National refrigerated transport company, Minus 1, has launched its fully refurbished depot in Rocklea, Queensland, ahead of several other projects planned across Australia.
The Brisbane location now features 4,500 square metres of temperature-controlled warehousing and over 4,000 square metres of parking for Performance-Based Standards (PBS) A-double and B-triple combinations.
It also includes 5,000 storage spaces across freezer, chiller and ambient zones, 10 recessed temperature-controlled loading docks and an on-site workshop.
Minus 1 CEO and Managing Director, Billy Barba, told Trailer that the reconstruction of the purpose-built facility was necessary due to significant growth experienced.
“We had outgrown our old facility,” he said.
“Site restrictions were starting to put pressure on operational performance, and this ultimately led to the need to expand.”
The new facility has since increased Minus 1’s capacity and operational efficiency while also ensuring 100-per-cent cold chain compliance.
“The increased space has had an immediate impact by creating a safer and more efficient working environment for our people,” Barba said.
“With the 10 recessed docks, freight comes in quicker and gets shipped out quicker. This enables greater flexibility for same day inbound deliveries and significantly improved load times for local and long haul drivers.”
Minus 1 is also building a new site in Minchinbury, New South Wales.
The facility will feature 19 recessed loading docks and cross-dock and hardstand areas for trailer parking.
With construction expected to be completed on 23 August 2025, this location alone will bring an additional 17,000 temperature-controlled storage spaces to Minus 1’s network.
Minus 1 will have over 30,000 refrigerated spaces around the country upon its completion.
“Minchinbury will become the mothership of the east coast for interstate operation,” Barba said.
“We aren’t looking to be the biggest in the industry. We do, however, want to be the best.”
Barba told Trailer that there are several other projects in the works as well.
Minus 1 is currently sourcing land to build projects in Adelaide and Perth in 2026.
It is also planning to build a mega depot in northern Victoria in 2028.
“As a business, we need to ensure we not only provide our drivers with the best equipment but we support our network, customers and our people with the best infrastructure,” Barba said.
“These infrastructure projects bring us one step closer to ticking that box nationally.”
