Our History
About
Russell Transport
Ever since Roy founded the company back in 1925, the Russell family has remained squarely behind the wheel of Russell Transport Pty Ltd. Roy was first joined by Beryl, his wife, in laying the foundations for the success of the business, which their son Phil took over in 1971. This brought on the next level of growth and development, including the ownership of Metro-Lift Cranes, Caloundra General Transport, Bayley Industrial and Lytton Industrial.
Continuing in the tradition, three of Phil's children are now working in the business and stand poised to oversee the next exciting chapter of the Russell Group of Company's history.
Continuing in the tradition, three of Phil's children are now working in the business and stand poised to oversee the next exciting chapter of the Russell Group of Company's history.
The russell group
1925s
Established in 1925 by Roy Bayley Russell, with an initial contract for the distribution of motor spirit for Dalgety & Co, who had just been appointed the Queensland agent for the Commonwealth Oil Refineries. The company operated under the name R.B. Russell Transport.1930s
By 1930, the transport fleet had expanded to include three trucks based in a warehouse on New Farm Wharf. We carried out deliveries to Chermside in the north, Mt Gravatt in the south and to Moorooka.
Metropolitan Carriers Pty Ltd was originally incorporated in Queensland in 1936, operating as a master carrier in Brisbane, specialising in wool carrying.1940-50s
Further expansion over the next 20 years saw our fleet grow to 12 trucks, with our cargo including wool as well as motor spirit. As the business continued to flourish, we purchased land in Macquarie Street, New Farm, constructing a specialised workshop to service our fleet.1960s
By 1965, we’d added an office and a whole new yard to accommodate our now 20-strong fleet. In 1967, Metropolitan Carriers was sold off by owner Frank Vaughan, and purchased by Roy Russell to form part of the growing Russell Transport Group.1970S
In 1970, we purchased land in Fison Avenue, Eagle Farm, relocating in 1971 with 19 trucks, 3 semi-trailers, two cranes and 17 employees. At the age of 70, Roy passed the daily running of the business to his son, Philip, although he continued to provide valued advice and assistance well into his 80s. Roy Bayley Russell – 1900-1987 In 1979, Neville Weyer started a business called Caloundra Transport operating in palletised liquor and furniture removals on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.1990s
Russell Transport commenced a series of acquisitions and expansion of complimentary markets.- In September 1991, Metropolitan Carriers Pty Ltd commenced trading as Metro-Lift Cranes. The business launched with four 12T Franna Cranes, and the following year saw the addition of two hydraulic slew cranes.
- In 1994, Russell Transport acquired the palletised liquor portion from Neville Weyer, and the business operated under the trading name of Caloundra General Transport.
2000S
Expansion and development of the groups Quality systems and alignment with the industry’s Trucksafe system. Continued fleet growth including expansion of the Crane fleet and additional contract heavy vehicle fleets commenced in steel contracts in South East Queensland.- Caloundra General Transport moves to a custom built facility in Warana.
- In 2008 Russell Transport opens a custom built Port precinct terminal opening the market to Customs bond yard, Quarantine facilities and direct access to wharf.
2010S
Alignment to AS4801 OHS Management systems – later to become ISO45001.- Caloundra General Transport moves locations to larger custom built facility at Corbould Park in 2015. This facility provides more secure premises, undercover loading and easy access to B'Double configurations from the depot to the highway. Crane Hire business evolves into a Dry Hire fleet of cranes in 2018. In 2019, Caloundra General Transport expanded scope of work to support deliveries on the Gold Coast of palletised liquor.
- Introduction of specialised Lift and Lock system to support specialised lift movements off transport and onto site installation.
2020S
Expansion of contract fleets supporting deliveries across SE Qld, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mt Isa as well as new contracts in Adelaide, South Australia in 2022.- In 2025 the company celebrated 100 years in operation.