Freight between Tasmania and mainland Australia is unlike any other supply chain in the country. Whether you are a local producer shipping fresh goods to Melbourne or a mainland manufacturer delivering machinery to Hobart, every shipment requires careful planning. Crossing Bass Strait means factoring in transport modes, transit schedules, and costs.
A key advantage for many Tasmanian businesses is the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES), which can reduce the cost of moving eligible goods. Understanding your transport options, the cost factors involved, and how TFES works can help you make smarter, more competitive freight decisions.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest option, ideal for urgent or high-value goods. Same-day and next-day services operate between Tasmania and major mainland hubs. This is well-suited for time-sensitive shipments such as medical supplies, perishable produce, and critical spare parts. The trade-off is that air freight is usually the most expensive mode per kilogram, so it’s best reserved for freight where speed is the highest priority.
Sea Freight
Shipping across Bass Strait is the most cost-effective method for large volumes. Daily sailings between Tasmanian ports and Melbourne allow for consistent scheduling. Sea freight is commonly used for palletised goods, bulk commodities, or full container loads (FCL). Transit times are longer than air but offer significant savings on a per-unit basis, especially for heavy or bulky shipments.
Road Freight
Road freight is typically combined with sea freight to provide a true door-to-door service. Once goods arrive at the mainland port, road transport connects them to destinations across Australia. Similarly, road networks within Tasmania deliver freight beyond Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport. Costs vary depending on distance, urgency, and whether express linehaul or standard delivery is used.
Several variables affect the cost of moving freight between Tasmania and the mainland:
Mode of transport – Air is fastest but most expensive, sea is cost-effective for volume, and road adds final-leg costs.
Shipment size and weight – Larger and heavier consignments are more economical per unit on sea freight compared to air.
Frequency – Regular or contracted shipments can secure better rates.
Special handling requirements – Temperature-controlled freight, dangerous goods, or oversized loads can add surcharges.
Seasonality and demand – Peak periods can affect both availability and pricing, particularly for air and sea bookings.
Choosing the right mix of speed and cost is key. Many businesses use a hybrid approach — moving bulk stock by sea while using air for urgent replenishments.
The TFES is a Federal Government initiative designed to help offset the cost of moving eligible goods between Tasmania and mainland Australia. By subsidising part of the freight cost for sea transport, it helps level the playing field for Tasmanian businesses competing in interstate markets.
Who Can Benefit?
The scheme applies to both northbound (Tasmania to mainland) and southbound (mainland to Tasmania) freight in specific categories, including many agricultural products, manufactured goods, and building materials.
How We Support You
Factoring TFES rebates into your freight planning can make a significant difference to overall costs. For example, a Tasmanian food manufacturer sending multiple pallets to Melbourne each week could save hundreds of dollars per shipment, freeing up budget to reinvest in production or expand into new markets.
We partner with trusted TFES claims specialists who can:
Identify which of your goods qualify
Assist with preparing and lodging claims
Track and reconcile rebates to ensure you receive the full amount
Tasmanian freight is about more than getting goods from A to B. It requires careful consideration of transport modes, cost efficiency, and available support such as TFES. With the right planning and partnerships, you can ensure your freight arrives on time, on budget, and ready for market — whether it crosses Bass Strait daily or only when your business needs it.
Need reliable Tasmania freight solutions? Speak to our team today today.