Top 7 Truck Trailer Manufacturers in Melbourne

A transport company once asked me for help. They were about to place a huge order—with a trailer company they found online.

But something didn’t sit right with me. So I checked. Turned out the supplier had no workshop in Melbourne at all. Just a sales page.

That close call reminded me how hard it is to spot a real trailer manufacturer from a fake one.

I’ve worked in this industry for years—side by side with buyers, mechanics, and operators. I’ve seen which ones last—and which ones sit in the yard waiting for repairs.

In this article, you’ll find 7 trusted truck trailer manufacturers in Melbourne. You’ll get facts like their company size, where they’re located, and how long they’ve been operating.

I’ll also break down what each one does well—and what to watch out for. By the end, you’ll have the tools to pick a trailer supplier that fits your business needs—and avoid costly surprises.

So let’s get down to it!

Quick Comparison Chart

Here’s a short preview of the top manufacturers we’ll cover. This table lets you compare their core info at a glance—location, services, and special capabilities.

This table gives you the basics. Up next, we’ll dive deeper into each manufacturer and help you figure out which one fits your needs best.

1. Vawdrey Australia

I visited Vawdrey’s facility in Dandenong South, Melbourne a few years back. What stood out wasn’t just the size—it was the way everything was done on-site. Design, welding, painting, testing. I’ve seen too many projects fall apart due to delays or outsourced work, but here, it felt different.

Founded in 1974, Vawdrey Australia has over 50 years of experience in building trailers for local conditions. The company was started by Mick Vawdrey, who wanted better solutions for Australian freight. Today, Vawdrey is one of the country’s biggest manufacturers, supplying trailers to large fleets across mining, transport, and freight sectors.

Trailer Products

• Skeletal trailers: built for container transport
• Flat tops and drop decks: used for oversized or heavy cargo
• PBS-approved trailers: trailers designed to meet Performance-Based Standards for safety and efficiency

Each trailer is designed with long-distance use and high loads in mind.

Services Offered

• Custom trailer design and fabrication
• Full in-house production process
• Nationwide service support and spare parts

Reputation and Certifications

Vawdrey trailers meet all Australian Design Rules (ADR). They’re widely trusted by national logistics companies, fleet operators, and long-haul freight carriers. Many buyers choose them because of their strong track record and consistent quality.

Key Takeaways

Vawdrey is a smart pick if you want locally made trailers built for tough road conditions. However, custom builds can take longer and may cost more than off-the-shelf options.

2. Freighter (Freighter Group)

The first time I unloaded freight from a Freighter Tautliner, I noticed how smooth the curtain system was. No jams. No fuss. It made the job easier—and faster. That stuck with me.

Freighter was founded in 1946, right after World War II. Their home base is in Ballarat, Victoria, and they’ve been building trailers ever since. Over the years, Freighter became known for innovation. They introduced the first Tautliner (curtain-sided trailer) in Australia—a design that’s now standard across the country.

Trailer Products

• Curtain-sided trailers: Ideal for general freight and fast loading
• Flat top trailers: Used for heavy, stackable loads
• Drop decks: Lower trailer sections for extra height clearance

Services Offered

• Custom trailer manufacturing
• On-site maintenance and repairs
• Parts supply and service support
• PBS (Performance-Based Standards) solutions

Reputation and Certifications

Freighter trailers are ADR-compliant and trusted by large-scale transport operators across Australia. Their name has become almost interchangeable with curtain-sided trailers. They’re also a member of Truck Industry Council and participate in PBS certification programs.

Key Takeaways

Freighter is ideal if you’re after proven trailer designs that hold up over time. However, since their range is built around core formats, customization may feel more limited than with niche builders.

3. Mackle Pty Ltd

The smell of fresh-cut steel and the crackle of welding torches hit me the moment I stepped into Mackle’s workshop. It wasn’t a showroom—it was a real working floor. I could see the trailers being built from the ground up, piece by piece.

Mackle Pty Ltd began in 1988 and is based in Melbourne, Victoria. They focus on custom-built trailers for industries that demand strength: construction, infrastructure, and heavy transport.

Trailer Products

• Flatbed trailers: Used for carrying bulky, heavy materials
• Tipper trailers: Built for loose loads like gravel or soil
• Low loaders: Designed to move heavy machinery or vehicles
• Custom-built units: Designed from scratch to match your specs

Services Offered

• Custom design and fabrication
• In-house welding and machining
• Hydraulic setup and repairs
• Servicing for fleet trailers and equipment

Reputation and Certifications

Mackle trailers meet all Australian Design Rules (ADR). Their work is trusted across Victoria’s civil construction and transport sectors. Because they handle everything under one roof, quality control stays consistent from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

Mackle is a smart choice if you want full control over your trailer’s design—especially for rough worksites or oversized gear. However, if you’re after something quick and ready-made, their custom process might feel a bit slow.

4. Victorian Trailers

If you’ve ever tried to find a trailer that suits your work and your budget, you’ll know it’s not always simple. I once helped a small landscaping crew look for a sturdy tipper that didn’t come with a long wait time or a big price tag. We found it at Victorian Trailers.

This company has been around since the early 1990s and is based in Thomastown, Melbourne. What sets them apart is how much choice they offer you—whether you need a simple box trailer or a fully customized unit. Everything is made locally, and they keep a wide range of models in stock, ready to go.

Trailer Products

• Box trailers: For general use and small-scale hauling
• Tipper trailers: Ideal for landscaping, cleanups, and soil transport
• Tradesman trailers: Lockable units built for tools and jobsite gear

Services Offered

• Off-the-shelf trailers ready for pickup
• Custom builds based on size, material, and axle needs
• Nationwide delivery if you’re outside Melbourne
• Repair and maintenance support

Reputation and Certifications

Victorian Trailers has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Their products are made from locally sourced steel and meet national safety standards. They’re known for offering reliable, no-fuss trailers for both tradespeople and general users.

