TASMANIAN businesses are set to get more export assistance and advice through a new Tasmanian Export Freight Logistics Advisory Service with tenders for a provider to be released in the coming weeks.

A statement from the Tasmanian minister for trade Guy Barnett said the new service would help businesses optimise their transport operations, connect with transport services, develop new freight channels and identify potential cost savings.

“It will help them improve their long-term competitiveness and viability through freight and logistics improvements and make it easier to move products to offshore markets as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Mr Barnett said.

The new Tasmanian Export Freight Logistics Advisory Service is part of the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2019-25 to help Tasmania businesses tackle global trade challenges and assist them to maintain and grow their export markets.

The procurement process seeks a suitably capable and qualified provider to operate the service for the next 18-month period.

The successful tenderer will ideally have extensive knowledge and understanding of the local national and international freight network and have the ability to provide succinct and relevant advice and referrals to Tasmanian businesses to help them improve the efficiency of their supply chains.

The chosen provider will also promote collaboration across businesses and industry sectors to support broader supply chain improvements to optimise freight and logistics services for Tasmanian goods.