This Report investigates the structure, market conduct and performance of the domestic long distance freight industry with particular emphasis on the long distance road transport sector and the intermodal competition it faces.

All sectors of the industry appear to be highly competitive. Not only is there competition within the industry, but rail has the potential to capture a significant amount of the long distance freight market from road. The terms of reference as given by the Minister are contained in Appendix 1 of this Report.

• The Long Distance Road Haulage Industry
  
  report_041.pdf
  (6.36 MB)

This Report sets out recommended new rates of assistance to be paid under the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme on eligible southbound cargoes and on northbound shipments of livestock and timber.

The southbound rates were recalculated to meet a direction issued by the Commonwealth Government when the Freight Equalisation Scheme was first introduced, while the direction to recalculate timber rates arose from recommendations made in the 1978 BTE report giving new northbound TFES rates.

The investigation of northbound livestock rates was initially directed towards determining whether higher rates of assistance should be paid on consignments of stud animals, but during the course of the study the terms of reference were widened to cover all livestock shipments.

This paper presents estimates of the concentration of ownership and the geographic distribution of the Australian trucking fleet.

• Some Characteristics of Truck Ownership in Australia
  
  op_040.pdf
  (4.62 MB)

The present work builds on that published previously (BTE Occasional Paper 6, Photochemical Pollution in Australian Airsheds) to develop a discussion of the basic principles and specific measures appropriate to the improvement of urban air quality.

• A Guide to the Control of Photochemical Pollution
  
  op_041.pdf
  (7.24 MB)

The study identifies and measures the transport task undertaken for the principal rural products in terms of three variables: tonnes consigned, tonne kilometres performed and freight charges paid by the users. It is considered the study provides valuable insights into the nature and size of the rural product transport task in Australia.

• Estimates of the Task of Transporting Principal Rural Products in Australia in 1975–76
  
  ip_005.pdf
  (5.48 MB)

This Paper presents the final results from a BTE survey of trucks passing through checking stations located on the Hume and Pacific Highways in NSW at Marulan and Berowra respectively. The aim of the survey was to obtain information on the quantity and nature of road freight travelling to and from Sydney along these two major highways, for use in BTE research studies. The survey commenced in mid 1972 and terminated in mid 1978. This period is an interesting one as there was considerable growth in tonnage handled by the goods trucking industry, particularly intrastate freight.

• Estimates of Freight Travelling to and from Sydney along the Hume and Pacific Highways
  
  ip_006.pdf
  (5.43 MB)

In order to provide information to assist with the continuing administration of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, the Minister for Transport directed the BTE to undertake studies of the costs incurred by Australian industries on Mainland interstate long distance freight transport, and the factors determining the freight rates charged between Tasmania and the Mainland and the potential for cost reductions.

This Report presents the results of an investigation of the market conduct and performance of that part of the road haulage industry which undertakes the transportation of cattle intended for slaughter at abattoirs for human consumption.

In addition, an assessment of the costs of transhipping beef from processing points to retail outlets is made. The Ministerial terms of reference for the study are contained in Appendix I.

• Transport of Slaughter Cattle in Australia
  
  report_050.pdf
  (3.27 MB)

This Report was prepared in response to a Ministerial reference to the Bureau relating to an investigation of the demand for sea passenger transport between Tasmania and the mainland.

• Demand for Sea Passenger Transport between Tasmania and the Australian Mainland
  
  report_046.pdf
  (3.09 MB)

The Paper describes some of the basic financial considerations associated with entry into the trucking industry and details possible operational strategies. This study is aimed at entrants into the trucking industry but it is also expected to prove beneficial to current operators.

• The Road Transport Business: A Guide to Some Financial Aspects
  
  op_036.pdf
  (3.48 MB)