FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the remote corners of the Outback, moving goods across Australia presents a unique set of challenges and questions. A deep dive into the nation's freight queries reveals a landscape of concerns ranging from cost and customs to packaging and prohibited items. Here are the 20 most frequently asked questions by Australians looking to send or receive freight, with guidance on how  Freight Companies Australia can assist

Cost and Quotations: The Bottom Line
Unsurprisingly, the most common queries revolve around the financial aspects of freight.

1. How is freight cost calculated in Australia?
The calculation is typically based on a combination of factors including the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric (cubic) weight, the distance of travel, the mode of transport (road, rail, air, or sea), fuel surcharges, and any additional services required like tailgate delivery or insurance.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: They provide an online platform where you can enter your shipment details once and instantly compare quotes from various carriers, making it easy to see how different companies calculate costs for your specific needs.

2. What is volumetric (or cubic) weight and how is it calculated?
Volumetric weight is a pricing technique freight carriers use which considers the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of a consignment (in metres) and then multiplying the result by a cubic conversion factor (usually around 250). The carrier will charge based on whichever is greater: the volumetric weight or the actual weight.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: Their integrated quote calculator automatically computes the volumetric weight for you. You just need to enter the dimensions, and their system will compare carrier quotes based on the correct chargeable weight, simplifying the process.

3. How can I get a freight quote?
Most freight companies offer online calculators or quote request forms on their websites. To get an accurate quote, you'll need the dimensions (length, width, height), weight, and the origin and destination postcodes of your shipment.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: They are a one-stop-shop for getting multiple freight quotes. Instead of visiting several carrier websites, you can use their service to get a comprehensive list of options and prices from different providers all in one place.

4. Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Potential additional charges can include fuel levies, tailgate fees (if a forklift isn't available at the pickup or delivery location), futile pickup/delivery fees (if the goods aren't ready or no one is available), and fees for residential deliveries. It's crucial to read the terms and conditions of any quote.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: Their platform aims for transparency by clearly itemising costs, including potential surcharges for services like tailgate delivery or residential drop-offs, which you can select during the quoting process. This helps you understand the full potential cost upfront.

Domestic vs. International: Crossing Borders
The complexities multiply when shipping goods overseas.

5. What is the difference between a courier and a freight service?
Generally, couriers specialize in smaller, lighter shipments (like parcels and documents) and often offer door-to-door services with detailed tracking. Freight services handle larger, heavier, and palletised goods, which may involve depot-to-depot transit.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: Their service allows you to compare both courier and freight options side-by-side. By entering your shipment's size and weight, their system will automatically present the most suitable and cost-effective carrier type for your needs.

6. How long does freight take to arrive within Australia?
Transit times vary significantly based on the origin, destination, and service type (e.g., express vs. general). A shipment from Sydney to Melbourne could be overnight, while a delivery to a remote area in Western Australia could take a week or more.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: When you get a quote on their platform, the estimated transit times for each carrier and service level (e.g., Express, General) are displayed, allowing you to make an informed decision based on both speed and cost.

7. What do I need to know about international shipping?
International shipping involves customs documentation, duties, and taxes. You'll need to provide a detailed description of the goods, their value, and the country of origin.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: They partner with carriers experienced in international shipping and can provide guidance on the necessary documentation. Their platform simplifies the booking process by prompting you for the required information for international consignments.

8. What are customs duties and taxes, and how are they calculated in Australia?
Goods imported into Australia with a value over AUD $1,000 may be subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%, and potentially import duty, which varies depending on the type of goods and the country they originate from.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: While they do not collect duties and taxes directly, their customer service team can offer general advice and direct you to the appropriate resources, such as the Australian Border Force website or recommended customs brokers, to estimate these costs.

9. What is a customs broker and do I need one? A customs broker is a licensed professional who facilitates the clearance of goods through customs. While not always mandatory, using a broker is highly recommended for international shipments to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: For complex international shipments, they can recommend or connect you with their trusted customs brokerage partners to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.

The Nitty-Gritty: Packaging, Tracking, and Insurance
The practicalities of preparing and monitoring shipments are also top of mind.

