What this class covers
ANZSIC class 5292 covers businesses that specialise in coordinating and managing the transportation of goods for other companies. These freight forwarding services act as intermediaries that take full responsibility for moving cargo from origin to destination, typically using multiple transportation methods and carriers. Unlike carriers who operate vehicles, freight forwarders organise the entire logistics chain while contracting the actual transportation to other enterprises.
In Australia, this classification applies to businesses that manage multimodal transport solutions, handling documentation, customs clearance, insurance, and tracking while coordinating between different transport providers. Typical examples include companies that arrange international shipping combining road transport to ports and sea freight overseas, businesses that coordinate cross-country deliveries using both rail and road transport, and logistics firms that manage air freight shipments including airport handling and final delivery.
Primary activities in plain English
- Arranging air freight transportation including coordinating between airlines, ground transport, and customs clearance
- Organising rail freight movements and managing intermodal transfers between trains and other transport modes
- Coordinating road freight services including full truckload, less-than-truckload, and specialised transport
- Managing water freight services including container shipping, bulk cargo, and port logistics
- Providing integrated multimodal transport solutions that combine two or more transportation methods
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes businesses that primarily operate their own transport vehicles. Road transport operators belong to ANZSIC classes 4711-4715, while rail transport operators fall under class 4716. Air transport operators are classified in division 48, and water transport operators in division 49. Businesses providing warehousing and storage services without freight forwarding are classified in group 5299. Customs brokerage services that don't include full freight forwarding responsibility may fall under other business services classifications.
Practical guidance
When registering your ABN, you'll typically use Business Industry Code (BIC) 52920 which corresponds to this ANZSIC class. This classification affects your Workers' Compensation category, which for freight forwarding generally falls under transport industry rates. For tax purposes, you'll report under this classification on your Business Activity Statements and tax returns.
The classification may influence eligibility for certain industry programs or grants aimed at transport and logistics sectors. When completing government forms or industry surveys, consistently using this classification ensures accurate statistical reporting and proper industry benchmarking. If your business expands into operating transport vehicles, you may need to review your classification to ensure it remains accurate.