Built on Family,
Grown on Trust
From a single truck in Manjimup in 1987 to one of the largest logistics companies in the Southern Forests Region.
A One-Truck
Beginning
Before Warren District Transport, Syd, Heather and Rob Brunalli operated Jarrahdale Transport a Perth-based business carting fresh produce to the Perth Markets with six to seven trucks, also servicing Alcoa Mines with approximately 10 vans. During quieter winter months, Syd purchased a Scania and flat-top trailer to keep freight moving and open new opportunities.
It was the relationships built at those markets that changed everything. Joe Wilmott, who worked at the Perth Markets, had connections with growers in the Manjimup area who needed a reliable transport service. That introduction laid the foundation for what Warren District Transport would become.
In early 1987, Syd, Heather and Rob purchased Warren District Transport from Vince Schepics at the time, a small one-truck operation. The first load was export cauliflowers from Manjimup, destined for Mercer Mooney at the Perth Markets. A fitting start for a business that would spend the next four decades moving the South West’s produce.
With hard work and growing demand, WDT expanded quickly. By late 1988 the fleet had grown to three trucks with its first team of staff on board. By 1989–90, WDT had purchased two Western Stars and become known for operating one of the first tautliner B-trains in the Manjimup area a sign of things to come.
Follow the journey below from that first cauliflower run to three depots and 300+ customers.
Our Journey
The milestones that shaped Warren District Transport from a single truck in Manjimup to one of the South West’s most trusted logistics operations.
Syd and Heather Brunalli run Jarrahdale Transport in Perth six to seven trucks carting fresh produce to the Perth Markets, plus approximately 10 vans servicing Alcoa Mines. Syd adds a Scania flat-top in winter to keep freight flowing and new opportunities open.
Perth Markets contact Joe Wilmott introduces Syd to growers and customers in the Manjimup area who need a reliable transport service. The relationship that would become Warren District Transport begins to take shape.
Syd and Heather Brunalli purchase Warren District Transport from Vince Schepics. The first load: export cauliflowers from Manjimup for Mercer Mooney at the Perth Markets. A small beginning but a significant one.
Grant Monk, originally from Wanganui, New Zealand, starts with WDT as a driver. He arrives in Manjimup with a VCR recorder, a bag of dirty washing and not a cent to his name living at the Manjimup Hotel and working every route he can find.
Hard work and strong demand from the local produce industry drive rapid early growth. WDT expands to three trucks and takes on its first team of staff the operation that started with one cauliflower run is now a real business.
WDT purchases two Western Stars and begins operating some of the first tautliner B-trains and B-double trucks in the Manjimup area establishing WDT's reputation as an operator willing to invest in capability ahead of the curve.
After 13 years on the road learning every route and every customer, Grant Monk is promoted to Manager. He brings deep operational knowledge and a driver's-eye understanding of what makes freight work in practice.
Grant and his wife Carol purchase Warren District Transport from Syd Brunalli. Two decades after arriving with nothing, Grant now owns the company he helped build from the road up.
Having previously shared a Perth depot with Carnarvon Transport and South West Express, WDT establishes its own independent depot at the Perth Markets a milestone in the company's growth and a platform for further expansion.
WDT purchases Ron Mercer Transport in Donnybrook and continues to operate the Donnybrook depot to this day. The acquisition extends WDT's South West reach and adds a second operational base to the growing network.
As the business outgrows the Perth Markets depot, WDT relocates to its current Canning Vale facility a larger, purpose-built logistics hub that gives the company the space and capability to continue scaling its Perth metro operations.
Across three depots Manjimup, Donnybrook and Canning Vale WDT employs around 50 staff, operates 23 trucks and services more than 300 customers. From growers and producers to businesses across the region, WDT keeps the South West moving.
Three Depot Network
Strategically placed across the South West and Perth metro.
Our Values
End-to-end temperature control for every load. Chiller, freezer and ambient capability no compromises.
HACCP certified operations. Rigorous compliance standards across the entire fleet and all depots.
Built on decades of trust with growers, businesses and communities across the South West.
Proudly regional. WDT’s roots are in Manjimup and that connection to community guides everything we do.
“From its early beginnings to where it stands today, WDT is proud to keep moving forward while staying connected to the people and values that helped build the business.”