In 2026, Linfox proudly celebrates 70 years of growth and success as Asia Pacific’s largest privately owned and most trusted logistics partner.
Linfox was built from the ground up by founder Lindsay Fox AC, who began delivering in Melbourne in 1956.
Over seven decades later, Linfox remains a privately owned Australian family business.
To mark this important milestone, we share the partnerships and key highlights throughout the decades of our history that have paved the way for Linfox’s enduring success.
The 1950s
Lindsay Edward Fox left school early and secured his truck license, joining his father as a driver. In 1956, he purchased his first truck, a Ford F500 for £400 and took the first step in what would become the Linfox enterprise, founding Lindsay Fox Cartage.
During the winter months, Lindsay carted 12 tonnes of coal each day from West Melbourne. In summer he carted soft drinks for Schweppes, spending his free time at the beach or playing football.
In 1957, Lindsay purchased his second truck and the iconic slogan, “You are passing another Fox” was born. He secured his first contract for Schweppes in 1958, and the Lindsay Fox Cartage fleet expanded to ten trucks.
Lindsay married Paula Grace Peele in 1959.
The 1960s
Lindsay Fox grew his business through valued partnerships.
In 1963, Lindsay Fox Cartage signed its first contract with bp, as a rise in demand for heating oil took over homes across Australia. In the same year, Lindsay welcomed grocery provider, GJ Coles and Coy, on a one-truck, three-month trial. This customer, now Australian supermarket giant Coles, is one of Linfox’s longest enduring partnerships.
In 1966, Lindsay Fox Cartage was officially renamed and incorporated as Linfox Transport Pty Ltd.
By the end of the 1960s, Linfox’s partnership with English brewing company, Courage Brewery expanded its fleet from 30 to 60 trucks. This contract marked significant growth for Linfox; the first delivery for Courage Brewery was the largest single order the business had ever fulfilled.
While Linfox was growing stronger, Lindsay and Paula Fox were also growing their own family. They welcomed six children between 1961 and 1967: Lisa, Peter, Katrina, Andrew, Michael and David.
The 1970s
Throughout the 1970s, Linfox expanded nationwide, securing contracts with more well-known Australian brands and now servicing approximately 50 companies. It was during this time that Linfox expanded its delivery services for GJ Coles and Coy into Queensland and grew its operation in Victoria.
In the mid-1970s, Linfox began its relationship with Woolworths, another supermarket giant and a company rapidly growing its presence across Australia. Linfox provided transport services for Woolworths in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Linfox also commenced a national delivery service for Coca Cola.
By 1979, the Linfox fleet had expanded to 1,000 vehicles. A dedicated servicing team was established to maintain these rapidly growing assets, known as the Linfox Service Division.
The 1980s
The 1980s were transformative for Linfox, as it was the decade that warehousing and transport operations were combined to offer truly comprehensive supply chain solutions.
Capitalising on the growing Australian economy, Linfox invested in additional fleet across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. The business also secured contracts with Carlton United Breweries, Beaurepairs and The Arnott’s Group.
In 1981, construction commenced for a new Parliament House in Canberra. Linfox transported the concrete beams that feature in front of the building, using a purpose-built trailer to move cargo from Victoria to Canberra.
In 1984, Linfox established its first major operation outside of Australia, commencing business in Shanghai, China. This was followed in 1989 by New Zealand, with Linfox rolling out a modest fleet and network of team members.
By the end of the 1980s, Lindsay Fox officially stepped back from day-to-day running of Linfox operations. His legacy was well-established; Linfox had become Australia’s largest privately-owned logistics company, an achievement it has maintained to this day.
The 1990s
In the 1990s, Linfox officially shifted to its second generation of Fox family leaders, with Peter Fox appointed as Executive Chairman of Linfox Logistics.
Linfox started the decade strong with further expansion into Asia, commencing operations in Thailand and Malaysia. Work also began for supermarket chain Countdown in New Zealand.
