Transways managed the shore-to-site delivery of mass timber for the University of Newcastle Central Coast Campus, ensuring cost control, risk mitigation, and on-time installation.
Transways Logistics International
For Gosford Central, the ambition to deliver a large-scale, low-carbon building using internationally sourced CLT and GLT introduced a supply-chain task spanning continents, ports and tightly sequenced construction windows. More than 30 shipping containers travelled across 11 international routes, carrying precision-engineered timber elements that demanded absolute certainty in timing, handling and storage.
While Hansen Yuncken coordinated global procurement and digital tracking, the project’s success ultimately relied on what happened once those containers reached Australian shores. From customs clearance and bio-security compliance to unpacking, storage and just-in-time delivery, the margin for error was slim. Any delay, damage or misalignment in logistics risked disrupting the build program and undermining the efficiencies of mass-timber construction.
Transways Logistics International was a critical delivery partner, tasked with managing the full post-port logistics process, providing an end-to-end freight solution that transformed a complex international supply chain into a controlled, predictable workflow. “Our scope included customs and quarantine lodgement and clearance, fumigation for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), unpacking timber sleds from containers, storage and weatherproofing, and delivery to site in Gosford,” Transways CEO Ben Langshaw said.
While the job didn’t involve oversized cargo, the unpacking of the timber sleds required a specialised approach, as well as temporary storage. The timber sleds weighed up to 20 tonnes each and required a yard with heavy machinery capable of unpacking the sleds. “We had to ensure the yard was set up with a dedicated set-down area and heavy machinery large enough to drag out the sleds safely,” Ben explained.
To maintain efficiency and cost control, Transways divided the logistics workflow between Sydney-based partners for wharf operations and local Central Coast contractors for last-mile delivery, a model that proved both agile and economical.
Weather also played a factor, especially given the project’s coastal location. “We needed to plan for potential site shutdowns due to high winds,” Ben noted. “Our strategy included contingencies for secure overnight storage if deliveries had to be paused.”
Transways worked closely with Hansen Yuncken, holding weekly scheduling meetings and providing 36-hour advance delivery forecasts. “It wasn’t our first project with Hansen Yuncken,” Ben said. “We’ve developed a strong working relationship built on mutual understanding of how each team operates. That familiarity allowed us to respond quickly to late changes and keep the site running smoothly.”
Transways’ scope extended beyond functioning solely as a logistics provider, the team provided strategic planning and transparent cost modelling and focused delivery framework that strengthened cost control and reduced procurement risk.
“We provided Hansen Yuncken with an upfront forecast budget based on the install sequence and updated it weekly, showing when peak storage periods ended and when we could deliver to site,” said Ben.
Transways also saved money by managing fumigation domestically, rather than in Europe, and minimised container detention charges by strategically using ‘free days’ for short-term storage before returning containers to shipping lines.
“We’re proud of how clearly we were able to outline all logistics costs, including those outside of our own fees,” Ben explained. “Many builders aren’t familiar with the financial responsibilities of importing materials. We help them understand the true landed cost, including duty, GST, and shipping charges, giving them confidence to buy mass timber on CIF terms.”
This partnership approach has made Transways a trusted logistics partner for Hansen Yuncken and other leading builders. “We pride ourselves on knowing building sites,” Ben said. “After 15 years managing logistics for mass timber and curtain wall projects, our senior leadership team has the experience to identify potential pain points before they become problems.”
“Our fingerprints are on every part of the job,” Ben concluded. “That’s what ensures every shipment, and every project, runs smoothly from the first container to the final delivery.”
For more information contact Transways Logistics International, Unit 18, 198-222 Young Street, Waterloo NSW 2017, phone 02 9319 9600, website www.transways.com.au
