the bottlenecks are is half the battle. Stay ahead of the rail repairs and keep an eye on those port negotiations—they're the real pulse of the industry this month.