Four decades ago, a humble but determined company took its first step onto the rough highway of the Australian road transport industry. Today, Queensland-based Trailer Sales is not just a veteran but a forerunner in the field, serving the local industry through flexibility and access to the full suite of trailing products available under the Freighter Group offering.
As the company commemorates its 40th year milestone as a business and Freighter Group Dealer, it’s time to celebrate a journey of innovation, bold decisions, and relentless commitment to service.
Trailer Sales was established as Freighter Queensland in 1982, beginning operations in 1983. The company, initially distributing well-recognised trailer brands like Freighter, expanded its reach in the late 1990s by acquiring distribution rights to Maxi-CUBE refrigerated vans, subsequently rebranding to Freighter Maxi-CUBE Queensland (FMQ).
In 2009, another turning point came when FMQ strategically acquired Trailer Sales NQ, a move that included the prominent trailersales.com.au domain. This acquisition not only expanded the company’s reach but also led to the current, familiar name of Trailer Sales in 2012.
Trailer Sales has two branches, located in Rocklea and Townsville, with a total of 70 employees dedicated to serving the road transport industry, and today, provides access to the full suite of Freighter Group trailer brands, as well as specialised products from FWR and RoadWest Transport.
The company prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for road transport operators, offering a broad range of products and services, as well as parts, that provides coverage here locally in Australia and various international markets. From brake lining or wheel bearing repairs to complete vehicle rollover solutions, the company’s service division has consistently provided high-quality, comprehensive services.
A core aspect of Trailer Sales’ success has been its steadfast commitment to customers, cultivating relationships that span generations. Scott Thiesfield, Sales Manager and a two-decade veteran of the company, explains the business’s philosophy: “We’re here for long term relationships. It’s not about selling one trailer; it’s about having a long-lasting relationship with that customer.”
Despite the challenges thrown their way, including the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Trailer Sales proved its resilience by ‘rolling with the punches’. The company’s flexibility and customer-focused approach allows it to make decisions swiftly, keeping business operations efficient and customer satisfaction at the forefront.
These times of crisis demonstrated the company’s adaptability and robustness, proving that, after 40 years, Trailer Sales is more than equipped to weather storms.
Trailer Sales is partially owned by leading national trailer manufacturer Freighter Group.
Dealer Principal Mark Kelly, expresses that the 40-year milestone stands as a testament to dedicated staff and a loyal customer base.
“We appreciate the support from our staff and the customers who have supported us along this journey. May there be many more years to come,” he states.
Mark Sutcliffe, General Manager, has driven the company that evolved into Trailer Sales over the decades, increasing a limited number of products to the wide range of trailers from Freighter Group that today can match any transport need.
Despite the successes and the inevitable challenges, the management team at Trailer Sales remains humble and grounded.
As Scott Thiesfield points out, “We don’t normally put too many things out there and give ourselves a pat on the back, but the 40th anniversary is an exception.”
The celebration is not just about marking a milestone. It’s about appreciating the staff, the customers, and everyone who has supported the company along the way. It’s about highlighting the relationships forged over four decades and the continuity of service that has been the company’s cornerstone.
“Cross-generational” relationships have been built, as are enduring partnerships with customers who have been with the company since its earliest days. That customer loyalty, reciprocated by the company’s unwavering commitment to service, is a testament to Trailer Sales’ ethos.
With its commitment to long-term customer relationships and a continuous drive for innovation, Trailer Sales has proven that it is more than ready to face and embrace the future.
