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Already have a shipping quote from a transport company? Get in touch with us, maybe we can beat their price and provide a more competitve quote.

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Does my Freight Quote Cover my Goods During Transit?

This question commonly arises when people are organising the transport of their goods locally and interstate. Although it can seem straightforward that if a driver were to drop a box, or a forklift driver ram a pallet - that the carrier automatically becomes liable for the costs of the damage, but this might not always be the case. In fact, more often than not, the carrier would not offer compensation in these scenarios.

Do I Need Insurance?

There is a reason why insurance is offered to people sending goods with freight companies. There is always a risk that the goods may get damaged or lost during transit. Some consignments are more susceptible to damage, as the distance they will travel can be further, or the type of consignment could be fragile or temperature sensitive. Some businesses that transport valuable goods, for example new machinery or fragile electronics, will often choose to insure their goods. This is because the cost of the insurance outweighs the potential loss if anything were to happen to the goods during transit. Freight companies are required to take reasonable care when handling people’s freight, and if a freight company becomes negligent when transporting your goods, they may be required to compensate you in the event of damage. Despite this, and with the use of several contractors in one consignment, proving negligence by one of these carriers can be difficult to do.

Including Damage Waivers with a Freight Quote in Australia

Some freight companies offer a damage waiver for their consignments in addition to the basic freight quote, which is essentially a simpler form of insurance. A small premium is paid to the freight company, who in turn will insure your goods up to a certain amount. Benefits of purchasing a damage waiver is that the cost doesn’t become too expensive when insuring low value items. A common downside to this damage waiver is the lack of customer service received when trying to make a claim. It can be quite common to wait up to weeks to get a response from a freight company when it comes to getting compensated for damaged goods. Even the long waiting times on hold to speak to someone at a large freight company can make an already stressful experience even worse.  

Packaging Your Freight – The Best Way to Protect Your Goods?

If the above waiver isn’t offered to you, it may be worthwhile to get an insurance quote from an online freight insurance broker. These services are easy to use and can be quite cost effective. If, however, you think it’s just not worth getting insurance, the next best option is to properly package your goods for transit, which can be the best form of insuring your goods against damage! Clearly labelling your freight also helps with the general handling of you freight and can minimise any potential problems you might encounter.

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Considerations for a Dangerous Goods Freight Quote

Due to their physical and chemical characteristics, dangerous goods pose a risk to people and the environment. These items and substances include commonly known things, such as: explosives, radioactive materials, flammable liquids, compressed gases, acids and poisons. Everyday items that can cause problems include toiletries, aerosols, tools and lithium batteries. In freight, it is very important to be aware of the potential hazards of transporting dangerous goods. As such, correct packaging and labelling of harmful goods is vital to ensure safety to the public and the environment and compliance with legal regulations

Material Safety Data Sheet

A material safety data sheet, or MSDS, is a document that outlines information on the potential health and environmental effects of exposure to chemicals and other dangerous substances. The MSDS also has safe working procedures to follow when handling and transporting dangerous goods, as some cannot be transported together, and some require more stringent packaging than others. When dangerous goods are being transported, the driver needs to have the relevant MSDS of the goods he is transporting. Additionally, the goods need to have clear labels showing what category of dangerous goods is being transported. For example, the tank truck, transporting thousands of litres of fuel will need to display the red diamond sign reading: Flammable Liquids.

Asbestos

Asbestos, well known today in the building industry as a dangerous building material, was commonly used in constructions from the 1940’s to 1987 due to its high heat resistance and good insulation properties. However, the fibres from the asbestos sheeting, when cut and inhaled has been proven to cause serious damage over time, as the fibres are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair, and become trapped deep in the lungs. As buildings from the time of the asbestos era became old and in need of renovation, it has become an issue to ensure the correct and safe removal and transportation of asbestos from buildings being demolished.

Case Study

In May 2018, a regular asbestos dumper became the first person to be jailed in tough new regulations in NSW. A Sydney resident was sentenced to three years for the illegal transport and dumping of asbestos. After advertising free top soil, clay and crushed bitumen, it was discovered that the material also contained other work site waste, including pipe, plastic, ash, cement sheeting and asbestos. The dumping of asbestos onto residential properties exposes residents to the health risks of asbestos. 

With this in mind, it is easy to understand why dangerous goods need to be declared and packaged appropriately before they get transported. When obtaining a freight quote for your dangerous goods, it is important that they are advised of the type of goods you need moving. In some cases, dangerous goods can simply be packaged carefully and can be transported as regular freight.

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The Shipping Pallet for Storage and Transport

It can be hard to imagine how the world ever functioned without shipping pallets. As the name suggests shipping pallets have been used to store and transport goods on ships, trains and trucks ever since the invention of the modern forklift. A pallet pickup and delivery reduces a lot of manual handling, saving time and money. Prior to the humble shipping pallet being introduced, wooden boxes and barrels were commonplace.

Types of Shipping Pallets

Many regions of the world have their own particular set of specifications defining the ‘standard’ shipping pallet, ranging from North America, Europe and Australia. But the main materials used to construct them are generally wood or plastic.

