OUR STORY

Tatiara Transport is a second-generation family owned and operated business, founded by John Schneider in the 1950s. John was local to the West Wimmera region of Victoria, growing up just over the border from what has become our Bordertown depot. His passion for riding motorbikes saw him spend countless hours on the road; a pastime that soon grew beyond two wheels and handlebars.

John purchased his first truck in 1948, when broad acre land clearing for agricultural development in the area saw an increase demand for road transport. He began carting Mallee tree stumps to the Nhill Hospital in Western Victoria, where they were burned for heating. These simple beginnings ignited John’s love for trucks while laying the foundation of what would soon become Tatiara Transport. 

John then began regular linehaul operations across the South Australian/Victorian border, stocking his brother’s hardware store with building supplies, despite the railway holding strict authority over trans-border freight during the time. By seizing upon the exception that permitted road transport of industrial commodities, John secured Tatiara Transport’s future in the industry. Before long, the business expanded its services across Melbourne, Adelaide and everywhere in between, while evolving from general freight management to include temperature-controlled freight. This growth continued, with John’s son Mark following closely in his footsteps and establishing a partnership with Bordertown JBS, which entailed daily refrigerated linehaul services.     

Over time, Tatiara Transport’s dedication built a reputation for reliability and customer service, a legacy now in the hands of Mark and Tracey. Based in Bordertown, Tatiara Transport remains proudly South Australian and a privately owned and family operated business, carrying forward a tradition of hard work and transport excellence for over 75 years.