## Company Profile THORNETT NOMINEES PTY LTD (appears to trade as Global Transport) — Australian freight forwarder. Lead is Scott Thornett, Managing Director (scott@globaltransport.com.au). Public contact evidence at https://www.globaltransport.com.au/contact-us/. Likely offers ocean and air freight forwarding, customs clearance and general logistics services for Australian exporters and importers (small-to-midsize shippers, perishables and containerised cargo). Scale not publicly listed in lead data. ## Pain Points 1) Asia–Australia ocean capacity volatility: elevated blank sailings and surcharge layering in 2026 are creating space risk, schedule unreliability and higher spot costs for exporters — risk of demurrage and missed sailings during peak harvest/export windows. 2) Seasonal export surge for grains (wheat, barley, canola) in 2025/26: large harvest and aggressive early‑season shipments to the Indian sub‑continent will force forwarders to scale bookings, consolidate small growers and manage buyer connections quickly. 3) Rising perishable air export demand from Victoria: Melbourne’s new cold‑chain capacity and freighter apron open growth opportunities but require tight coordination for reefer capacity, air bookings, biosecurity compliance and cross‑border buyer fulfilment — a risk and opportunity if Global Transport lacks a steady pipeline of exporters or buyer contacts. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. MARKET EVENTS – ASIA–AUSTRALIA CONTAINER TRADE 2026 === • Rate level & direction (early–mid 2026) - Official ACCC monitoring shows Asia–Australia import freight rates rose again in early 2025 versus 2024, reversing part‑of the post‑COVID decline; the report notes Asia–Australia import rates were “increasing” through 2025, with further upward pressure expected into 2026 as carriers manage capacity. ([accc.gov.au](https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/container-stevedoring-monitoring-report-2024-25.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Broader global benchmarks (Drewry / Freightos as tracked in 2026 market commentaries) indicate spot rates on major East–West trades in March–May 2026 around USD 2,200–2,400/FEU on some lanes, with fuel-driven surcharges (Emergency Fuel Surcharges, Peak Season Surcharges) re‑emerging. While these are not Asia–Australia specific, they signal a firmer floor under ocean rates globally. ([thedcn.com.au](https://www.thedcn.com.au/news/world-container-index-12-february-2026?utm_source=openai)) • Capacity & blank sailings on Asia–Australia imports - Australian freight intelligence sources report that inbound blank sailings to Australia remain elevated in 2026 instead of normalizing: - April 2026 market update puts Australia‑inbound blank sailings at 11.9% of scheduled arrivals, higher than the 9.5% seen during the Lunar New Year period, indicating carriers are continuing to pull capacity to defend rates even in supposedly softer months. ([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/news/regional-deep-dive-australia-surcharges-blank-sailings-april-2026-04-16?utm_source=openai)) - A global transportation market report (Feb 2026) notes that any short‑term rate support is likely to come from blank sailings, highlighting that ocean carriers are actively using tactical cancellations as the main lever to balance supply and demand across East–West trades. ([aitworldwide.com](https://www.aitworldwide.com/getContentAsset/4ebc6f8a-8254-4edb-896e-2a4f99b96f60/c204d644-0ccb-43d4-a505-69664b0a9bc3/AIT-Global-Transportation-Market-Report-February-2026-pdf.pdf?language=en-US&utm_source=openai)) • Utilisation, equipment and service conditions - Australia‑focused freight briefings in Q1–Q2 2026 describe: - “Equipment still tight in key box types” (especially certain reefer and 40HC equipment) despite softer demand. - “Surcharge layering still active” on Asia–Australia lanes (fuel, congestion, peak season or capacity‑related charges), adding cost on top of base ocean rates. ([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/news/regional-deep-dive-australia-surcharges-blank-sailings-april-2026-04-16?utm_source=openai)) - A broader late‑2025 / 2026 outlook from an Australian logistics provider notes “high container utilisation pressure”, with