Concerns for truck drivers after major freight company Redstar Transport reportedly in liquidation

Thousands of presents may be stuck at depots for Christmas after truck drivers from a major freight company were told their employer had gone into liquidation.

Thousands of presents may be stuck at depots this Christmas after truck drivers from a major freight company were told their employer had gone into liquidation.

Drivers from Melbourne-based Redstar Transport were told on Thursday to return their hauls to the nearest facility and interstate workers were advised to return home.

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Major logistics companies have also been asked not to contract the liquidated fleet, with containers filled with freight left stranded as businesses look to replace the carrier.

Stephen Longley, one of the PwC Australia liquidators appointed to deal with the matter, said somebody needed to stand up for Redstar’s 400-odd employees and ensure their entitlements were paid.

Most of the workers are on the eastern seaboard and Perth with less than 10 employees in SA where Redstar Transport owns a depot at Gillman.

Redstar Transport is believed to have gone into liquidation.

“This is a terrible situation at any time, let alone on the eve of the holidays,” he said in a statement.

“We are doing everything we can in the circumstances to manage the fallout.”

Redstar Transport did not comment after being contacted by the Herald Sun.

Allied Express, one of the country’s biggest logistics companies, wrote on its website that staff were responding to the shock announcement.

“We wanted to advise you that one of our linehaul carriers, Redstar, have just gone into liquidation late this afternoon,” the notice reads.

“Obviously this is a difficult situation, and will affect our ability to move freight to a number of legs tonight, and until we are able to source alternatives.

“We have strong industry connections, and understand that this is a peak trading time for our customers.

“You can be assured that we are working as hard as we can to put in place alternatives as quickly as possible.”

Transport Workers’ Union national assistant secretary Nick McIntosh said delegates were investigating the situation and urged the company to update workers.

“The reports we’re receiving point to an extremely unfortunate situation for hundreds of transport workers just days before Christmas,” he said.

“If our suspicions ring true, yesterday’s payday could not only be the last one of the year, but the last one Redstar workers ever receive from the company.

“It’s outrageous that the workers are being left in the dark, especially this close to the holidays.”

Toll has told the TWU it will provide job opportunities for Redstar Transport workers while Linfox and ACFS have also agreed to take on staff.

“Our thoughts are with the workers who are left wondering whether they’ll be able to put food on the table in the New Year,” Mr McIntosh said.