East Coast Freight Distribution
Our Story
East Coast Freight Distribution, under the leadership of Executive Director, Shelly Barber, and General Manager, Tim Mills, combines a strong family legacy with a commitment to innovation.
Serving the Sunshine Coast and covering routes from Brisbane to Gympie, the hinterland, and down to the Gold Coast, we provide comprehensive freight services, from general and palletised freight to specialised agricultural and refrigerated transport.
While our transport offerings are extensive, the core strength of East Coast Freight Distribution lies in our people-centred culture —a culture shaped by Shelly’s visionary leadership and Tim’s deep operational
expertise.
We are your trusted transport partner,
committed to exceptional service and
integrity. Our vision is to be Australia’s
leading regional transport provider,
delivering unmatched quality and
personalised care.
Rooted in resilience and dedication, we turn challenges into opportunities, shaping ourselves into reliable, forward- thinking leaders committed to exceptional service for our community.
By embracing advanced technology, we tackle current challenges and seize growth opportunities. Our systems offer seamless experiences—instant quotes, easy booking, 24/7 tracking, detailed reporting, and electronic PODs.
Our Services
Our services adapt seamlessly to the unique challenges of logistics, offering customised solutions that drive efficiency and reliability across your entire supply chain.
Proudly supporting key industries such as Construction, Agriculture, Hospitality, Clean Energy, Freight Distribution, and Warehousing, our team is dedicated to helping B2B clients thrive in their respective sectors
Our Leaders
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Shelly Barber is a distinguished entrepreneur with expertise in both transport and business, recognised as a finalist for Professional Businesswoman of the Year and Professional Manager of the Year in 2011. Known for inspiring others, her story offers hope and encouragement to those seeking their own path to fulfillment.
A Brisbane native who grew up in her family’s transport business, Shelly began her career as a secretary and fleet controller before rising to General Manager of East Coast Freight Distribution on the Sunshine Coast.
After a decade in general management, she felt a deep calling to pursue a higher purpose. Enrolling in university, she earned 14 High Distinctions and four Distinctions in sustainability and international business, solidifying her commitment to sustainable business practices. In addition to her success in the transport industry, Shelly co-authored the bestselling book The Art & Science of Success Volume 3: Proven Strategies From Today’s Leading Experts, which became an Amazon #1 bestseller in Global Marketing, Business Investing, and Work-Life Balance upon its release in January 2012.
Beyond her own business ventures, Shelly’s deep commitment to supporting others shines through her passion for mentorship and sharing the invaluable business and life lessons she’s gained over the years. This dedication led her to serve as the volunteer CEO of Spirit Hive, a nonprofit founded in 2019 by her friend and Bali bombing survivor, Carren Smith. Spirit Hive is devoted to preventing suicide, depression, and anxiety, and Shelly was instrumental in establishing its foundation during its formative years.
With her multifaceted approach, Shelly empowers others to build sustainable, impactful businesses, all while expanding her influence across various industries. As a skilled business professional her passion lies in creating sustainable business frameworks that foster both corporate and societal resilience.
GENERAL MANAGER
Tim Mills began his career at East Coast Freight Distribution in 2006. A baker by trade and former Manager of Banjo’s at Sunshine Plaza, he joined the East Coast Freight Distribution team, working five days a week while dedicating his weekends to the bakery. His strong work ethic has always been evident.
Tim quickly became a key part of the company, building strong relationships with major customers.
Over the years, Tim progressed into various roles, including Operations Manager, where he was responsible for staff training, ensuring compliance with company policies, and maintaining operational efficiency, all with a strong emphasis on service and customer satisfaction. He then transitioned into a full-time role as Business Development Manager, focusing on driving business growth by delivering exceptional service to both existing and new customers.
In 2016, Tim became the General Manager and, in 2020, co-owner alongside Shelly Barber. Tim’s 18-year journey with East Coast Freight Distribution has been marked by his unwavering dedication and leadership, significantly contributing to the company’s operational success.