strong import demand in machinery, industrial equipment and consumer goods keeping utilisation high into 2026. ([controlgl.com](https://controlgl.com/blog/australias-rising-import-commodities-late-2025-trends-2026-outlook/?utm_source=openai)) • Import volume outlook for Australia (to 2026) - Infrastructure Australia’s container ports analysis projects strong structural growth in containerised imports at major ports: - By 2029–30, containerised imports at Brisbane, Fremantle and Adelaide are forecast to grow by about 34%, 55% and 66% respectively (from 2018–19 baselines), driven mainly by continued reliance on imported manufactured goods. ([infrastructureaustralia.gov.au](https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/ipl/ports-capacity-and-connectivity/maritime-ports-containers?utm_source=openai)) - Deloitte trade‑forecast work for Port of Melbourne (largest container port) indicates positive growth for full containerised inward flows over the forecast period, with annual growth rates for full outward containers in the ~1.4–1.8% range; inward flows are higher and import‑led. This supports a continued volume growth trajectory for Asia–Australia trade into the mid‑2020s, even with cyclical softness. ([esc.vic.gov.au](https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/PoM-2023-24-TCS-Appendix-M-Deloitte-Trade-Forecasts-Summary-Report-20230519.pdf?utm_source=openai)) • 2026 risk factors to watch - Elevated fuel prices and geopolitical disruptions (e.g., in the Strait of Hormuz) are feeding directly into Emergency Fuel Surcharges and general rate increases on main East–West trades, and the same cost drivers are being passed through on Asia–Australia corridors. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1t6bg7e/drewry_world_container_index_excerpt_the_drewry/?utm_source=openai)) - Carriers are signaling willingness to maintain or increase blank sailings during traditionally low‑demand periods, implying continued volatility in vessel schedule reliability and periodic space crunches for importers into Australia through 2026. ([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/news/regional-deep-dive-australia-surcharges-blank-sailings-april-2026-04-16?utm_source=openai)) === 2. COMMODITY TRENDS – AUSTRALIAN WHEAT & BARLEY 2025/26–2026 === • Production outlook 2025/26 (harvest feeding into 2026 exports) - ABARES and USDA/FAS forecasts for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 point to a strong winter crop after the 2023–24 drought‑affected season: - Wheat: ABARES places 2025/26 wheat production about 4% higher than the prior year at ~35.6 million tonnes, still below the record La Niña years but comfortably above the 10‑year average. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/121525-commodities-2026-australia-to-reap-larger-wheat-crop-export-restrictions-to-counter-supply-pressure?utm_source=openai)) - Barley: USDA FAS (Canberra Grain & Feed Update) forecasts barley production at a record level in MY 2025/26, with strong exportable surplus. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Grain+and+Feed+Update_Canberra_Australia_AS2025-0025&utm_source=openai)) - GIWA’s Western Australia update (largest export state) projects for 2025/26: - 13.1 million tonnes of wheat, - 7.5 million tonnes of barley (record), - 4.3 million tonnes of canola, reflecting an improved seasonal outlook as the winter progressed. ([indexbox.io](https://www.indexbox.io/blog/western-australia-forecasts-record-202526-grain-harvest/?utm_source=openai)) • Export volumes and destinations - USDA FAS and ABARES September 2025 outlook indicate: - Wheat exports in 2025/26 expected to “remain above average” due to strong production and exportable supplies, even as global prices soften. ([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai)) - Gross value of barley production projected to rise by about 7% to AUD 4.4 billion in 2025/26 on increased output and a favourable export mix (feed and malting), supporting higher export tonnages. ([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai)) - Trade commentary on exports to the Indian sub‑continent notes: - Wheat exports from Australia in Oct–Nov 2025 (start of 2025/26 marketing year) reached ~2.84 million tonnes, up 1.71 million tonnes (+66%) versus the