:Pacific National

File:Pacific National liveried NR16.jpg hauling The Overland at North Shore, November 2008]]

In February 2002, National Rail's freight operations and rollingstock, jointly owned by the Federal, New South Wales and Victorian Governments, were combined with FreightCorp, owned by the New South Wales Government,"FreightCorp for sale with National Rail" Railway Digest October 2000 page 17 and sold to a joint venture between Patrick Corporation and Toll Holdings, trading as Pacific National.{{cite web |last1=Buchanan |first1=Alison |title=Freightcorp and National Rail Corporation sold to National Rail Consortium for one billion dollars |url=http://www.abc.net.au/rural/sa/stories/s470529.htm |website=ABC Rural |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=2023-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030107224521/http://www.abc.net.au/rural/sa/stories/s470529.htm |archive-date=2003-01-07}}

In February 2004, Pacific National purchased Australian Transport Network, operator of ATN Access and AN Tasrail.[http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/529923/fromItemId/751043 Acquirer: Pacific National Pty Ltd; Target: Australian Transport Network Ltd] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331161205/http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/529923/fromItemId/751043 |date=31 March 2012}} Australian Competition & Consumer Competition 30 March 2004[http://www.tollgroup.com/media/2004/207.d.rc.pacific-ATN%20-%20media%20release%20260204.pdf Re: Pacific National - Australian Transport Network Ltd] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319093738/http://www.tollgroup.com/media/2004/207.d.rc.pacific-ATN%20-%20media%20release%20260204.pdf |date=19 March 2012 }} Toll Group 26 February 2004 In August 2004, Pacific National purchased Freight Australia, giving Pacific National control of the Victorian non-urban rail track, excluding the interstate network which is controlled by the Australian Rail Track Corporation.[http://www.tollgroup.com/media/229.d.rc.ASX%20media%20release.Freight%20Australia.1608041.pdf Victorian Government grants consent to Pacific National acquisition of Freight Australia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319093830/http://www.tollgroup.com/media/229.d.rc.ASX%20media%20release.Freight%20Australia.1608041.pdf |date=19 March 2012 }} Toll Group 16 August 2004

File:Pacific National departing Bathurst.jpg, February 2009]]

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission attached special conditions to the sale to ensure competition in the rail freight industry.{{Cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/02/1088488141852.html?from=storylhs |title=Sydney Morning Herald: 'ACCC won't oppose Freight Australia takeover' - 2 July 2004 |date=2 July 2004 |access-date=9 October 2007 |archive-date=28 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728102941/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/02/1088488141852.html?from=storylhs |url-status=live }} The company was required to provide a "starter pack" of locomotives, wagons, train paths, and freight terminals for a third party rail operator on the east-west route across the Nullarbor Plain. To fulfil that, Pacific National sold nine refurbished G class locomotives to competitor SCT Logistics to allow it to operate its own services.[http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,17546742-3122,00.html Toll boss bows to ACCC pressure] Courier Mail 13 December 2005{{Dead link|date=June 2023}}

In March 2005, Pacific National Queensland became the first non-Queensland Rail narrow gauge commercial rail operation in Queensland, with the commencement of container services between Brisbane and Cairns.{{cite web|url=http://www.pacificnational.com.au/cust_access/queensland.asp|title=Pacific National Queensland|publisher=www.pacificnational.com.au|access-date=22 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323053833/http://www.pacificnational.com.au/cust_access/queensland.asp|archive-date=23 March 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/qld/content/2005/s1321660.htm|title=Making Tracks|date=11 March 2005|author=Jenny Woodward|work=Stateline Queensland|publisher=www.abc.net.au|access-date=22 June 2010|archive-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111075621/http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/qld/content/2005/s1321660.htm|url-status=live}}

In November 2006, Pacific National entered into an agreement to sell the remainder of its Victorian rail lease of the network back to the Victorian Government.[http://www.tollgroup.com/media/2006/391945.pdf Pacific National sells Victorian rail network to Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319101514/http://www.tollgroup.com/media/2006/391945.pdf |date=19 March 2012 }} Toll Group 1 November 2006 The sale was completed in May 2007, with the government-owned V/Line taking over management of the track.[http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/6f0846798c60e597ca2572d4007d9d99!OpenDocument Minister for Public Transport: "Rail Buy Back Deal Complete" 7 May 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507071621/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/6f0846798c60e597ca2572d4007d9d99!OpenDocument |date=7 May 2008 }}

