Tell us about your business.
Porthaul is a bulk transport and civil construction business located in Southwest Victoria. Brian and Christina Williamson started out as farmers and after spending over two decades farming decided to shift careers. Following a period as publicans, they moved into transport in 1990 after Brian heard that a local transport business was closing down.
Brian approached a few local businesses and asked if, he took it over would they support him. As soon as they agreed, Porthaul started the next day, initially carting fertiliser from local manufacturers to farmers in western Victoria and South Australia. To this day, we still work with these customers.
Now, a second-generation family business with myself and my younger brother in the business, we are proud to have celebrated 35 years in operation in 2025. Over the years, we have been able to significantly expand, capable of moving a wide variety of freight such as bulk commodities, forestry products, wood chips, logs, quarry materials, general freight, oversize, refrigerated products, etc.
We are NHVR Accredited and have been proud members of Trucksafe for 25 years, consistently prioritising the safety of all our employees.
We also operate a civil construction division specialising in bulk earthworks, residential subdivisions, roadworks and carparks, as well as stormwater and drainage.
Like most family businesses, I think what sets us apart is the willingness to continually go above and beyond for our customers.
What has been your greatest success?
I think the ability to diversify into a variety of areas, whilst growing organically, as well as being able to maintain a high level of service to our customers who have been with us from the start.
What do you value about FBA?
We wanted to utilise the resources provided by the FBA and also take the opportunity to connect with other like-minded family businesses that are experiencing similar challenges and successes.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
I’m no expert, but I truly believe there’s nothing more rewarding than running a family business. Good communication is key and do your best to keep business and family time separate.
Support family business.