same months of 2024/25, reflecting aggressive early‑season shipments. ([sharp-blue.com.au](https://www.sharp-blue.com.au/grain-exports-to-the-indian-sub-continent-in-2026-changes-and-impact-on-australian-agricultural-exports/?utm_source=openai)) - Robust Australian surpluses coincide with production shortfalls in Pakistan (2025 crop down to ~27.5 Mt from 31.6 Mt), increasing regional demand for Australian wheat and barley through 2026. ([sharp-blue.com.au](https://www.sharp-blue.com.au/grain-exports-to-the-indian-sub-continent-in-2026-changes-and-impact-on-australian-agricultural-exports/?utm_source=openai)) • Price environment - ABARES agricultural commodities outlook to 2025–26 shows: - The value of total agricultural exports projected to fall ~3% to AUD 74.6 billion in 2025/26, largely on lower prices despite high volumes. ([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai)) - Bank‑sector 2026 agriculture outlooks for Australia highlight: - Wheat prices facing “near‑term harvest pressure” in late 2025 and early 2026, but stabilising on the back of strong export programs. - Barley and canola dominating Q1 export value, with barley benefiting from both volume growth and relatively better margins versus wheat. ([bendigobank.com.au](https://www.bendigobank.com.au/siteassets/business/industries/agribusiness/agriculture-insights/_reports/2026-australian-agriculture-outlook.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Export advisory notes warn that as prices fall, growers are likely to face tighter margins on wheat specifically, with profitability models suggesting canola and barley may outperform wheat in 2025/26; this may encourage some shift away from wheat acreage even in high‑production years. ([sharp-blue.com.au](https://www.sharp-blue.com.au/grain-exports-to-the-indian-sub-continent-in-2026-changes-and-impact-on-australian-agricultural-exports/?utm_source=openai)) • Weather, El Niño / climate drivers into 2026 - The drought/el Niño impact visible in 2023–24 has eased: - ABARES reports “average to above‑average winter rainfall” across most cropping regions for 2025/26, improving soil moisture and yield potential versus the previous dry cycle. ([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai)) - The 2025–26 Australian cyclone season shows reasonably high accumulated cyclone energy, consistent with warm waters around Australia; this is more supportive of neutral to wetter patterns in some grain belts compared to a severe El Niño signal, though localised flooding risks remain. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%9326_Australian_region_cyclone_season?utm_source=openai)) - Net effect for 2026: baseline forecasts now anticipate a large wheat crop and record barley crop feeding strong export programs, with climatic risk skewed more toward occasional heavy rain / logistics disruption rather than widespread drought‑driven crop failure, at least for the 2025/26 season now underway. ([indexbox.io](https://www.indexbox.io/blog/western-australia-forecasts-record-202526-grain-harvest/?utm_source=openai)) === 3. DEMAND SIGNALS – MELBOURNE TULLAMARINE AIR CARGO & PERISHABLES 2025–2026 === • Structural cargo role & capacity - Melbourne Airport handles the largest international freight volume of any Australian airport and is responsible for close to one‑third of Australia’s air freight by volume. Around 85% of international air freight through Melbourne travels in the belly‑hold of passenger aircraft rather than dedicated freighters, aligning cargo capacity closely with passenger network recovery. ([melbourneairport.com.au](https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/_assets/be08d7b0-97a1-02f9-2be6-a0c139c3c337/a0b35829-e859-4e8c-9a5d-e343fa42ae9c/MA_3R_Fact_Sheet_Freight_at_MA%20FINAL.