Advantages of Wooden Shipping Pallets

Wooden pallets tend to have a higher friction level as opposed to their plastic counterparts and are also easier to repair as they are made up of individual pieces of wood. All it really takes to repair a wooden shipping pallet is a claw hammer and some nails. (The claw end of the hammer comes in handy when removing bent nails.) They are also cheaper than plastic and funnily enough actually have more uses that you would at first imagine.

Old shipping pallets have become something of an art form of late and it’s not uncommon for people to use a shipping pallet, or parts of it, to make some kind of specimen for their backyard, home or café. The weathered wood of an old pallet has a certain rustic charm that appeals to art lovers and gardeners alike.

Disadvantages of Wooden Shipping pallets

Though your average wooden pallets are the ideal way to pack and transport multiple small goods, and are an efficient way of moving goods around a warehouse, they do have their disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is the inherent risk of a damaged pallet causing an injury. Workers that handle pallets should be aware of the hazards associated with them such as splinters and protruding nails. Once wooden shipping pallets become wet, they can become a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, which is another negative aspect that perhaps not everyone is aware of.

Plastic Shipping Pallets

Plastic pallets are very common and have some superior aspects compared to wooden shipping pallets. For one, they are a lot easier to clean. This is especially handy when they have become dirty during transit, or are being used in a warehouse that handles raw products such as food. Plastic shipping pallets can simply be hosed off or cleaned in some other way without having the water seeping into the shipping pallet. 

Yet another advantage of the plastic shipping pallet is that it generally weighs a lot less than a wooden shipping pallet. This is of course advantageous for your average labourer who may need to carry one or move it for some reason. But also, financially: a lighter pallet equals a lighter overall load, which in turn results in a lower pallet delivery quote and greater profits.

With features such as being able to be stacked conveniently on matching shelving systems as well as on top of each other when not in use, we would be in trouble if we ever ran out of shipping pallets. We have become reliant on them in dealing with the world’s shipping and storage challenges.

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Tips for Finding More Competent Road Courier Companies

Venting frustrations over poor transport services to colleagues, friends and family is not uncommon in the business world today. However, some business owners seem to be under the illusion that they owe a certain loyalty to their transport providers, or that poor service is simply inevitable. The reality is that the level of service some freight companies provide is not acceptable and the business owner is usually under no obligation whatsoever to continue engaging their services.

It Often Gets Worse Before it Gets Better

One of the challenges of finding a more competent capital city courier to take care of deliveries is that the disruptions caused by the transition often outnumber the existing problems. Here people tend to do what is very common, go with the better option of the two, which in this case is continuing to put up with a poor transport company rather than creating more problems. What the business should in fact be choosing between is poor ongoing service and your courier service improving out of sight, taking into consideration some extra intermediate challenges.

Finding the Time to Re-Evaluate Road Courier Services

If a company is going to bite the bullet and find a new transport and logistics company to deal with the movement of goods, then it’s important that the end result is worth the challenges faced during the transition. One of the ways to ensure a positive outcome is to do the research and do it thoroughly. This is easier said than done, as very often any spare time is taken up resolving issues caused by the couriers in question. Knowing what to look for can help. This article provides companies with some general guidelines on how to find a reliable road courier company.

Dealing Directly with the Consumer

Knowing the needs of your customers is essential when you are in working out the best way to service them. As such you need to find a transport provider that can deliver what you need. If you are thinking about how to align the way your business runs with a transport provider’s operations, you are likely looking at the wrong provider. If your business deals directly with the consumer, you’ll need to find out whether your transport provider can service residential addresses, carry small parcels and not least accommodates rush deliveries.

Dealing with Other Retailers and Businesses

If, however, you are doing business with other retailers and companies, then you’ll probably need a freight provider that is competent in palletised goods and container freight, experienced in warehousing and exceptional communication systems. You can’t afford for your valuable cargo to be lost or damaged in transit when you’re dealing with corporates who will replace you without a second thought. In this case you will need freight and transport services that will help you deliver reliable services to your client base, every time.

Don’t Fall for Cheap Rates

While it can be ever so tempting, never select a transport service on the promise of low rates. You will end up getting exactly what you pay for. Rather choose a freight company based on their reputation, competency, and dedication to service. You will most likely end up better off financially because your supply chain will flow better than ever before.

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Pallet freight in Canterbury Bankstown seems to run quite smoothly

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Central Coast Courier Services

Nice to find professional and reliable Centra Coast courier services.

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Things to Consider When Shopping Around for the Best Courier Quote

In the world of online shopping many people find that they need a courier at some point. Customers finalise their purchases, provide a street address and expect their items to be delivered within a given time frame. At the other end, there is no need for the seller to maintain an attractive physical shop front; a warehouse will often be sufficient. And in some cases, the sellers don’t even stock a single item themselves. They are simple a go-between, matching up merchants with consumers and taking their share of the profit.

