The cash deal would see the Japanese operation expand its reach to 55 countries ahead of a planned listing later this year.

Toll Shipping provides a ro-ro service with two ships between mainland Australia and Tasmania.

It has two terminals at Melbourne’s Webb Dock and McGaw Wharf in Burnie.

"We have made a first step toward becoming a global logistics company. The days are over when logistics companies can survive by shutting themselves within Japan," Japan Post president Taizo Nishimuro told reporters in Tokyo.

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