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopBK9BBttOVPjstHuHu38Yq5_9KvBiyXQcBoiM2fW8bkDUp4Rvb&utm_source=openai)) • Perishable export capacity & recent investments - A major cold‑chain expansion at Melbourne Airport went live in September 2025: - Seafrigo / Mode Logistics opened a 10,000 m² temperature‑controlled export facility at the airport, quadrupling the size of its previous site. - The facility includes frozen, chilled and ambient zones with biosecurity‑compliant design. - The operator’s airfreight business is around 90% export‑focused, handling meat, fresh and frozen fish, dairy, horticultural goods and supermarket items for air export – with the new facility explicitly aimed at serving Middle Eastern and Asian markets. ([aircargonews.net](https://www.aircargonews.net/freight-forwarders/mode-logistics-quadruples-melbourne-airport-perishables-capacity/1080631.article?utm_source=openai)) - This capacity expansion, combined with the freighter apron, signals strong confidence in growth of high‑value, time‑sensitive perishables and grocery items exported by air from Victoria and surrounding states over the next several years. • Cargo mix and growth signals into 2026 - Melbourne Airport freight fact‑sheets highlight: - Key export categories include meat, dairy, fresh produce, seafood, live animals and pharmaceuticals, plus high‑value manufactured and e‑commerce consignments. - Freight flows draw not only from Victoria but also South Australia and Tasmania, consolidating perishable exports from a wider catchment. ([melbourneairport.com.au](https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/_assets/be08d7b0-97a1-02f9-2be6-a0c139c3c337/a0b35829-e859-4e8c-9a5d-e343fa42ae9c/MA_3R_Fact_Sheet_Freight_at_MA%20FINAL.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopBK9BBttOVPjstHuHu38Yq5_9KvBiyXQcBoiM2fW8bkDUp4Rvb&utm_source=openai)) - With international passenger capacity still normalising but broadly recovered by 2025, the 85% belly‑hold share implies that any further step‑up in long‑haul passenger services in 2026 (especially to Asia and the Middle East) will directly translate into incremental air‑cargo capacity for exporters. ([melbourneairport.com.au](https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/_assets/be08d7b0-97a1-02f9-2be6-a0c139c3c337/a0b35829-e859-4e8c-9a5d-e343fa42ae9c/MA_3R_Fact_Sheet_Freight_at_MA%20FINAL.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopBK9BBttOVPjstHuHu38Yq5_9KvBiyXQcBoiM2fW8bkDUp4Rvb&utm_source=openai)) • E‑commerce and integrator / postal freight - Melbourne hosts major integrator and postal facilities, including a large Australia Post gateway and DHL’s presence on‑airport, which together support growing cross‑border e‑commerce flows. ([melbourneairport.com.au](https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/freight?utm_source=openai)) - Although specific 2026 tonnage for e‑commerce is not yet published, the continuing build‑out of dedicated logistics facilities (postal, express and temperature‑controlled) alongside the freighter apron suggests: - Ongoing shift toward higher‑frequency, smaller shipments, - Rising share of e‑commerce parcels in overall international air freight, particularly on Asia–Melbourne lanes that are also important for perishables in the opposite direction. ([melbourneairport.com.au](https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/freight?utm_source=openai)) • Summary demand view for 2026 - For 2026, leading indicators at Melbourne Tullamarine point to: - Steady to growing total air‑cargo throughput as passenger capacity fully normalises and new freighter and warehouse capacity is utilised. - Strong upside in chilled and frozen food exports, supported by the quadrupled perishables warehousing footprint and freighter apron. - Continued growth in e‑commerce and small‑parcel freight via integrators and postal channels, reinforcing Melbourne’s role as a key Asia‑Pacific air‑cargo hub for both imports and exports. ([melbourneairport.com.au](https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/freight?utm_source=openai)) Sources: • Container stevedoring monitoring report 2024–25 De https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/container-stevedoring-monitoring-report-2024-25.pdf?utm_source=openai • World Container Index – 12 February 2026 https://www.thedcn.com.au/news/world-container-index-12-february-2026?