Logistics

The cost of new and second hand vehicles has sky-rocketed, adding to cost-of-living pressures already being experienced by most Australians. This is the reason, writes Vinh Thai.

The vast outback region has been cut off via road in recent days, but this morning floodwaters receded enough for a crucial highway to be reopened.

Road access to the Kimberley towns of Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wyndham has been cut off by flooding across two major highways, although residents are well stocked and prepared for wet season challenges.

National Cyber Security Coordinator, Darren Goldie, says the government is focused on helping the country to be better prepared.

Business reporter Daniel Ziffer says Christmas is not cancelled as Australian operations of global shipping giant DP World systems are back running after a cyber attack.

The Grattan Institute has found the current funding model is making it hard for rural and remote areas to keep their roads in good condition.

DP World is a global behemoth in shipping and logistics. But a cyber attack on its Australian operation has crippled some of our busiest ports in the busy lead up to Christmas.

The ABC's business editor Ian Verrender says Alan Joyce managed to alienate customers, workers and shareholders and it's a miracle he managed to last 15 years in the role.

Australians took to online shopping with gusto during the pandemic, but now they need to brace for rising costs as deliveries become much more expensive.

When major transport and logistics company Scott's Refrigerated collapsed last month, it exacerbated the struggle some small regional businesses have long faced to get their products to larger distribution centres in capital cities.

Roads closed by flooding in the NT have prevented fresh food deliveries to the region for days, leaving locals to "get what you can, and hope for the best".

Supermarket giants Coles and Aldi make contingency plans to protect the supply of goods for customers, as a transport union warns a "rippling effect" could put more jobs in danger.  

The Government is looking at ways to make up for the financial losses from the postal company's letter delivery department.

Residents of several remote communities say they still do not know when they will be allowed to return home, as flooded transport links cause empty supermarket shelves across the border in Western Australia.

A major supermarket is providing financial support to affected workers after the collapse of a trucking company, but farmers are concerned about how much stock will be lost.

The Transport Workers' Union says it will work with receivers to ensure workers are prioritised after Australia's largest cold chain transport operator goes into administration.

Roadworks on the Midland Highway have slowed the drive between Launceston and Hobart for the past eight years, and are set to continue for at least another two years. Laura Beavis reports.

Two farmers join forces to put together and export a 35,000-tonne bulk shipment of milling wheat to Oman in what could be a first for the industry.

Residents in flood-affected parts of the Kimberley are bracing for crucial freight routes to be closed for months. In the mean time, a new route through the heart of the country is proving to be a lifeline.

Competition is heating up in WA’s regional ports for a slice of the resources boom, and some family-operated businesses are being forced out by multinational companies. Andrew Chounding reports.

A small-scale tugboat operator in WA's south-west is struggling to stay afloat as multinational businesses encroach on Australian ports.

As Australians fill their trolleys with Christmas goodies, a timber pallet shortage is putting pressure on the supply chain for consumer goods, prompting calls from industry for government action.

After a wet spring, harvest is finally underway across WA's Wheatbelt with growers anticipating the crop might smash last year's 24 million tonne record. Sophie Johnson reports.

The ABC has been given special access to a hive of activity at Australia Post during the Christmas season.

With a third consecutive La Niña weather event underway, there are concerns not enough is being done to ensure essential goods can continue to be delivered to the Northern Territory in the event of heavy rain.