Mainfreight began its operations in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1978, soon growing into New Zealand’s most extensive freight network.  A shift in focus, in 1984, saw the opening of the first Mainfreight International branch.

Investment in Australian operations began in 1989 driven by a desire to treat New Zealand and Australia as a single market.  Mainfreight’s presence in Australia continued to expand through both acquisition and branch proliferation across strategic locations.