In 2005, Toll Holdings launched a successful hostile takeover of its joint venture partner Patrick Corporation, giving Toll Holdings 100% ownership of Pacific National.[http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/game-over-toll-takes-patrick/2006/04/14/1144521506700.html Game over: Toll takes Patrick] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101174150/http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/game-over-toll-takes-patrick/2006/04/14/1144521506700.html |date=1 January 2007 }} Sydney Morning Herald 14 April 2006 In 2007, Toll Holdings was restructured into two separately ASX listed companies: Toll Holdings and Asciano Limited. As part of this restructure, Pacific National became a wholly owned subsidiary of Asciano Limited.{{cite web|title=Toll Holdings Restructure|publisher=Toll Holdings|url=http://restructure.toll.com.au/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070830202318/http://restructure.toll.com.au/|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 August 2007|access-date=2 October 2007}}

In 2009, Pacific National Queensland further expanded its narrow gauge operations, entering the export coal market, then dominated by incumbent Queensland Rail.{{cite web |url=http://www.railexpress.com.au/archive/2009/may-20-09/other-top-stories/pn-commences-qld-coal-haulage-operations/?searchterm=None |title=PN commences QLD coal haulage operations |date=20 May 2009 |work=Rail Express |publisher=www.railexpress.com.au |first=Jennifer |last=Perry |access-date=22 June 2010 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001145437/http://www.railexpress.com.au/archive/2009/may-20-09/other-top-stories/pn-commences-qld-coal-haulage-operations/?searchterm=None |archive-date=1 October 2009}}

In 2016, Asciano agreed to sell Pacific National to Australian Logistics Acquisition Investments Pty Ltd, a consortium of Global Infrastructure Partners, CPP Investment Board, China Investment Corporation, GIC Private Limited and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation.{{cite news |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/pacific-national-sold-to-international-pension-funds.html?channel=523 |title=Pacific National sold to international pension funds |publisher=International Railway Journal |date=15 March 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016 |archive-date=28 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828124008/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/pacific-national-sold-to-international-pension-funds.html?channel=523 |url-status=live}} The transfer was completed on 19 August 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/asciano-completes-pacific-national-ownership-deal.html?channel=522|title=Asciano completes Pacific National ownership deal|publisher=International Railway Journal|date=23 August 2016|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828233323/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/asciano-completes-pacific-national-ownership-deal.html?channel=522|url-status=live}}

In September 2005, Pacific National angered the Tasmanian State and Australian Federal Governments when it threatened to withdraw all services unless the governments paid a $100 million subsidy.{{cite web|title=Govt signs off on Tassie rail package|publisher=ninemsn|date=29 September 2005|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=65439|access-date=2 November 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051118131133/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=65439|archive-date=18 November 2005}} Initially the governments refused to act on the issue claiming they would not be "held to mercy" by Pacific National, owned by Toll and Patrick Corporation, "which are extremely profitable multi-national companies". However, state infrastructure minister Bryan Green and federal counterpart transport minister Warren Truss announced a $120 million rescue package.[http://www.theage.com.au/news/Business/Tas-govt-wins-control-of-rail-network/2005/12/12/1134235992743.html Tas govt wins control of rail network] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118034520/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Business/Tas-govt-wins-control-of-rail-network/2005/12/12/1134235992743.html |date=18 November 2007 }} The Age 12 December 2005

In May 2007, the Tasmanian Government, the Federal Government and Pacific National came to an agreement regarding the funding, ownership and operation of the Tasmanian railway network; with the Tasmanian Government acquiring the railway infrastructure previously leased to Pacific National, who would continue to provide above rail services on the network.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncc.gov.au/images/uploads/DERaTRAp-001.pdf|title=Tasmanian Railway Network Declaration Application|publisher=National Competition Council|date=1 May 2007|access-date=22 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216220322/http://www.ncc.gov.au/images/uploads/DERaTRAp-001.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2011}} In September 2009, the Tasmanian Government purchased the Tasmanian rail business, with rail infrastructure and railway operations to be maintained, managed and owned by a new TasRail.[http://www.asciano.com.au/resources/newsres/311011111302_090907_asx_joint_media_release_with_tasmanian_government.pdf Rail Sale Agreement Finalised] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411081617/http://www.asciano.com.au/resources/newsres/311011111302_090907_asx_joint_media_release_with_tasmanian_government.pdf |date=11 April 2013 }} Asciano 7 September 2009

