Toll Group

Australian-based logistics company

Toll Group

Industry|
Freight Forwarding
Logistics
Transportation
Founded| 1888
Founder| Albert Toll
Headquarters|

Melbourne

Australia

Key people

| Alan Beacham (Managing Director)
Thomas Knudsen (Chairman)
Revenue| $5.8 billion (2023)

Number of employees

| 16,000 (October 2023)
Parent| Japan Post Holdings
Divisions| Global Forwarding
Global Logistics
Website| www.tollgroup.com

Toll Group operates a logistics and global freight forwarding network spanning 150 countries, with over 20,000 customers. Toll has more than 16,000 team members across 500 sites.[1]

Toll Holdings Pty Limited (also referred to as Toll Group) is an Australian registered company, 100% owned by Japan Post Co., Ltd, which is 100% owned by Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.[2]

## History[edit]

An AF Toll Albion flatbed truck A Toll-Chadwick Kenworth K series

In 1888, Albert Toll began a horse-and-cart coal hauling business in Newcastle. The Toll business was purchased by National Minerals in 1959.[3][4] In 1962 it was purchased by mining conglomerate Peko-Wallsend.[5] Under Peko-Wallsend, which used Toll for all its transport activities, Toll developed into a national carrier. In 1969 it merged with HH Chadwick to form Toll-Chadwick, and its new owners sought to integrate its businesses and expand into containerised shipping.[6][7]

After being rebranded Toll Transport in 1985, the next year it was sold in a management buyout to Paul Little and Peter Rowsthorn with five depots and 125 trucks. In 1989 it was rebranded Toll Express after entering the interstate market and moved its headquarters from Newcastle to Melbourne.[7][8] In 1991 it began operating in Tasmania with the purchase of Tasmania Express.[9] In October 1993, it was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.[10][11]

In 1996, Toll Express purchased Brambles Transport Industries, followed by eight TNT transport and logistics businesses in 1997.[11][12][13] In 1998 it acquired Ipec from Mayne Nickless.[9]

In 2001, Toll took over its competitor Finemores[14][15][16] and the road transport interests of Wesfarmers taking its fleet to over 6,000 vehicles.[17][18]

In 2002, Toll purchased BHP's stevedoring business, took a 50% share in Pacific National that took over the FreightCorp and National Rail Corporation businesses,[19] acquired the Brambles Shipping business, including the ships Tasmanian Achiever and Victorian Reliance[20] and the Mayne Express business.[9][21][22]

In 2003, an 84% share in Tranz Rail was purchased and became Toll NZ. This was increased in 2007 to 100%.[23][24] In 2008 the New Zealand rail and ferry operations were sold to KiwiRail.[25]

In 2009, Toll took a 55% stake in the Cambodian business Toll Royal Railway, a joint venture with Kith Meng's Royal Group to takeover over the dilapidated metre-gauge network in Cambodia.[26] This was sold in December 2014.[27][28]

In July 2006 Toll acquired Patrick Corporation in a hostile takeover.[29] In 2007 Patrick and Pacific National, were spun-off into a stand-alone listed company, Asciano.[30] In 2007, Toll sold a 50% share in Toll Air Services, its aircraft ground handling business to dnata who purchased the remainder of the business in 2017.[31] In 2012, Toll acquired a one-third shareholding in Bowmans Rail.[32]

In 2015 Japan Post Holdings made a takeover offer for the Toll Group that was accepted.[33][34][35] In 2019, the Bass Strait ships Tasmanian Achiever and Victorian Reliance were replaced by the Tasmanian Achiever II and the Victorian Reliance II.[36][37]

In early 2021 Toll divested their 33% share in Bowmans Rail. In April 2021, Japan Post Holdings agreed to sell the Global Express division of Toll Holdings for 7.8 million Australian dollars.[38] The offer was accepted despite the fact that Toll Global Express had lost 67.4 billion yen — or roughly $624 million — for the fiscal year which ended in March 2021.[38]

## Divisions[edit]

### Global Forwarding[edit]

Toll Global Forwarding (TGF)  provides international freight forwarding and supply chain management services that range from complex supply chain services through to port-to-port freight forwarding movements.[39]

It has eight business units: Americas; Australia and New Zealand; Greater China; South Africa and Zambia; United Kingdom and Ireland; Mainland Europe; Middle East and Indian Sub Continent; and South East Asia. Headquartered in Hong Kong, it has a global network of over 70 offices in over 30 countries throughout Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.[39]

In the 2014 financial year Toll Global Forwarding transacted an ocean freight volume of 542,000 TEUs and an air freight volume 114,000 tonnes.