Key Takeaways

Victorian Trailers is a good pick if you want something practical, fast, and Australian-made. However, if you’re chasing high-spec industrial builds or specialty trailers, their range might feel more basic.

5. Barker Trailers

If you’re someone who prefers dealing with people over brands, you’ll like Barker. I once sat down with a Barker rep over a cup of tea in Maryborough to talk trailer specs. No pressure, no flash—just real talk about what would actually work for the job.

Barker Trailers has been around since 1974. They’re based in Woodend and Maryborough, Victoria, and they’ve stayed a family-owned company the entire time. That matters—because when you buy from Barker, you’re not just a number on a spreadsheet.

Trailer Products

• Curtain-siders: Ideal for general freight and fast loading
• Flat-top trailers: A strong choice for heavy, stackable cargo
• Drop decks: Lower platforms that handle taller freight
• Skeletal trailers: Built for carrying shipping containers

Services Offered

• Custom engineering and trailer builds
• Maintenance and repair services
• Spare parts and replacement components
• Fleet services for repeat commercial customers

Reputation and Certifications

Barker is a registered Truck Industry Council member and builds all trailers to comply with ADR (Australian Design Rules). Their trailers are trusted by large freight operators and contractors who rely on long-distance durability. They’ve been building trailers in the same region for nearly 50 years—something few others can claim.

Key Takeaways

Barker is a great option if you want dependable service and long-lasting builds from a team that treats you like a partner. However, if you’re looking for high-volume fleet pricing or rapid delivery, you may find faster turnaround times elsewhere.

6. Maxi-CUBE

During a visit to a refrigerated freight depot in Ballarat, I watched a team unload frozen goods from a Maxi-CUBE trailer in the middle of a 38°C summer day. The inside temp? Still holding at -18°C. No visible frost. No product loss. You could tell this wasn’t just about insulation—it was smart engineering doing its job.

Maxi-CUBE was founded in 1972 and operates out of Hallam and Ballarat, Victoria. They’ve built a reputation as one of the country’s top names in refrigerated and dry freight trailers, especially for cold chain transport.

Trailer Products

• Refrigerated trailers: For frozen and chilled goods
• Dry freight vans: For boxed and non-perishable cargo
• Rigid bodies: Fixed box units on truck chassis
• PBS-compliant combinations: Optimized for safer and heavier loads under government standards

Services Offered

• Custom builds based on your cargo type and thermal needs
• Repair and parts network across Australia
• Fleet consultation for temperature-controlled transport
• Trailer leasing through affiliated finance and rental services

Reputation and Certifications

Maxi-CUBE trailers meet full ADR (Australian Design Rules) compliance. Their name is widely trusted in food logistics, and they’re backed by the larger Freighter Group. In 2022, they marked 50 years in operation, showing long-term commitment to Australian manufacturing (source).

Key Takeaways

Maxi-CUBE is a strong match if you need thermal efficiency and proven build quality in your refrigerated fleet. However, if you’re after open deck or construction-style trailers, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

7. Zammit Trailers

“Is this really custom?” I remember thinking that as I watched a compact hydraulic tipper glide up with one hand on the remote. The owner laughed and said, “Yeah—Zammit built it just how I asked.” That moment made something clear: Zammit doesn’t just sell trailers—they listen.

Zammit Trailers was founded in 2006 and is located in Werribee, Melbourne. They’re a family-owned business that builds trailers for everyday users, tradespeople, and small business owners. What makes them different is how hands-on they are.

Trailer Products

• Box trailers: Great for general use, cleanups, or DIY hauling
• Tipper trailers: With hydraulic lift for soil, mulch, or waste
• Plant and skid steer trailers: Built to carry equipment

Services Offered

• Custom-built trailers made to order
• On-site welding and trailer repairs
• Parts and accessories sales
• Friendly in-person service with quick turnaround times

Reputation and Certifications

Zammit builds trailers that meet ADR (Australian Design Rules) using locally sourced steel. While they’re smaller than national brands, they’ve built a loyal following by delivering consistent, no-nonsense quality. Their work is popular with landscapers, tradies, and small business operators across Melbourne.

Key Takeaways

Zammit is a strong pick if you want a no-fuss, custom trailer with personal service from start to finish. However, if you need large-scale fleet solutions or PBS-approved trailers, they may not offer the range you’re after.

Can’t Find the Right Melbourne Manufacturer?

It’s frustrating when none of the local options quite fit. Maybe the pricing is too high. Or their trailers don’t match the specs you need for your job.

You might be asking yourself: Should I consider importing from China?

Many businesses do. It often brings more choices, better value, and more flexibility with custom builds. That’s where Rhinotrail comes in. We’re a China-based semi-trailer manufacturer supplying to companies across Australia.

Why Choose Us:

• Flatbeds and skeletal trailers
• Dump, warehouse, and fence trailers
• Custom solutions built to your specs
• Full in-house trailer manufacturing for bulk and custom orders
• Precise welding and fabrication processes for structural strength
• Export-ready builds with ADR-compliant specs
• Supportive team with clear communication and shipping coordination

We understand what tough roads demand. Contact us today to explore the right trailer solution for your business.

Conclusion

We’ve walked through seven of Melbourne’s top trailer manufacturers. Now, it’s your turn to decide. Who fits your load? Your vision?

I started this article remembering how confusing it felt the first time I had to make this choice. But once I had the facts laid out—it got easier.

That’s what you have now: clarity.

Whether you go with a local name or explore international options like importing from China, you deserve a trailer that works as hard as you do.

Contact us today—and let’s move your business forward.