Having Systems in Place for Smoother Transactions

There is, however, a need for a well-organized delivery system; a sequence of events and checkpoints to ensure that every customer receives exactly what they have paid for in a timely fashion. Sellers are often dependent on sourcing reliable couriers so that goods are delivered on time and intact. Not only should they be reliable, they should also be affordable. There are many people who present themselves as being organised, punctual and dependable and choosing the best courier service isn’t always easy.

Some Considerations When You Are Out Looking for a Good Courier Quote

How quickly did they get back to you? The fact that a courier quote arrives in your email inbox a couple of days after you submitted the enquiry form, possibly tells you something about how highly the company values their customers and gives you some indication of their timeliness. The best couriers get back to you within one hour of receiving your request. Some even earlier.

The Best Courier is not Always the Cheapest One

Depending on the nature and urgency of the delivery, sometimes it is best to choose to avoid the cheapest courier quote, if you aren’t convinced that they will be able to deliver the goods. Take into account the service the company is offering, the safety or security of your goods and how quickly it will arrive. A ridiculously cheap courier service quote may be an indication that all is not as it seems.

Clear Communication is Critical

It takes an element of trust to assign someone with the task of delivering your goods. In one way, when the goods leave your premises, it is out of your control. As such, clear communication is key to a seamless delivery. You should be confident that you will be able to get in touch with the courier company to enquire about the status of your delivery.

Check the Reviews of the Courier Company

Customer reviews help you identify the performance of the couriers. Reading several reviews can highlight recurring themes, either good or bad. For genuine reviews, make sure you visit sites that don’t filter out bad reviews.

Quality Courier Services with Freight Quote

Freight Quote provides bulky item courier services all over Australia. Customers have the option of booking a Standard Courier service or an Urgent Courier. Standard Courier bookings that are confirmed before 5pm on any weekday can be delivered the next business day. Urgent Couriers that are booked and confirmed before 2pm will be delivered that afternoon or early in the evening. For deliveries within the major capital cities, Freight Quote typically provides its customers with a courier quote within 15 minutes of receiving the request.

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An informative article about transport shipping containers. Follow the link for more information. 

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Freight Quote offers a variety of services to meet your needs. Their courier services are efficient offering next day deliveries if orders are booked before 5 pm the previous day with their efficient courier services. Give them a call today and have Freight Quote deliver your goods through their courier services. 

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Factors Affecting Freight Quotes Offered to Australian Businesses

Australian businesses can broadly be placed into two categories – those who regularly ship goods in and out of their premises, and those who don’t. The former will often have an established relationship (and an account) with a single transport company, whose vehicles and area of operations fits the profile of the business, whereas the latter will be more inclined to obtain a Freight Quote for each of their infrequent road transport requirements. 

There are many factors which impact on the cost of road freight in Australia. Listed below are some of the key cost drivers, and some tips for how to best approach these issues, in order to minimise costs for the transport companies. Anything which reduces the costs for the freight company you entrust with moving your goods should be taken into account by them, when providing you with a freight quote.

Package the goods – securely and correctly

Incorrectly packaged or insufficiently protected goods can cause untold issues for a freight company. Loosely strapped boxes, poorly applied shrink wrap or light-grade pallets being loaded with heavy bulky items can create delays at every link in the freight chain, and can result in extra charges being added to the original amount quoted to move your freight. In some cases, these issues might even result in the goods never getting delivered!

Mark the consignment – clearly and correctly

While poor labelling practices may not impact on the initial freight quote, you can be sure that at some point in time the feedback from the transport depots will find its way back to the customer service and sales departments, and you’ll notice it in the increased pricing. In some cases, a freight company may simply close your account, having determined that the risk posed by moving your incorrectly labelled goods, is more than they’re willing to accept.

Provide some flexible time windows

There are few things more difficult for a freight company to deal with than unreasonable or impossible pick-up and delivery time windows. Road transport is highly susceptible to external factors which are often completely out of the control of the driver or the freight company. Even the most diligent and organised transport providers will experience events which throw their delivery schedule out by several hours in a single day – a single road accident during peak hour is a good example of this. By providing a reasonable pickup and delivery time window, you are effectively cutting your transport provider some slack, and greatly increasing the likelihood of them being able to arrange the pickup and delivery within the requested time frame. That’s not to say that a narrow time window can’t be achieved – but it’s important to understand that the more inflexible the customer is in their demands, the more work and cost will be incurred by the transport company to arrange the delivery.

A bit of common sense can reduce your freight quote

While there are of course many other factors at play here, the underlying principles are actually quite simple. Whether you transport goods daily, or once in a while, anything you do as a customer to make life easier for your freight broker or transport provider, will give them an incentive to look after you as a customer, and provide you with a competitive freight quote.

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Check out this impressive freight quote form by Freight Quote. Amazingly simple to use yet, it contains all the necessary fields in order to receive an accurate freight quote in good time. The form is logical and helps the customer to think through the process of pickup to delivery. Freight Quote’s friendly team also were able to provide a quote over the phone. So call them today and get a freight quote!

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Freight Quote is a freight forwarding company that provides professional services to customers wishing to transport freight anywhere in Australia. Their online freight quote form makes it easy for customers to receive a freight quote quickly and without the inconvenience of having to start an account. Call freight quote today and get your items moving!