In December 2007, Pacific National announced plans to sell or close its grain transport and Portlink rural container business operations in Victoria, selling or closing Patrick's intermodal freight business in Tasmania, and downsizing to a bare minimum Pacific National's grain operations across New South Wales.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/12/2116312.htm|title=Pacific National to sell or close rail freight business|date=12 December 2007|work=ABC News website|access-date=17 December 2007|archive-date=14 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214222413/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/12/2116312.htm|url-status=dead}} The decision was criticised as it forced grain growers to use higher cost road transport to transport the annual grain harvest from rural silos to the ports.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22909741-664,00.html|title=Asciano delivers grain haulage shock to farmers|date=12 December 2007|work=Herald and Weekly Times website|access-date=17 December 2007|first=Geoff|last=Easdown|archive-date=6 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606055836/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22909741-664,00.html|url-status=live}} The decision has seen many commentators accuse Pacific National of acquiring the operations of Freight Australia in 2004 only for the purposes of asset stripping and eliminating competition in rail freight.{{cite web|url=http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11336862-0-asc-s0.htm|title=Freight Australia Exiting|date=12 December 2007|work=Railpage Australia forums|access-date=17 December 2007|archive-date=6 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606024820/http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11336862-0-asc-s0.htm|url-status=live}}

In 2008, the company declined to sell wagons which had reached the end of their useful life to other Australian rail operators, indicating that the wagons would be scrapped or exported to Saudi Arabia.{{cite web|url=http://business.theage.com.au/off-the-rails-20080320-20qv.html|title=Off the rails|work=The Age|author=Philip Hopkins|date=21 March 2008|publisher=business.theage.com.au|access-date=22 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625035724/http://business.theage.com.au/off-the-rails-20080320-20qv.html|archive-date=25 June 2008|url-status=dead}}

The container freight service to Horsham, Victoria was almost cancelled in April 2008 but was given a three-month reprieve by the company.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/21/2222687.htm|title=Rail freight woes spark crisis of confidence|work=ABC News|publisher=www.abc.net.au|access-date=16 July 2008|archive-date=27 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727010648/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/21/2222687.htm|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/24/2226019.htm|title=Three month extension for Wimmera rail freight services|work=ABC News|date=24 April 2008|publisher=www.abc.net.au|access-date=16 July 2008|archive-date=27 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727012449/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/24/2226019.htm|url-status=dead}} In July 2008, the service was taken over by QR National and later Qube.{{cite web|url=http://wimmera.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/rail-to-roll-on/1229118.aspx|title=Rail to roll on|work=Wimmera Mail Times|date=28 July 2008|publisher=yourguide.com.au|access-date=30 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729035412/http://wimmera.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/rail-to-roll-on/1229118.aspx|archive-date=29 July 2008}}

Pacific National operates in all mainland states and territories. As of June 2012, the company operates 596 locomotives and 12,875 wagons.[http://www.asciano.com.au/pacific-national-coal/ Pacific National Coal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225204201/http://www.asciano.com.au/pacific-national-coal/ |date=25 February 2013 }} Asciano[http://www.asciano.com.au/pacific-national-rail/ Pacific National Rail] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211043229/http://www.asciano.com.au/pacific-national-rail/ |date=11 February 2013 }} Asciano Services include bulk freight (coal, grain, steel, ore), intermodal containers (domestic and import-export), and specialised services such as 'hook and pull' for long-distance passenger trains.

The Pacific National steel contract was renewed with BlueScope and OneSteel in 2006 for $1bn, making it the largest ever freight rail contract in Australia. The deal involves haulage of about 3 million tonnes of steel over seven years.{{cite news|title=PacNat wins $1bn freight deal|publisher=news.com.au|date=18 December 2006|url=http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,23636,20945130-462,00.html|access-date=18 December 2006|archive-date=27 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727045443/http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,23636,20945130-462,00.html|url-status=live}} Pacific National has intermodal freight facilities at the Brisbane Freight Terminal in Queensland, the Melbourne Freight Terminal in Victoria, the Sydney Freight Terminal in New South Wales, the Adelaide Freight Terminal in South Australia and the Kewdale Freight Terminal in Western Australia.

All Pacific National Tasmania locomotives were sold to TasRail in 2009.

{{Reflist|3}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{Avery-Freight}}

{{refend}}

{{commons category|Pacific National}}

• [http://www.pacificnational.com.au/ Pacific National website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20190701111757/https://www.asciano.com.au/ Asciano website]
• [http://www.railpage.com.au/orgs/pacific-national/ Railpage Organisations]
• [http://www.railpage.com.au/locos/browse/owner/2 Railpage - Pacific National Locomotives]

Category:Interstate rail in Australia

Category:Freight railway companies of Australia

Category:Rail transport in Tasmania

Category:2002 establishments in Australia

Category:Railway companies established in 2002