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/news/regional-deep-dive-australia-surcharges-blank-sailings-april-2026-04-16?utm_source=openai • GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION MARKET REPORT https://www.aitworldwide.com/getContentAsset/4ebc6f8a-8254-4edb-896e-2a4f99b96f60/c204d644-0ccb-43d4-a505-69664b0a9bc3/AIT-Global-Transportation-Market-Report-February-2026-pdf.pdf?language=en-US&utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/news/regional-deep-dive-australia-surcharges-blank-sailings-april-2026-04-16?utm_source=openai • COMMODITIES 2026: Australia to reap larger wheat crop, export restrictions to counter supply pressure | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/121525-commodities-2026-australia-to-reap-larger-wheat-crop-export-restrictions-to-counter-supply-pressure?utm_source=openai • Required Report: Required - Public Distribution https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Grain+and+Feed+Update_Canberra_Australia_AS2025-0025&utm_source=openai • WA Forecasts Record Grain Harvest in 2025/26 Season | GIWA Report - News and Statistics - IndexBox https://www.indexbox.io/blog/western-australia-forecasts-record-202526-grain-harvest/?utm_source=openai • Agricultural Commodities Report September 2025 - DAFF https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai • Agricultural Commodities Report September 2025 - DAFF https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai • Grain Exports to the Indian Sub-Continent in 2026: Changes and Impact on Australian Agricultural Exports - Sharp Blue https://www.sharp-blue.com.au/grain-exports-to-the-indian-sub-continent-in-2026-changes-and-impact-on-australian-agricultural-exports/?utm_source=openai • Grain Exports to the Indian Sub-Continent in 2026: Changes and Impact on Australian Agricultural Exports - Sharp Blue https://www.sharp-blue.com.au/grain-exports-to-the-indian-sub-continent-in-2026-changes-and-impact-on-australian-agricultural-exports/?utm_source=openai • Agricultural Commodities Report September 2025 - DAFF https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai • 2026 Australian Agriculture Outlook https://www.bendigobank.com.au/siteassets/business/industries/agribusiness/agriculture-insights/_reports/2026-australian-agriculture-outlook.pdf?utm_source=openai • Grain Exports to the Indian Sub-Continent in 2026: Changes and Impact on Australian Agricultural Exports - Sharp Blue https://www.sharp-blue.com.au/grain-exports-to-the-indian-sub-continent-in-2026-changes-and-impact-on-australian-agricultural-exports/?utm_source=openai • Agricultural Commodities Report September 2025 - DAFF https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/september-2025?utm_source=openai • 2025–26 Australian region cyclone season https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%9326_Australian_region_cyclone_season?utm_source=openai • WA Forecasts Record Grain Harvest in 2025/26 Season | GIWA Report - News and Statistics - IndexBox https://www.indexbox.io/blog/western-australia-forecasts-record-202526-grain-harvest/?utm_source=openai • Freight at https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/_assets/be08d7b0-97a1-02f9-2be6-a0c139c3c337/a0b35829-e859-4e8c-9a5d-e343fa42ae9c/MA_3R_Fact_Sheet_Freight_at_MA%20FINAL.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopBK9BBttOVPjstHuHu38Yq5_9KvBiyXQcBoiM2fW8bkDUp4Rvb&utm_source=openai • Freight | Melbourne Airport https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/freight?utm_source=openai • Mode Logistics expands Melbourne Airport operations with new 10,000 sq m temperature-controlled export facility | Air Cargo News https://www.aircargonews.net/freight-forwarders/mode-logistics-quadruples-melbourne-airport-perishables-capacity/1080631.article?utm_source=openai • Freight at https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/_assets/be08d7b0-97a1-02f9-2be6-a0c139c3c337/a0b35829-e859-4e8c-9a5d-e343fa42ae9c/MA_3R_Fact_Sheet_Freight_at_MA%20FINAL.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopBK9BBttOVPjstHuHu38Yq5_9KvBiyXQcBoiM2fW8bkDUp4Rvb&utm_source=openai • Freight | Melbourne Airport https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/freight?utm_source=openai • Freight at https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/_assets/be08d7b0-97a1-02f9-2be6-a0c139c3c337/a0b35829-e859-4e8c-9a5d-e343fa42ae9c/MA_3R_Fact_Sheet_Freight_at_MA%20FINAL.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopBK9BBttOVPjstHuHu38Yq5_9KvBiyXQcBoiM2fW8bkDUp4Rvb&utm_source=openai • Freight | Melbourne Airport https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/freight?utm_source=openai