Australia's retail and business space has seen massive changes over the decades.

As homegrown brands rise to the international spotlight, other brands have also struggled to keep up with the times.

After several decades of keeping Australia's wheels turning, one of the nation's most recognisable trucking companies is hitting the brakes.


Don Watson Transport has announced it will be closing its doors after a 77-year run.

The closure left more than 300 staff members reeling and the trucking industry in shock.

For many, Don Watson Transport has been synonymous with reliability and the backbone of Australia's cold chain logistics.


From its humble beginnings in post-war Melbourne, the company grew to operate a fleet of 310 vehicles.

Don Watson has been covering 22 million kilometres annually.

Whether it was chilled meat, frozen vegetables or other perishable goods, chances are you have enjoyed something that once travelled in a Don Watson truck.

The company's final collections are scheduled for Monday, and drivers will complete their last runs shortly after.

'We understand that this may come as a shock but we have formed the view that it is simply no longer possible to continue to operate,' Managing Director Lyndon Watson wrote to staff members.


Don Watson Transport's rise to the ranks was a classic Australian tale of grit, innovation, and family.

Founded in 1948 by G.H.' Don' Watson, the business started with ex-military K Series Austin trucks.

These trucks hauled livestock across Melbourne, Dandenong, and Ballarat.

Over the decades, the company expanded its reach across the East Coast, eventually specialising in refrigerated transport.

The business has since been passed down through three generations.

Don's son, Donald, took the reins in 1973 and steered the company through a period of modernisation.

After Donald died in 1994, his wife Noelene stepped up and guided the company through redevelopment and further expansion.

By 2021, Don Watson Transport was recognised as Australia's Large Carrier of the Year for its work with the Woolworths Group.


While the official statement cited 'current economic conditions,' the transport and logistics sector has been under immense pressure for years.

Rising fuel costs, increased regulatory requirements, driver shortages, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have all taken their toll on the industry.

For family-run businesses like Don Watson Transport, competing with multinational giants and absorbing these costs could be a bridge too far.

However, the company assured all of their employees that they would receive their full entitlements in accordance with relevant legislation and enterprise agreements.

The fleet, composed of 140 trucks and 170 refrigerated vehicles, will be sold off.


Don Watson Transport's depots and cold storage facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Wodonga would likely be wound down or sold.

For the many businesses that relied on Don Watson Transport, they have been scrambling to find alternative logistics partners.

The transport company's closure has sent ripples through the entire supply chain industry.

It highlighted the fragility of Australia's logistics network and the importance of supporting local businesses.

Let's take a moment to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience of everyone who has been part of the Don Watson Transport's journey.
Have you or someone you know been affected by Don Watson Transport's closure? How do you think this closure will affect your daily or weekly shop? We would love to hear your insights about this news in the comments section below.