T-Ports has partnered with local freight companies to form the Eyre Peninsula Freight Group, allowing grain to be transported between T-Ports operations.
Officially launched on Friday to coincide with an increase in harvest deliveries to T-Ports sites, the group consists of about 15 freight companies and more than 40 trucks.
T-Ports operations general manager Tim Gurney said the company was "thrilled" to be working with local operators, describing the partnership as a "win-win".
"By having a team of flexible, like-minded carriers we can call upon, we will be able to continue our business operations while supporting their local businesses and communities," he said.
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EPFG coordinator and Kimba Transport owner and Daniel Gregory, said he was looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership, and was pleased that there would be increased value in investment in heavy vehicles.
"It's perfect for us as we don't need to rely on the ad hoc seasonal work. We can be using our trucks year-round," he said.
"We have carriers from Kimba, Lock, Ceduna and Cowell, so with T-Ports setting up the EPFG, they're supporting a lot of local business and a lot of local communities across the EP."
In another novel move for T-Ports, active binning has been introduced at the company's Lucky Bay and Lock sites, with the latter offering a broader range of segregations for growers to deliver their grain - providing flexibility based on moisture, protein receival standards, and screenings.
T-Ports chief executive officer Kieran Carvill said the active binning system would enable growers to potentially achieve higher grades for their grain, even if specifications fell just outside receival standards.
"We have been listening to grower feedback and are pleased we're able to implement the active binning at both our sites to enable growers to achieve maximum value for their grain," he said.
He said the company intended to further streamline its offering at both sites to suit growers' needs.
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