Queensland Rail's Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme (RFCIS) provides financial support to help eligible new customers grow their container freight on rail.
About the Scheme
The Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme is designed to make rail an even more cost‑effective and efficient option for containerised freight. Eligible customers can receive a rebate on access charges, paid quarterly, based on the actual number of loaded containers moved.
The scheme applies to containerised freight moved across the Queensland Rail network excluding standard gauge. The scheme will commence on 1 January 2027 and will run for three years, supporting businesses looking to expand their freight operations while contributing to a stronger, safer and more sustainable transport network for Queensland.
Eligibility
The rebate scheme is available to new and existing customers introducing new container volumes to rail. This excludes contract renewals or new Access Arrangements with a new rail operator for existing business.
The rebate is not available in conjunction with any other discount scheme (excluding the Mount Isa Line Incentive Scheme). Transport of fuel containers is not eligible for the rebate.
To qualify, customers must:
- move at least 250 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) per annum
- contact Queensland Rail at
RFCIS@qr.com.au to discuss eligibility and register interest.
Rebate value
Rebate values vary depending on the rail sector, access costs and contract details. Eligible customers will receive up to a 50% rebate.
Example rebate values for typical freight movements are shown in the below table:
| Brisbane to Rockhampton | $35 | $18 |
| Brisbane to Townsville | $70 | $35 |
| Brisbane to Cairns | $80 | $40 |
| Brisbane to Yamala | $55 | $28 |
| Brisbane to Longreach | $80 | $40 |
| Brisbane to Warwick | $40 | $20 |
| Brisbane to Goondiwindi | $70 | $35 |
| Townsville to Cloncurry | $230 | $115 |
| Townsville to Mount Isa | $280 | $140
|
How it works
- Sign a new haulage contract with an above‑rail operator to move at least 250 TEU per annum.
- Contact Queensland Rail at RFCIS@qr.com.au to discuss eligiblity and register interest.
- Move eligible containerised freight on Queensland Rail's network.
- Receive a quarterly rebate based on actual loaded containers.
- Continue earning rebates for two years.
The scheme commences 1 January 2027.
Find out more about Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Benefits of rail
Choosing rail strengthens your business by delivering efficiency, cost and sustainability gains across your supply chain.
Higher fuel efficiency
Rail typically delivers 3 to 4× better fuel efficiency than road transport, using only one‑third to one‑quarter of the fuel required for equivalent road movements.
Lower operating costs
Reduced fuel consumption translates into lower per‑tonne‑kilometre transport costs over time.
Reduced road congestion
On average, each container freight train in Queensland removes 35 to 40 trucks from the road.
Improved end‑to‑end efficiency
Fewer trucks on key corridors mean smoother road access to and from rail terminals, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall freight flow.
Lower emissions footprint
Higher fuel efficiency and consolidated loads reduce greenhouse gas emissions per tonne moved.
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