This scoping study is a first step in determining a way to examine contestability of freight flows to rail and road in Australia. It The study reviews current freight and commodity modelling practice to identifying the most effective model for further study. A four-step commodity flow approach was first identified being most suitable and a proposed model was scoped. However, lack of available data made the preferred model impractical. The relatively new spatial computable general e(SCGE) model is recommended as the most suitable alternative approach; it requires less data than the four-step commodity flow approach and performs well in technically. It is proposed to test this model for determining non-bulk freight contestability for the East Coast corridor that links Melbourne and Brisbane. This scoping study includes extracts from a proposal for a full study to beundertaken under the leadership of Professor Edward Chung.