Redefining location-based heavy cargo logistics
With industries under increasing pressure to boost productivity and reduce operational costs, Freightquip is redefining location-based heavy cargo logistics through its advanced Translifter and cassette systems—delivering smarter, more sustainable freight handling solutions across Oceania.
As heavy manufacturing industries around the world continue to evolve, the demand for more efficient logistics solutions has never been higher.
Freightquip, a leading provider of equipment for the industrial, port, and rail sectors in Australia and New Zealand, offers innovative logistics solutions with its extensive range of Liftec Translifters and Novatech Lift Trailers. These solutions provide not only operational efficiency but also long-term cost savings, making Freightquip a trusted partner in heavy cargo handling.
The unmatched efficiency of Translifters
In the past, heavy cargo logistics relied on multiple powered vehicles, each requiring operators, maintenance, and fuel, leading to high operational costs and inefficiencies.
With the advent of Translifters, businesses have streamlined their operations by using a single, versatile machine with modular cassettes, reducing equipment needs, labour, and downtime. Translifters enable continuous movement of different cargo types with minimal resources, offering a practical, efficient solution to modern industrial logistics challenges.
Designed and manufactured by Novatech Group in Europe, Translifter’s unique hydraulic suspension and self-steering capabilities make it highly adaptable for complex industrial environments- whether operating in steelworks, shipping port, rail terminal or manufacturing facilities, it seamlessly moves between loading and unloading areas, optimising time and resource efficiency.
“Translifters are designed for 24/7 operations,” said Maarten van der Vorst, General Manager – Industrial and Port Division at Freightquip. “What sets them apart is their ability to dramatically reduce capital, operational and maintenance costs by keeping the vital assets in motion, while the cost-effective cassettes can be staged at the loading and unloading points – compared to the traditional dump truck model with each having an engine, driveline and an operator.”
The concept of multiple cassettes, paired with the Translifter, offers a unique and tailored solution for moving bulk materials, specialised cargo, large structures or even containers
Unlocking adaptability with customisable cassettes
The heart of the Translifter concept lies in the adaptability of the cassettes. These act as static load tables, staged strategically around a site to minimise waiting times of the terminal tractor and operator and eliminate the need for multiple powered vehicles.
Cassettes can be customised to handle a variety of cargo types, from steel coils to scrap metal or any other bulk industrial materials, making them an invaluable asset in industries that demand flexibility and reliability.
Moreover, often there is a need for different types of cargo handling, which can now be conducted with one Translifter using a variety of different cassette types, covering all site-based logistics activities.
“A Translifter with cassettes provides businesses the ability to significantly reduce the number of powered equipment on site,” explained Steve Lipple, Business Development Manager at Freightquip.
“We have customers using cassettes with heat beds in high-temperature environments moving slag pots, as well as in industries that require products and raw materials to be moved over long distances. One of our customers is using their Translifter as a mobile lifting platform and has built their entire fabrication processes around this critical piece of equipment.”
A unique feature of the tipping cassettes is that all hydraulics and electrical systems, including the tipping cylinders, are located on the Translifter, so that the cassettes remain a relatively simple mechanical structure, eliminating multiplication of expensive
hydraulic systems. This approach allows businesses to optimise their logistic processes, significantly reduce operating costs, and improve safety in their daily operations. Typically, after the initial commissioning, customers often add different cassette types for additional logistics tasks, to leverage the efficiency and versatility of the Translifter.
With a growing portfolio of satisfied clients and a track record of success in heavy cargo handling, Freightquip is set to continue leading the way in transforming logistics for the future.
Looking ahead
As businesses across the industrial landscape continue to look for ways to optimise their operations, Freightquip’s Translifter and associated solutions are poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow. With versatility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability at their core, Freightquip is ready to support industries in navigating the complex world of location-based heavy cargo logistics.
“Our focus is always on providing solutions that offer the best possible return on investment,” said van der Vorst. “With the Translifter, we’ve seen how our clients can dramatically improve their productivity while lowering their total cost of logistical operations. It’s about building long-term value for our customers.”
Freightquip: equipment that moves industry forward
Since 2001, Freightquip has established itself as a trusted distributor and service provider of world-class freight handling equipment across Australia and New Zealand. With a focus on the aviation, rail, and port industries, Freightquip brings unmatched technical expertise, industry insight, and tailored solutions that help businesses move, transport, and operate with greater efficiency and confidence.
Freightquip partners exclusively with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from across the globe—those with a proven track record for performance, reliability, and innovation. This extensive international network ensures that customers receive only the best equipment, carefully selected to meet specific operational needs and future growth plans.
With a deep understanding of the shared synergies between the aviation, rail, and seaport sectors, Freightquip’s specialist team delivers cross-functional insights and engineering know-how that drive better outcomes. “We don’t just supply equipment—we help clients identify the right long-term solution for their business,” said van der Vorst. “That means machinery that performs reliably, requires minimal servicing, and supports sustainability.”
Freightquip’s product offering spans a wide range of ground support equipment (GSE), including electric-powered airport vehicles through a long-standing partnership with TLD—the global leader in GSE manufacturing. The company also supplies advanced infrastructure solutions in partnership with Smart Airport Systems, as well as cutting-edge rail workshop systems and shunting vehicles. In the ports and terminals space, Freightquip delivers Novatech and Liftec equipment, along with the world’s first fully remote-controlled twistlocks and the unique patented ‘scrap box’.
Backed by a trade-qualified service team, Freightquip supports every installation with full lifecycle aftersales care—from technical troubleshooting and maintenance to spare parts and certified training. This customer-first approach ensures equipment continues to deliver long-term value, with minimal downtime and maximum reliability. Driven by a clear mission to deliver exceptional results and operate with integrity, Freightquip continues to shape the future of freight handling in Oceania—helping businesses move smarter, and with confidence.
