Logistics & Freight Accounting in Australia

Our Australian logistics accounting services are built for companies at every stage of the supply chain:

• Road Freight & Haulage Companies: From owner-operators to large fleet managers, businesses that need to track per-kilometer profitability, fuel consumption, and driver wages.
• Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers: Companies coordinating international shipments that must manage multi-currency transactions, import/export documentation, and GST on taxable importations.
• Third-Party Logistics (3PL) & Warehousing Providers: Businesses offering storage and fulfillment services that require robust inventory management systems for their clients and efficient billing processes.
• Courier & Last-Mile Delivery Services: Companies managing a large fleet of smaller vehicles and drivers, needing to track delivery profitability and contractor payments.

From the first delivery, specialized logistics accounting is necessary. It becomes indispensable when:

• You Purchase Your First Vehicle: You must establish a depreciation schedule for the asset and meticulously track all related costs, from registration and insurance to repairs and maintenance.
• You Become Eligible for Fuel Tax Credits: Businesses using fuel in heavy vehicles on public roads can claim a credit for the excise paid. This requires detailed records of fuel purchased and kilometers traveled.
• You Hire Drivers: This triggers complex payroll obligations under specific transport industry awards, including managing allowances for overtime and long-distance travel.
• You Need to Understand True Profitability: To determine if a freight route or client contract is profitable, you must be able to accurately calculate all associated costs and compare them to your revenue.
• You Face an ATO Audit: The ATO closely scrutinizes Fuel Tax Credit claims. Accurate, contemporaneous records are your only defense against claim adjustments and penalties.

Outsourcing logistics accounting provides access to a specialized skillset crucial for managing costs and maximizing tax credits in this low-margin industry.

• Small Operators (low volume): AUD $1,000 - $2,500 per month. This generally includes GST-compliant bookkeeping, BAS preparation including Fuel Tax Credits, and basic fleet profitability tracking.
• Medium-Sized Fleets: AUD $2,500 - $6,000 per month. This level adds more detailed reporting on asset performance, cost analysis, and management of more complex payroll and international shipments.
• Large Logistics Firms: Custom pricing starting at AUD $6,000+, often including virtual CFO services for strategic advice on fleet acquisition, financing, and operational efficiency.

The logistics industry in Australia operates under strict tax and safety regulations, with significant risks for non-compliance:

• Rejected Fuel Tax Credit Claims: This is a major financial risk. Claims rejected by the ATO due to inadequate record-keeping result in a direct loss of cash back to the business.
• Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Laws: All parties in the supply chain can be held legally liable for safety breaches, such as overloading or driver fatigue. Strong financial and operational records are part of demonstrating compliance.
• Incorrect Employee vs. Contractor Classification: Misclassifying a driver as a contractor when they are legally an employee can lead to large liabilities for unpaid superannuation and other entitlements.
• Poor Cost Control: Without a precise understanding of your cost-per-kilometer, it is easy to accept unprofitable contracts, which can quickly lead to financial distress.

Logistics finance is not generic business accounting. It requires a deep understanding of asset depreciation, the Fuel Tax Credit system, and the financial drivers of the transport industry. Finding an in-house accountant with this specific expertise is both difficult and expensive.

Outsourcing to YourLegal's logistics finance partners provides an immediate, expert solution. We implement systems to track the profitability of every vehicle and route, ensure you are maximizing your Fuel Tax Credit claims, and manage your complex asset schedules correctly. We provide the financial clarity needed to bid on contracts confidently and make smart decisions about growing your fleet. This allows you to focus on your core mission: moving goods safely, on time, and profitably across Australia.