TGF is the largest freight forwarder (in total TEU volume) to Asia. Toll has a diverse fleet that can move freight in a range of sizes and configurations. Toll has a specialised fleet to transport perishable freight.

#### Geographic reach[edit]

In 2012 TGF reported they had more than 70 offices in 25 countries and about 5,500 employees.[40]

The division's global reach is to more than 220 countries and territories.[39] TGF is active in six major trade lanes: Asia and Australia and New Zealand; Asia and the USA; Asia and Europe; Asia and the UK; Asia and South Africa; and Intra Asia.[39] In 2014 TGF reported they are moving forward from acquisition to consolidation, and restructure to re-engineering and growth. During the 2014 financial year, TGF reduced costs and improved productivity.

In 2008 Toll acquired BALtrans Logistics.[41]

In 2009 Toll acquired Express Logistics Group (ELG), one of New Zealand's largest freight forwarding companies.[42]

In 2009 Toll acquired Logistic Distribution Systems (LDS), a Dubai-based international freight forwarding company.[43]

In 2010 Toll acquired United States freight forwarder Summit Logistics.[44]

A Toll Volvo FH semi-trailer truck in Ballarat in August 2013

In 2010 they acquired WT SeaAir and Genesis Forwarding.[45] The acquisitions added significant scale to the Toll Global Forwarding division in Europe.[45]

In 2011 Toll acquired SAT Albatros (SAT), a Dubai-based provider of sea-air services.[46]

### Global Logistics[edit]

A Toll UD delivery truck in Japan

Toll Global Logistics (TGL)  is a division of the Toll Group. It provides what it calls "integrated logistics solutions" across the Asia Pacific region.[47]

The division offers a range of transport, warehousing and value-added services.[48]

#### Fleet[edit]

The division operates a fleet of air, sea, rail and road vehicles and vessels. The fleet has more than 19,000 vehicles including courier trucks, prime movers, b-doubles, and trailers; and 13,000 units of containers, ships, vessels and aeroplanes operating across the Asia Pacific region. In Singapore specifically, TGL was reported in 2011 as owning small cargo ships, which ferry container trucks to and from nearby ports in neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia and a fleet of trucks consisting of about 70 Hino, Fuso and UD prime movers that have roughly seven single trailers for each mover.[49] In Vietnam TGL has over 300 trucks.[citation needed]

A Toll fuel tanker

#### Geographic reach[edit]

The division has over 600 facilities in 15 countries and employs about 10,000 people. Its focus is on providing localised supply chain logistics.[50]

In China, Toll can deliver within 48 hours to 70 percent of the cities in Pan-China region. In Taiwan Toll can deliver within 24 hours to 90% of the island-wide points of delivery. In Thailand Toll can deliver to all provinces within 72 hours.[51]

In Indonesia, it has six distribution centres and in Korea the division has three centres. In Vietnam Toll has 15 sites. In Thailand, Toll can reach all provinces within 72 hours and cover over 4,000 drop points. Toll operates more than 20 logistics facilities in mainland China and delivers to over 1,600 cities across China.[52]

## Former divisions[edit]

* Toll Domestic Forwarding apparently disappeared in a restructuring in 2017.
* Toll Resources & Government Logistics, assumed restructured.

### IPEC[edit]

An IPEC McDonnell Douglas DC-9 in the early 1990s.

The Interstate Parcel Express Company (IPEC) was established in January 1954 and operated two Peugeot utility vehicles on express parcel services from Adelaide to Melbourne.[53][54] By 1968 it was operating in all Australian capital cities.[55]

In 1963, IPEC commenced operating interstate air freight services from Melbourne to Launceston service commencing with Douglas DC-3s chartered from Brain & Brown operating three services per night.[56]

Tasmanian Achiever II at the Port of Burnie in March 2019

In 1966 IPEC began operating another interstate air freight service between Brisbane and Cowra that contravened the Two Airlines Policy using a chartered Air Express Holdings Bristol Freighter, where it connected with trucks to Melbourne. IPEC had already purchased a Douglas DC-4 in England, however the Federal Government would not allow it into Australia.[57][58] The Cowra service ceased in 1967.[59][60]

Toll Priority Boeing 737 at Brisbane Airport in May 2011

In 1977 IPEC imported two Argosys followed by a further two in 1978.[61][62] In 1979, IPEC commenced operating services between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane using chartered East-West Airlines Fokker F27 Friendships.[63][64] A Douglas DC-9 was purchased in 1982.[65][66]

