What is Backloading?

Backloading is a term used in the moving industry to market an “inexpensive removal option”.

So what is a backloading?

Many truckies don’t have offices in other cities, and find it difficult to compete competitively with the larger movers for that reason.

In reality large nationwide removal companies offer “backloading rates” for every move. Ensuring their trucks run to capacity and they are able to offer their customers the best prices.

Makes sense right.

But many one man bands with one truck and no affiliations don’t have that luxury. So they advertise on the internet and in newspapers as a “backloading specialist” promising the world but seldom delivering.

Indeed backloading is very high risk. For the customer I mean.

Backloading removalists are small companies without formal accreditation. This means little or no public liabilty cover and dodgy insurance policys.

Labour is commonly a mate, cuzzie or vagabond they pick up off the street or from the local pub. Yes, reeking of alcohol. They aren’t in uniform, have no training, and are often dirty. They rarely have the proper equipment, will probably use second hand furniture blankets from Sallie’s Army, and will undoubtedly be late for the pickup and delivery.

Their payment terms will be strictly cash on pickup. With a smirk.

They won’t complete an inventory of your goods. “Don’t be silly, we don’t need to use those. Don’t you trust me”.

So now the “backloading specialist” has your cash and your personal effects, and you don’t have any evidence of the pickup. Doesn’t sound good does it?

Straight after pick up with a fist full of cash it’s a quick puff on a roach and straight down to the nearest tavern for a few cold beers. At about midnight your driver will stagger from the bar, slip into the truck, and navigate blindly under the cover of darkness.

Are you getting the picture?

Backloading is a disguise. A myth. Even if you’re gullible, refrain from the calls of “cheap removal” and “save money” hailed from the pages of the internet or local rag . Steer clear.

You’ve been warned!

If you would like to share a story about “backloading specialists” please do so. Right here.

How Much Does it Cost to Move Overseas?

The cost of a standard door to door international relocation is calculated as follows.

Services at Origin:

Payment of Packing and Wrapping materials.
Packing Labour costs.
Creating an inventory and condition report.
Loading and delivery to store.
Consolidating/Loading into a shipping container.
Loading and delivery to port.
Preparation of shipping documentation and lodgement with the shipping company.

Shipping Services:
Payment of all shipping costs.
Payment of transhipment costs.
Payment of all landing fees.

Destination Services:
Collection from port and delivery to store.
Lodging documentation with customs and quarantine.
Clearance through customs and quarantine charges ( excludes inspection fees and ancillary charges)
Delivery to residence (first floor only)
Unloading, and placement in your home.
Unwrapping, unpacking onto bench tops and clearance of all packing materials.

Insurance is normally calculated at a rate of 3.5% of the insured value, with a $500.00 excess.

Service options include depot to door, door to depot, depot to ship side, door to ship side, and depot to depot.

By far the most popular option is the door to door service.

For further information regarding your overseas relocation please contact us.

Packing and Moving Fine Art and Antiques Overseas

Items such as fine art and antiques require professional care.

Only specialist moving companies have the expertise, personnel and equipment to handle items of a fragile nature.

To locate a specialist search under fine arts and antiques in your yellow page directory or online.
Alternatively consult your local art gallery or antique dealer for advice.

The important thing is to locate a business or individual who is familiar with the packaging requirements.

Depending on the size and weight, antiques and fine arts should be individually wrapped using paper, bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard paper. Paper is used first to prevent the bubble wrap from sweating and causing an indelible impression.

Then each item should be individually crated. Use treated timber so as not to attract a quarantine inspection, possible dismantling, fumigation, extra costs and the risk of permanent damage.

If the item is too large to man handle consider building a pallet under the crate. Use screws to secure the walls and, as well as a steel band wrapped from top to bottom and side to side.

Once crated use a stencil and aerosol spray to label the crate, with the full contact details at destination. Mark the item “fragile” and “handle with care” in red.

Now it’s ready to be shipped.

To calculate the shipping costs simply measure the breadth, height, and width and multiply these dimensions to obtain a cubic measurement. For example: 3 x 2 x 4 = 24 cubic feet.

To convert cubic feet to cubic metres divide the total by 35.315 feet.

Then multiply the cubic measurement by the rate offered by the shipping company. If you are shipping by air convert the cubic capacity by 167.7 kg per cubic metre to obtain a “chargeable volumetric weight”.

If you require assistance moving antiques or fine arts please contact us.