Moving Australia's Freight Since 1998
What started as a single prime mover running the Sydney–Melbourne corridor has grown into one of Australia's most trusted linehaul and refrigerated transport companies — 120+ trucks, 280+ trailers, and a team of over 400 people who take pride in every load.
Former long-haul driver turned entrepreneur. Harry built HB Trans from the ground up and remains the heart of the company's culture.
Our Story
HB Trans was founded in 1998 by Harry Chahal, a former long-haul driver who knew there was a better way to run a transport business — one built on reliability, honesty, and genuine care for customers' freight. Starting with a single Kenworth and a handshake agreement with a Melbourne produce wholesaler, Harry built the business run by run.
By 2005, HB Trans had expanded to 20 vehicles and opened its first Melbourne depot. The refrigerated division launched in 2009, responding to growing demand from food manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies who needed a cold chain partner they could trust. Today, HB Trans operates from depots in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, covering every state and territory.
26 Years on the Road
Founded by Harry Chahal with one prime mover on the Sydney–Melbourne run
Fleet reaches 10 vehicles; first interstate linehaul contracts secured
Melbourne depot opens; B-double capability introduced
Refrigerated division launched with 12 reefer trailers
Brisbane depot opens; fleet surpasses 50 prime movers
Perth depot established; nationwide coverage achieved
Customer portal and real-time temperature telemetry rolled out fleet-wide
Fleet reaches 120+ prime movers; electric vehicle trials begin
Our Values
Reliability
99.8% on-time delivery isn't a marketing claim — it's the standard our drivers and operations team hold themselves to every single day.
Integrity
We say what we'll do and we do what we say. No surprises on invoices, no excuses when things go wrong — just honest communication and fast resolution.
Safety
Every driver, every load, every kilometre. Our safety culture goes beyond compliance — it's the foundation everything else is built on.
Innovation
From real-time temperature telemetry to EV trials, we invest in technology that makes freight smarter, greener, and more transparent for our customers.
Leadership Team
Former long-haul driver turned entrepreneur. Harry built HB Trans from the ground up and remains the heart of the company's culture.
Claire joined the business in 2010 and led the refrigerated division's expansion before taking the CEO role in 2019.
25 years in transport logistics. Marcus oversees fleet operations, depot management, and the national linehaul schedule.
Priya leads HB Trans's digital transformation — from the customer portal to EV fleet integration and predictive maintenance systems.
Committed to a Cleaner Road
We know transport has an environmental footprint. That's why we're investing in Euro 6 prime movers, aerodynamic trailer packages, driver eco-training, and active trials of electric and hydrogen vehicles — because the road ahead has to be cleaner than the one behind us.
Accreditations
Our Depots
Ready to Partner with HB Trans?
Whether you're moving a single pallet or building a long-term freight contract, our team is ready to put together a solution that works for your business.