Sep: With 60+ years of combined transport expertise and a dream, John and Sue Ryan launched JRFS under their Queenslander home. Armed with a secondhand typewriter, an old fax machine, and a baby on the way, they set out to build one of Australia’s first freight management companies.

‍Oct: Their hard work paid off with their first big client, Cox Mowers. They leased a warehouse in Rocklea, hired staff, and began building their network of subcontractors for Eastern Seaboard deliveries.

‍Dec: John’s tireless door-to-door efforts landed a major Sydney client, Furniture Hardware Supplies, sparking a 20+ year partnership and lifelong friendships.

Jul: Big milestones! JRFS purchased its first warehouse on aptly named Success Street, Archerfield, and added a brand-new Isuzu truck to the fleet.

‍Sep: Persistence paid off when a small account grew to shipping over 200,000 tonnes of freight weekly—a testament to JRFS's dedication to building lasting relationships.

‍Dec: Embraced technology with computerised systems to handle their growing workload.

With their new Custom Built premises of 2000 sqm3, at Gardens Drive Willawong, John & Sue then invested in their first Kenworth Prime Mower & B-Double Mezz Trailer to form their own linehaul Company, Jarac Industries Pty Ltd, servicing the Eastern Seaboard and eventually ran their rigs from Brisbane to Perth.

With their fleet growing and John’s continual persistence to gain further industry work, he soon formed partnerships with Major Transport Companies such as Mainfreight, Toll Express & many others, providing daily Interstate Subcontractor services.

Honouring the industry: JRFS proudly joined the Lights on the Hill Convoy Memorial, a moving tribute to transport workers who lost their lives.

Recognition rolled in as JRFS was named among Queensland’s Top 400 Privately Owned Businesses three years running.

Sue became a Director of the Board with Transport Women Australia in 2012 and has since continued to serve the community with Sponsorships and Donations to a number of charities close to her heart.

With the sudden & sad passing of John in December, 2016, Sue has now taken over the reigns and has managed solely to continue to grow the business whilst maintaining long standing & current clientele to continue on the legacy of John Ryan Freight Services.

Pivoting with the times: Sue introduced work-from-home options, giving staff the flexibility to balance work and life during the pandemic.

Innovation alert! JRFS launches a cutting-edge electronic management system, streamlining freight operations and saving clients time and money.

Social media took centre stage, becoming a powerful tool to connect with customers and showcase JRFS's dynamic services.

The next chapter: JRFS expanded into 3PL warehousing and container logistics across the Eastern Seaboard. Warehouses in NSW, QLD, and VIC now power their operations.

The legacy grows as Sue’s daughters, Ally and Jess, rejoined the family business. Ally spearheads marketing while Jess drives sales and social media, ensuring JRFS remains a trusted industry leader.