The alternative mode of transport before the advent of the railway was carts and drays or by foot, horse or horse and buggy. These had many disadvantages such as, limited carry capacity, environmental factors, the huge cost of animal power and time. In the 19th century carriage transport by livestock cost 80% more than by train. The advantages of the railway quickly lived up to its reputation, having rapid impact on local industries in the region. However, the transportation of food by railway was a tedious and insubstantial task.

Wells ceased to be used as the railway allowed for in the introduction of the transportation of water tanks, and building supplies for the construction of the sewerage pipes. After the introduction of the railway there was more access to better quality wheat and flour. And the mills progressively declined. The local businessmen of the flour industry expected the railway to open up opportunities for the export of their flour. However due to the low quality of the local wheat and flour, the Armidale industry could not compete with better quality wheat from South Australia, Melbourne and Sydney, thus the industry rapidly deteriorated.

The increasing importation of goods by the railway meant that beer, ale, wine and spirits could now be easily imported from places such as Sydney, Newcastle and Maitland. The number in pubs continued to rise, with these new pubs being strategically constructed within close proximity to the station, many offering transport services to and from the railway.