In 1991, Linfox Property Group purchased the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) in Anglesea, Victoria. Today, the AARC is Australia’s largest privately-owned and operated vehicle proving ground. Andrew Fox is Managing Director of Linfox Property Group, which also owns such landmarks as the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and Melbourne’s iconic Luna Park.
In 1997, Fox Group Holdings acquired Melbourne Avalon Airport from the Commonwealth of Australia. Led by David Fox, Executive Chairman of Linfox Airports, Avalon has grown significantly since its purchase, now offering domestic and international passenger flights, freight services and strategic defence capability.
As the 1990s drew to a close, Linfox was awarded the contract to provide logistics support for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. This would become one of the largest infrastructure projects ever delivered, involving hundreds of Linfox employees and 12 months of planning.
The 2000s
At the turn of the 21st century, Linfox expanded across Asia, establishing operations in India, Indonesia and Vietnam, while diversifying through strategic investment in additional businesses and properties.
In 2003, Linfox purchased Armaguard, helping turn the business into Australia’s leading integrated currency management provider.
In 2006, Linfox established BevChain as a joint venture with Lion Nathan, creating an end-to-end solution for the beverage industry. In the same year, Linfox acquired rail freight forwarder, FCL Interstate Transport Services, beginning its expansion into rail.
Linfox reinforced its commitment to sustainability with the launch of the GreenFox program in 2007. This program has laid the groundwork for industry-leading environmental action and enabled Linfox to collaborate with customers on smarter, greener logistics solutions.
In 2008, Lindsay Fox was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his service to the transport and logistics industry and the community. In 2008, Linfox also secured a major contract with Bunnings in Australia.
In 2009, Linfox signed the Australian Employment Covenant, and established its global head office at Essendon Fields, VIC. The office was officially opened by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.
The 2010s
In 2011, Peter Fox was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his contributions to Australian business and logistics.
In 2013, Linfox began its relationship with the Australian Defence Force, entrusted with the Warehousing and Distribution contract. This partnership spanned 12 years and reinforced Linfox’s reputation as a trusted partner for complex, large-scale operations.
During the 2010s, Linfox separated its Australia and New Zealand operations from its Asian business, establishing a new International Board and appointing a Chief Executive Officer of Linfox International Group. This supported further expansion across Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.
Linfox also joined the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO) as a gold member, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion across the industry.
In 2017, Linfox acquired full ownership of BevChain, consolidating its position in beverage logistics. Long-standing partnerships were also celebrated, with Linfox marking 50 years of collaboration with Goodyear and Dunlop Tyres in 2018.
The 2020s
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Linfox was entrusted to keep essential goods moving across communities and selected by state and federal authorities to distribute vaccines. By the end of 2022, Linfox had delivered more than 46 million vaccine doses across Australia.
In 2023, Linfox’s Willawong site in Queensland achieved Climate Active carbon neutral building certification. Over the years, Linfox has invested in sustainability initiatives, including 5 Star Green Star distribution centres built to generate, store and efficiently use renewable energy through solar, battery storage, smart LED lighting, water recycling and electric vehicle charging. Linfox has also led fleet electrification, including Australia’s first electric prime movers.
Linfox modernised operations with a secure transport management system and supported the growth of e-commerce after securing the Woolworths Online contract nationwide.
In 2023, Armaguard secured reliable access to cash in the Australian economy, merging with Prosegur Cash.
Other major milestones from this decade included building a new multi-modal freight facility in Adelaide, BevChain distribution centres in Western Australia and New South Wales, and the design and build of Linfox’s largest facility at Laverton, Victoria.
Linfox established operations in Singapore in 2025, further strengthening its Asia Pacific network
Focused on the future
From one man and one truck to a multinational enterprise, Linfox today has an extensive network of road, rail and warehousing assets, with more than 24,000 team members across 11 countries providing rapid, scalable and flexible services. Linfox continues to provide consistent service delivery and adapt to new technologies, meeting the ever-changing needs of the Asia Pacific logistics landscape.
