Air Road

Overview

AirRoad was established in 1989 by Tim Paine and Neville Vale, opening the first depot in Sydney. The company pioneered the use of barcode scanning technology in Australian freight transport, becoming the first carrier to introduce item-level barcode scanning in 1990. Over 35 years, AirRoad has grown from a single Sydney depot to a national operation with facilities in Melbourne (1994), Brisbane (1997), Perth (1999), and Adelaide (2005).

In May 2021, Japan’s Senko Group Holdings Co. Ltd acquired a majority shareholding in AirRoad, with full acquisition completed in January 2024. This partnership brings over a century of Senko’s international logistics expertise to AirRoad’s Australian operations. Today, AirRoad operates a fleet of 220 trucks and trailers, with over 65,000 sqm of warehouse space across 11 facilities in Australia’s five major capital cities, supported by a 25-person in-house IT team managing their proprietary AFT freight management system.

AirRoad provides a comprehensive suite of services through four divisions: AirRoad Express for secure, time-sensitive freight; AirRoad Specialised for non-routine and project-managed deliveries; AirRoad Logistics for complete 3PL solutions; and AirRoad Direct, which extends premium express services to small businesses and individuals without requiring account setup.

Key Capabilities

Advanced Tracking Technology

AirRoad’s proprietary AFT freight management system delivers item-level visibility throughout the supply chain. Every consignment is scanned at five key milestones: pickup, depot in, linehaul, depot out, and final delivery. This barcode scanning infrastructure, pioneered by AirRoad in 1990, creates a complete audit trail connected to depot surveillance systems. Customers access real-time tracking through AirRoad’s online supply chain toolbox, with third-party API integration available via services like TrackingMore.

National 3PL Infrastructure

With 11 warehouses totaling over 65,000 sqm across Sydney (3 sites), Melbourne (3 sites), Brisbane (4 sites), Adelaide, and Perth, AirRoad Logistics provides comprehensive 3PL services including secure storage, inventory management, order picking and packing, returns management, and express transport. The ARL Connect Portal delivers advanced reporting and supply chain visibility, backed by Senko Group’s international logistics expertise.

Express Freight Network

Operating a fleet of 220 trucks and trailers with daily linehaul routes between major capital cities, AirRoad Express delivers time-sensitive freight with a mission to consistently deliver in full, on time. Services include a money-back guarantee for capital city deliveries, specialized handling for sensitive goods, and project-managed solutions for complex logistics requirements.

Best Suited For

• Businesses requiring premium express freight with comprehensive tracking and accountability
• Companies seeking integrated 3PL solutions combining warehousing, fulfillment, and transport
• Organizations handling time-sensitive or high-value goods requiring specialized care
• Mid-market and enterprise clients needing national distribution coverage
• Small businesses and startups through the AirRoad Direct division (no account required)
• E-commerce businesses requiring pick-and-pack services with express delivery
• Companies managing reverse logistics and returns management programs
• Businesses seeking a carrier with proven technology infrastructure and 35+ years experience

Integration Notes

AirRoad operates a proprietary freight management system (AFT) with item-level barcode tracking throughout their network. Direct API access is available through third-party integration platforms such as TrackingMore, which provides real-time tracking updates, 99.9% uptime, and SDKs for multiple programming languages. The ARL Connect Portal offers customers web-based access to tracking, label printing, and supply chain reporting tools.

For small businesses without technical integration needs, AirRoad Direct (www.airroaddirect.com.au) provides a simple quote-and-book portal with credit card and PayPal payment options, removing barriers to accessing premium freight services.