Cochrane's Transport

Independent and locally owned, Cochrane's Transport is SA's leading express parcel and transport service provider. 

We have more than 45 years' experience delivering across Adelaide and Regional SA plus Mildura and Broken Hill.

Our History

In 1974, Peter Cochrane and his wife Christine purchased two trucks to deliver the Australian Women's Weekly. Based in their garage in suburban Adelaide, the couple slowly built the business by adding other magazines titles and newspapers to their delivery runs.

Their delivery network also grew to include regional areas, with a focus on express services to cater for the time-sensitive nature of newspapers and other print media.

The need for greater warehousing capacity saw the business move in 1979 to rented premises on South Road at Richmond.  Staff were gradually brought on board to help with the packing of magazines, unloading inbound trucks and loading outbound drivers.

Continued growth and the addition of more warehousing customers including those in the whitegoods, hardware and food and beverage industries saw the business move to larger premises twice more before purchasing its own warehouse in Jervois Street, Torrensville in 1986.

The business grew significantly at its new site, with two new warehouses constructed on the premises over the next five years.  An onsite mechanical workshop was also added along with fleet support vehicles to ensure minimal downtime and to support the express on-road operations.

In 2008 regional transport business Hutchcorp was acquired, a move that strengthened Riverland and South East operations. 

Regional parcel business Northern Kope Parcel Express was acquired in 2011 and fully integrated and branded into Cochrane's Transport in 2015, making Cochrane's the leading supplier of express parcel and transport services in regional South Australia.

November 2017 saw the acquisition of Whyalla-based Scholz Transport Services, (STS), strengthening the northern network with operations throughout the Iron Triangle, Eyre Peninsula, and Upper North of South Australia.  STS was originally established in 1997 by Dave and Eddie Scholz, providing overnight general and express freight services along with heavy haulage capability for their region. STS was fully integrated and branded into Cochrane’s Transport in 2020.

2020 also saw the completion of and the move to Cochrane Transport’s new, purpose-built 37,000 sqm facility at Bedford Street, Gillman.

The new location gives closer proximity to highest volume customers and provides 30% more storage capacity plus a drive-through truck wash, onsite mechanical workshop, gas and diesel fuel supply, axle weigh bridge and adjustable loading dock.

Peter Cochrane, now in his 70s continues to be very hands-on, working alongside his staff daily ensuring that his high standards and strong work ethic are maintained. Daughters Jodie and Rebecca also work in the business with a focus on innovation and investment to ensure its continued growth and success for future generations.