With a values-first model in metro freight, Ontime Delivery Solutions is helping food, beverage and manufacturing clients simplify and stabilise their last-mile logistics.
In a freight industry often defined by fragmentation, Ontime Delivery Solutions takes a deliberately focused approach. For more than four decades, the Melbourne-based company has delivered tailored transport services across Australia’s metro areas – not through a rotating pool of drivers, but by embedding dedicated owner-operators directly into the company’s clients’ businesses.
Founded in 1983 and still family-owned, Ontime Delivery Solutions today operates a fleet of more than 600 subcontractor-owned vehicles across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. The company specialises in transport solutions for business-to-business clients, with particular strengths in food and beverage logistics, dry goods, and high-volume metro distribution.
“We’re built on long-term relationships and mutual accountability,” says CEO Walter Scremin. “We’ve always believed that trust is the foundation of good logistics. That’s why we’re not transactional – we become part of our clients’ operations.”
A different kind of logistics partner
Ontime’s model differs from most traditional carriers. It doesn’t offer warehousing. It doesn’t do interstate freight. Instead, its drivers and vehicles are contracted to work exclusively for a single client, on multi-year terms.
“Our drivers are dedicated to one business, full-time,” says Walter. “They wear the client’s uniform, follow its schedule, and become familiar with its customers and delivery points. But we look after everything else – admin, compliance, technology, insurance, maintenance, training.”
This structure is often described internally as “in-sourcing” rather than outsourcing –blending the control of an in-house fleet with the support and reliability of a third-party logistics provider. As Walter explains, it’s particularly appealing to businesses that are not transport specialists but rely heavily on dependable, day-to-day delivery.
“One of our clients is a national bedding manufacturer,” he says. “We load from the client’s factory and run milk runs to regional stores. Others include large food producers that require temperature-controlled, early-morning store deliveries. In every case, we make sure they never have to worry about a vehicle or a driver not being there when needed.”
Scaling refrigerated services for food and beverage
While most of Ontime’s work is still in dry goods, the company has spent the past two years growing its refrigerated capabilities. That expansion includes deliveries for sushi manufacturers supplying major supermarket chains.
“In Melbourne and Sydney, we’re delivering fresh sushi to Woolworths and Coles stores every morning,” says Walter. “It’s a direct-to-store model – no DCs involved. Our drivers remove the previous day’s stock, restock the shelves, and ensure everything arrives at the right temperature.”
Walter says this is an example of how Ontime fills a market gap between smaller, one-vehicle operations and national freight conglomerates.
“Refrigerated logistics is often dominated by either owner-drivers or big players doing high-volume freight. We provide a middle option – smaller refrigerated trucks, same driver every day, professional standards, and full support behind the scenes.”
Built-in resilience and continuity
Walter explains that a major appeal for clients is the continuity and stability Ontime’s model offers. Every driver is supported by a backup plan that includes trained relief staff, fleet replacement, and administrative cover – ensuring service doesn’t break down when things go wrong.
“If a driver’s away, we’ve got someone trained up who can step in immediately,” says Walter. “If a vehicle breaks down, we provide another. Our clients don’t have to manage any of that – they just get the service they need.”
Walter says this model is especially important in cold chain logistics, where delays or failures can quickly lead to product loss or compliance issues.
“You can’t afford to miss a window when delivering chilled goods,” he says. “Our job is to make sure that never becomes the client’s problem.”
A values-first culture
Ontime’s approach is rooted in what Walter calls “old-fashioned service principles,” specifically, accountability, trust, and genuine care. That culture is reflected in the way the company builds relationships – with clients, subcontractors, and its own team.
“We’ve had clients stay with us for more than 20 years,” Walter says. “That doesn’t happen unless you show up, own mistakes, and do the right thing consistently.”
Walter himself has been with the company for more than three decades and credits its retention – of both clients and subcontractors – to a deliberate culture of respect and long-term thinking.
“We try to ensure we do everything we can to make our clients successful, and in turn, by them being successful, we’re successful as well,” he says. “So, we grow together.”
Investing in systems and service
To reinforce that model, Ontime utilises an operating system designed to improve visibility, flexibility and responsiveness. The system offers real-time tracking, automated alerts, route optimisation, and performance analytics for clients.
“Most tech in our sector is built to improve margins for the transport company,” says Walter. “Ours is built to give the client more control over deliveries. If we can help them save money or improve customer service, that’s the measure of success.”
In one recent example, the Ontime team worked with a client to restructure delivery routes and reduce its vehicle count – without sacrificing service.
“It’s not about protecting our revenue at all costs,” Walter adds. “It’s about building trust through shared efficiency. That’s how we retain clients.”
As the company continues to invest in its people, technology and refrigerated fleet, Walter says the focus remains on staying true to Ontime’s core principles – consistency, partnership, and long-term thinking.
“Our business is about showing up,” he says. “We make sure our clients never have to worry about transport again and we do that by building a model that puts their needs first.”
