Crawfords Freightlines will be able to operate almost around the clock in Werris Creek if a new development application is approved.
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The application, lodged with Liverpool Plains Shire Council, is on public exhibition until February 28.
If approved, the company will be able to operate from 6am-6pm and 6pm-6am, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm on Saturdays, and from 8am-4pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Crawfords' Andrew Ray said extended operating hours would give the company flexibility and help it to meet the demands of its clients.
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Mr Ray said sailing schedules were rigid and Crawfords needed to allow for time lost because of factors including delays, production difficulties and rail maintenance.
In a document prepared by Paul McGrath Property Services, the proposed changes would allow for 20 heavy vehicle movements in and out of site in the peak harvest season, and eight in the off-season.
Between 6pm and 6am, additional noise-generating activities would be limited to transferring shipping containers to and from heavy vehicles, and placing them in relevant storage areas.
Equipment would be limited to a combination of single and B-double vehicles, and only one heavy vehicle working on site at any time. One container-handling forklift and diesel generator would also be allowed.
"We don't try and push for hours that would create noise issues for the residents. The only thing we're trying to achieve is flexibility to meet the requirements of companies to get that freight moved and keep them viable," Mr Ray said.
He said the hub was in a "very strategic location" and serviced more than 60 clients - "and that's in the drought".
"Werris Creek has the ability to meet the demand from the north west region," he said.
"I can tell you, if we weren't there in Werris Creek prepared to move the volumes required by the state, you'd probably find parts of north west and west would struggle to move that volume into fairly congested Port Botany.
"[Werris Creek] can service Tamworth, Armidale and all outlying regions. It is servicing Gunnedah, Narrabri, right up to Moree, or people who require reliable rail service in these times that would not normally be there."
