Most people rely on transport in order to live their daily lives, and many make their living from it. Some folks drive taxis, buses and trains and others become independent freight agents. If you’re looking to ship items around Australia, it’s important to know the right tips and tricks. Otherwise, you could run into all sorts of problems – from delayed packages to extra fees. In this article, we’ll provide 8 tips that will help make shipping around Australia a breeze!
- Do Plenty Of Online Research
In order to make shipping easy and affordable, there’s no better place to start than the internet. You can find plenty of guidance and advice on online forums and websites dedicated to the topic. If you’re researching transport companies operating in Sydney you can read about vehicle and machinery transportation, home deliveries and returns, and bulk trucks on-demand for any purpose. You can access 1st-class customized services and put things into the safe hands of transport and logistics experts.
Some key websites to look at include:
- Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
- Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities
- National Transport Commission
These sites can help you get a better understanding of the process and find contact information for agencies that can assist you. By discovering the different options available, you can make an informed decision about which one’s best for your needs.
- Look At The Cost
There are a few things you need to take into account when looking at prices. They include:
- The size and weight of your shipment
- The distance that you’re shipping
- Whether you’re using a door-to-door service or not
The cost of shipping around Australia can vary greatly depending on these factors. Getting several quotes is always a good idea, as you’ll be able to compare prices and find the best deal. You can get quotations by going online or by calling the companies directly. If you’re looking for a door-to-door service, ask about any additional fees that may apply. These can include things like pick-up and delivery fees, so it’s important to get an all-inclusive quote before making your decision.
- Look At Ways Of Saving Money
One way to achieve this is to consolidate your orders. If you’re ordering multiple items from different vendors, see if they can send everything together. This way you’ll only have to pay for one shipment instead of several.
Another idea is to look for companies that offer free shipping. Many businesses offer this if the customer spends a certain amount of money, e.g. $50 or more.
- Consider The Time Frame
This is important because if you’re working with a deadline, you need to make sure your product arrives on time. Depending on where you’re shipping from and to, this can vary. For example, if you’re shipping from Sydney to Melbourne, it’ll generally only take one or two days. However, if you’re shipping from Perth to Brisbane, it may take up to five.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you need express shipping. This generally costs more, but it’ll get your product there faster. If you have a deadline that you absolutely cannot miss, then express shipping is probably worth the extra cost. However, if you have a little wiggle room in your deadline, standard shipping will probably suffice.
- Consider Your Shipping Method
There are a few different ways to ship your product, and the most common is to use a courier service (like DHL, UPS, or FedEx). These services are generally the most expensive option, but they’re also the fastest and most reliable. If you’re shipping something time-sensitive or valuable, using a courier service is probably your best bet.
Another option is to use Australia Post, which is cheaper than using a courier service. It’s also slower, however, and it can take up to five days for your product to arrive this way. The last option is to use a freight company. They’re generally the cheapest option, but they’re also the slowest. It can take up to two weeks for your product to arrive if you use one of these.
- Choose The Right Packaging
This is important because you want to make sure your product arrives safely. If you’re shipping a fragile item, pack it well so it doesn’t break in transit. You may want to consider using bubble wrap or packing peanuts. If you’re shipping a large item, make sure it’s properly secured so it doesn’t shift around and get damaged.
If you’re using a courier service, you’ll need to use an envelope or box that meets their size and weight requirements. If you’re using Australia Post, you’ll need to use an Australia Post satchel or box.
- Look At The Company’s Reputation
When you’re looking for a company, it’s important to check out the company’s reputation. That’ll give you an idea of the quality of their services and whether or not they’re reliable.
There are a few ways to do this:
- A quick Google search will reveal a wealth of information about a company, including customer reviews.
- Look at the company’s website and social media channels – and any press they’ve received.
- Talk to friends, family and colleagues (e.g. who’ve recently moved house or relocated within Australia).
- Seek Businesses That Offer Tracking And Insurance
Tracking is the process of monitoring the location of your shipment as it makes its way to its final destination. Insurance protects your shipment in case of loss or damage during transit.
The benefits of tracking and insurance are that you can see where your shipment is at all times and you’re protected financially if something happens to it. If anything becomes damaged in transit you’ll be able to apply for compensation.
In addition to the 8 tips we’ve provided, don’t forget to have the right documentation. That’ll ensure nothing gets held back or delayed (e.g. at customs). By having everything in place you’ll experience maximum peace of mind that everything will be transported okay. It’ll arrive safely, on time and in good condition, otherwise you’ll be able to recoup your losses.