Is Interstate Hay Worth It? Calculating Your Delivered Price

“I’m not paying $300 a tonne for a truck”.
It’s a common sentiment in Victoria right now. When you see hay listed in Central NSW or Southern Queensland, the distance feels like a deal-breaker.

But in a year where Victorian sheds are empty, the question shouldn’t be “How much is the truck?” it should be “What is the cost of the hay landing at my gate?” Sometimes, the “expensive” interstate hay is actually the cheapest way to feed your stock. Here is how to do the math without needing a calculator.

The Golden Rule of Freight: It’s All About the Payload

When you hire a B-Double, you aren’t paying for the hay, you’re paying for the space on the deck.

• The Goal: You want 25 tonnes on that truck.
• The Math: If a B-Double costs $2,500 to get to you, and you fit 25 tonnes on it, the freight is $100/tonne.
• The Danger: If you only fit 18 tonnes (because the bales are light or the wrong shape), that same trip now costs you $138/tonne.

Takeaway: Always look for high-density large square bales (8x4x3). They pack tight, hit the weight limit, and give you the lowest possible “freight per tonne” price.

The “At the Gate” Comparison (Worked Example)

Let’s look at a real-world 2026 scenario for a Victorian buyer:

Wait, Option B is $60 more expensive? Not so fast.

The “Hidden” Saving: Energy Density

This is where the math really matters. Local Victorian hay this year is often lower quality because it was cut under stress. Interstate hay from “good” zones is hitting much higher energy (ME) levels.

• Option A (Local): 8.5 MJ/kg Energy.
• Option B (Interstate): 10.5 MJ/kg Energy.

Because Option B has 23% more energy, you can feed 23% less of it to get the same result.

• To get the same energy as 1 tonne of Option B, you’d need to buy 1.23 tonnes of Option A.
• The Real Cost: Option A actually costs you $578 to get the same feed value as Option B.

The Result: The “expensive” interstate hay just saved you $48 per tonne.

Three Tips to Keep the Delivered Price Down

• Request a Feed Test: Don’t pay $150/tonne to transport filler. If the energy (ME) isn’t above 9.5, the freight usually isn’t worth it.
• Communicate Your Timing: Let the LocalAg team know your location and flexibility. While we don’t direct the drivers’ logistics, we can look for back-load opportunities where a truck is already heading your way. If the timing aligns, it can significantly reduce your freight cost compared to a dedicated booking.
• Buy the Full Truck: Avoid split loads if possible. A full B-Double is always the most efficient way to move fodder across state lines and ensures you are maximizing your freight per tonne value.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let a 700km distance scare you. Focus on the Delivered Price per unit of Energy. A higher delivered price is often the smarter business decision if the feed test proves your livestock are getting more energy out of every mouthful.