10. How should I package my goods for freight?
Goods must be adequately packaged to withstand the rigors of transit. This typically means using strong boxes, sufficient internal cushioning, and for larger items, securing them to a pallet. Inadequate packaging is a common reason for freight damage and can void insurance claims.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: They provide comprehensive packaging guidelines and tips on their website. Their customer support team can also offer advice on how to best prepare your specific items for safe transit with their partner carriers.

11. Can I track my freight shipment?
Yes, all reputable freight carriers provide a consignment or tracking number that allows you to monitor the progress of your shipment online through their website.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: When you book through their platform, you receive a tracking number and a link to their centralised tracking portal, which allows you to follow your shipment's journey regardless of which underlying carrier is used.

12. What is a consignment note? A consignment note (or shipping label) is a document that contains all the essential details of a shipment, including the sender's and receiver's information, a description of the goods, and the terms of carriage. It acts as a receipt and a contract between the sender and the carrier.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: Once your booking is confirmed, their system automatically generates the correct consignment note or shipping label for your chosen carrier, ensuring all necessary information is included and correctly formatted.

13. Do I need freight insurance?
While carriers have a limited level of liability, it often doesn't cover the full value of the goods. For valuable items, taking out specific freight insurance is highly recommended to protect against loss or damage.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: They offer the option to add freight insurance during the booking process. This allows you to easily purchase comprehensive cover for the full value of your goods for added peace of mind.

14. What happens if my freight is lost or damaged? If your freight is lost or damaged, you should notify the carrier immediately and lodge a claim. The claims process will require documentation such as the consignment note, proof of value, and photos of any damage.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: As your single point of contact, their customer service team can assist you in initiating the claims process with the carrier. If you purchased insurance through their platform, they will guide you through the necessary steps for your claim.

Special Considerations: Prohibited Items and Access
Finally, there are crucial questions about what can be sent and how it can be delivered.

15. What items are prohibited from being sent as freight? Prohibited items typically include dangerous goods (flammables, explosives, corrosives), illegal substances, live animals, and perishable goods without proper packaging and arrangements. Each carrier has a specific list of prohibited and restricted items.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: Their website features a clear list of prohibited and restricted items. Furthermore, their booking system may flag certain items, and their support team can provide definitive clarification on what can and cannot be sent through their network.

16. What is a tailgate delivery?
A tailgate delivery is required when the sender or receiver does not have a forklift to load or unload heavy or palletised freight from the truck. The truck is equipped with a hydraulic lift at the rear (the tailgate) to perform this function, and this service usually incurs an additional fee.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: You can easily select the "tailgate" option for pickup and/or delivery when generating a quote on their website. The system will automatically filter for carriers that offer this service and include the associated fee in the total cost.

17. What does "ATL" (Authority to Leave) mean?
"Authority to Leave" gives the carrier permission to leave the goods at the delivery address if no one is there to sign for them. While convenient, this can increase the risk of theft or damage and may not be available for all types of freight or locations.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: During the booking process, they provide a checkbox or special instruction field where you can grant Authority to Leave. They also provide information on the risks associated with this choice.

18. Can freight be delivered to a residential address?
Yes, but it's important to inform the freight company as residential deliveries can sometimes incur extra charges and may require a tailgate truck if the items are heavy.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: Their quoting system requires you to specify if the pickup or delivery address is residential. This ensures the price is accurate from the start and the correct vehicle is dispatched for the job.

19. What is the difference between a business and a residential address for freight purposes?
Business addresses are typically commercial premises with standard operating hours and facilities like loading docks. Residential addresses are private homes, and carriers often apply different procedures and fees for these deliveries.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: By requiring you to classify the address type (business or residential) in their quote form, their platform ensures the chosen carrier is prepared for the location and that all relevant fees are included in your quote, preventing unexpected charges.

20. What is a "futile pickup"?
A futile pickup occurs when a driver goes to collect a shipment, but the goods are not ready, not available, or inaccessible. This often results in a "futile pickup fee" being charged to the sender.
How Freight Companies Australia can help: They help prevent futile pickups by sending booking confirmations and reminders about the scheduled collection day. Their customer service team can also assist in rescheduling a pickup if you know in advance that the goods won't be ready.

 

 

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