Investing in a fleet to growth with a major South Australian red meat processor has helped a family-owned business to build a substantial presence in Australia’s livestock transporting sector.

Gary and Suzette Thornhill owned a small transporting business in Lucindale, South Australia.

In 1999, with their sons Damian, Jason and Wade, the Thornhills bought the Trans Australian Livestock trucking business from Chris Thomas and Bob Rowe, who had just purchased the Murray Bridge Abattoir.

In the past 14 years T & R Pastoral, now Thomas Foods International (TFI), has grown to become Australia’s third largest red meat processor with four abattoirs across SA, NSW and QLD.

Trans Australian Livestock Pty Ltd has grown with TFI as it has expanded its operations.

“We have been working closely with TFI since 1999,” Trans Australian Livestock operations manager Jason Thornhill told Beef Central.

“We have grown with TFI, increasing our service as they expand”.

Trans Australian Livestock Pty Ltd runs a fleet of 50 satellite tracked prime movers that cart cattle and sheep Australia wide.

Trans Australian Livestock has continued to grow, with TFI now representing about 30 percent of the company’s entire operation.

“We do a lot of agent work, off farm into meatworks, feedlots or saleyards”

“You name it, we go there’, Mr Thornhill said of the company’s geographic scope of operation.

Mr Thornhill said that Trans Australian Livestock specialises in finding trucks to meet demand.

“I think we are best at finding livestock transport on short notice’.

“If someone rings we will always manage to find a truck.”

Mr Thornhill said that having professional, experienced drivers and looking after them was a cornerstone of the business.

TAL’s fleet consists of 90pc Kenworths, the balance are Mack trucks.

Trans Australian Livestock Transport

PO Box 181
Lucindale SA 5272

P (08) 8766 2015
F (08) 8766 2215

Gary Thornhill, Company Director: 0417 849 131

Jason Thornhill, Operations Manager: 0438 849 132

Email: dawn@transauslivestock.com.au