In October 1979, IPEC purchased British freight company Sayer Transport Group.[67] In December 1980 it purchased Skypack International with operations in 26 countries.[68] IPEC owned the Angus & Robertson publishing business until selling it to News Corporation in May 1981.[69] In 1983 Skypack International was sold to Thomas Nationwide Transport.[70][71]

In 1983 Mayne Nickless purchased a 50% shareholding.[72] In 1998 IPEC was purchased by Toll and rebranded Toll IPEC.[73][74]

In July 2007, Toll Holdings Limited acquired Victorian Express Pty Ltd which provided intrastate express freight services within Victoria.[75]

### Global Express[edit]

Toll Global Express was a logistics and transportation division of the group. In 2012 it had plans to extend its compressed natural gas-powered fleet to more than 70 trucks.[76] In 2014 it announced a $150-million, 71,000-square-metre, parcel-sorting centre near Melbourne Airport, to be built in partnership with Australia Pacific Airports.[77]

Toll agreed to sell the division to Allegro Funds in April 2021.[78] In 2022 it was rebranded Team Global Express.[79]

## See also[edit]

* Australia portal
* Companies portal

* List of oldest companies in Australia

## References[edit]

1. ^ https://www.tollgroup.com/about
2. ^ Scheme Booklet registered with ASIC Toll Group 2 April 2015 page 19
3. ^ New Premises, Fleet for Newcastle Firm Truck & Bus Transportation February 1961 page 70
4. ^ Obituary: Mr AV Toll Truck & Bus Transportation July 1970 page 178
5. ^ From Newcastle to the Moon Truck & Bus Transportation December 1965 pages 59-62
6. ^ Toll is the Name Truck & Bus Transportation July 1985 page 7
7. ^ a b History Toll Group
8. ^ Toll Transport expands to express Truck & Bus Transportation December 1989 page 14
9. ^ a b c Acquisitions Toll Group
10. ^ Toll has top equipment and a proud history in transport Truck & Bus Transportation December 1994 page 17
11. ^ a b How Little turned ailing Toll into a giant The Age 23 August 2005
12. ^ Toll moves into even bigger league with Brambles buy Truck & Bus Transportation August 1996 page 41
13. ^ ACCC not to oppose Toll acquisition of some TNT businesses Australian Competition & Consumer Commission 14 November 1997
14. ^ Toll offers $119 million for Finemores Truck & Bus Transportation August 2000 page 8
15. ^ Toll Completes Finemores Merger Toll Holdings 2 March 2001
16. ^ Toll/Finemore merger final Truck & Bus Transportation April 2001 page 19
17. ^ Sale of WA road freight transport business Wesfarmers 2 November 2001
18. ^ Wesfarmers Sells Road Transport Assets Railway Digest December 2001 page 7
19. ^ Patrick and Toll Consortium complete purchase of National Rail and Freightcorp Toll Holdings 22 February 2002
20. ^ Toll Acquires Brambles Shipping Toll Holdings 31 October 2002
21. ^ Toll purchases Brambles' cargo ships Sydney Morning Herald 1 November 2002
22. ^ Toll Acquires Mayne Express Toll Holdings 1 November 2002
23. ^ Toll to sell NZ infrastructure Railway Gazette International 1 April 2004
24. ^ History of the railways in New Zealand New Zealand Herald 5 May 2008
25. ^ Brief rail history KiwiRail
26. ^ Cambodian rail concession signed Railway Gazette International 12 June 2009
27. ^ Toll divests its stake in Cambodia railway Toll Group 22 December 2014
28. ^ Toll Group divests Cambodian railway stake Railway Gazette International 22 December 2014
29. ^ Compulsory Acquisition by Toll Holdings Limited of all shares in Patrick Corporation Limited Toll Holdings 3 July 2006
30. ^ Share price hike saves day for Asciano ABC News 21 June 2009
31. ^ Asia-Pacific round up Airline Routes & Ground Services 9 April 2018
32. ^ Toll and AMG take shares in Bowmans Intermodal Australasian Transport News 21 December 2012
33. ^ Toll board backs $6.5b takeover by Japan Post ABC News 18 February 2015
34. ^ Toll takeover: Japan's great Australian takeaway Sydney Morning Herald 18 February 2015
35. ^ Japan Post takes full ownership of Toll Australasian Transport News July 2015 page 26
36. ^ Meet Tasmanian Achiever II Toll Group 28 November 2018
37. ^ We welcome Victorian Reliance II Toll Group 18 December 2018
38. ^ a b "Japan Post to sell part of Australia's Toll, booking $624m loss". Nikkei. 20 April 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
