The 2,195km Journey to Bring Social Housing to North QLD
Transporting modular housing isn’t just about moving buildings – we’re delivering stability, opportunity and a fresh start for communities in need.
This latest project has us moving 78 modular buildings across 235,248 kilometres to locations across Queensland with one of the longest routes stretching from Riverview to Cooktown – 2,195km of road, weather and logistical challenges.
The experienced team at Saunders Transport do not take this initiative lightly. Moving oversized modular buildings isn’t your typical freight job - it requires careful planning, expert driving and constant communication between trucks, pilot vehicles and local authorities to ensure safe and efficient deliveries.
The Long Road to Cooktown
Day 1: The convoy departs Riverview, traveling west along the Warrego Highway to Charlton before heading north via the Dawson Developmental Road to Banana, where they rest for the night.
Day 2: The biggest travel day - drivers push through Rolleston, Springsure, Emerald and Clermont before stopping at Charters Towers to refuel and recover.
Day 3: Careful maneuvering through Hackett Terrace in Charters Towers, avoiding low-hanging powerlines under Ergon’s watchful eye. The journey continues north along the Kennedy Developmental Road to Conjuboy, Evelyn and Millaa Millaa, before making their way through Atherton, Mareeba and the Mulligan Highway. Some trucks stop in Lakeland, while others push through to Cooktown.
Day 4: The team unloads, delivering much-needed homes to the community. With their trailers closed up, they prepare for the 2,195km journey back south.
Day 5: The convoy makes its return trip, arriving home on the evening of the fifth day.
The Challenges our drivers face
Weather & wind: Large modular buildings act like sails in high winds, requiring careful handling.
Car & light vehicle safety: Many road users don’t understand the complexity of oversize transport, leading to near misses and stressful conditions for drivers.
Fatigue & concentration: Unlike regular long-haul trips, oversized transport requires constant focus, precise communication with pilot vehicles, and zero room for error.
These drivers do more than just hit the road - they navigate challenging conditions complex routes, and tight spaces to deliver essential social and government housing across regional Queensland.
Seen a modular convoy on the move? Give them a wave and some extra room - they’re transporting more than just buildings, they’re carrying very precious cargo!