39. ^ a b c d Toll Group website.. Retrieved 2013-07-07.
40. ^ 19 June 2012 (9 June 2012). "Toll Global Forwarding – Investor Day Hong Kong to the Australian Stock Exchange.". Retrieved 2013-07-23.
41. ^ 6 March 2009 (6 March 2009). "Toll Global Forwarding Completes BALtrans Integration." Logistics Insight Asia. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
42. ^ 2 November 2009 (2 November 2009). "Toll Group Acquires NZ Freight Forwarder." Logistics Insight Asia. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
43. ^ 9 November 2009 (9 November 2009). "Toll Group expands in the Middle East." 3PL/Logistics. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
44. ^ 2 February 2010 (2 February 2010). "Toll acquires Summit Logistics." The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
45. ^ a b 9 July 2010 (9 July 2010). "Toll Group makes freight forwarding acquisitions." Supply Chain Digital. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
46. ^ 1 February 2011 (1 February 2011). "Toll buys Dubai-based forwarder". Cargonews Asia. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
47. ^ Toll Holdings Limited Annual Report 2012 http://www.tollgroup.com/annualreports
48. ^ Toll Group website. Retrieved 2013-07-07.
49. ^ 11 February 2011 (11 February 2011). "Success is in the turnaround." Drive.com.au. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
50. ^ 2013 (2013). "Toll Global Logistics." Supply Chain Digital. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
51. ^ "Similar results". supplychaindigital.com.
52. ^ 18 August 2010 (18 August 2010). "Toll buyout will bring auto expertise to China." Automotive Logistics. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
53. ^ Fast handling is key feature of new Ipec transfer terminal Freight & Container Transportation May 1974 pages 34, 35, 45, 46
54. ^ History Toll Ipec
55. ^ Ipec takes over removals business of WHA Clues Truck & Bus Transportation May 1968 page 127
56. ^ IPEC flight defies Govt Canberra Times 23 June 1966 page 1
57. ^ Ipec in the air Truck & Bus Transportation July 1966 page 194
58. ^ Ipec air freight on the move Truck & Bus Transportation August 1966 page 120
59. ^ Ipec air freight plan is shelved Truck & Bus Transportation August 1967 page 112
60. ^ Ipec sells plane: Bris-Cowra air service stopped Freight & Container Transportation August 1967 page 42
61. ^ Govt gives Ipec green light to import planes Freight & Container Transportation March 1977 page 3
62. ^ Two more Argosies for Ipec arrive Freight & Container Transportation July 1978 page 6
63. ^ New IPEC services Canberra Times 3 July 1979 page 7
64. ^ Ipec's air cargo service starts as scheduled Freight & Container Transportation August 1979 page 5
65. ^ Govt has approved Ipec importing jet aircraft Freight & Container Transportation September 1981 page 12
66. ^ Ipec flying into Qld - and moving into air charter market Freight & Container Transportation August 1982 page 3
67. ^ IPEC buys British transport group Canberra Times 13 October 1979 page 24
68. ^ IPEC pays $3m for Skypack courier group Canberra Times 12 December 1980 page 15
69. ^ News group to buy A and R Canberra Times 2 May 1981 page 19
70. ^ Ipec sheds a global operation Canberra Times 17 February 1983 page 21
71. ^ TNT take over Ipec's foreign courier service Freight & Container Transportation March 1983 page 31
72. ^ Mayne Nickless lifts profit to $17.3m Canberra Times 26 February 1985 page 14
73. ^ Mayne-Toll Deal The Australian 30 September 1998 page 43
74. ^ Acquisitions Toll Group
75. ^ Commission, Australian Competition and Consumer (7 April 2009). "Toll Holdings Limited - completed acquisition of Victorian Express Pty Ltd". Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
76. ^ 30 March 2012 (30 March 2012). "Toll's green rise with new Isuzu CNG fleet deal". Logistics & Materials Handling. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
77. ^ "Toll starts work on huge Melbourne Airport facility". FullyLoaded.com.au.
78. ^ "Toll Global Express has found a buyer". Trailer Magazine. 21 April 2021.
79. ^ Toll Global Express is rebranding Trailer Magazine 6 September 2022

## External links[edit]

Media related to Toll Holdings at Wikimedia Commons

* Official website

Portals:

* Australia
* Companies
* Transport
* Aviation
* Energy