Booking: Transport Tips    What You Need To Know When Booking Transport    When it comes time to book your transport services, the more information that you can provide the transport carrier, the more accurately they can estimate a price for the job. When the details about the requirements of the job are not accurately communicated, the potential for incurring additional costs increases significantly.   Whether it is the size or weight of the shipment, or the pickup time and location, it is impossible for transport companies to maximise efficiency if the information is not correct. One of the greatest challenges for transport companies trying to provide the most cost-effective transport rates to consumers is managing a clear and accurate flow of communication with the client about the specifics of the job requirements. To optimise efficiency it is critical for transport companies to get this process right.   Most transport companies charge based on the size of the goods being shipped and/or the weight of the goods. This is a relatively uniform process and the rule of thumb for freight size is based on “cubes” of 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2m. This size is allocated an aggregated acceptable weight of 1 tonne.   If your shipment exceeds these sizes or weights, you will usually be charged an extra unit (or percentage of a unit) to cover the extra space. This is a standard industry practice, however all transport companies have a range of variations in their parameters for how they calculate haulage costs. If you are not sure, it is important to ask for clarification of how the price is to be calculated.   Most transport companies price with a range of add-ons. Today, almost all transport companies charge a fuel levy. This should be charged as a percentage of the pre-tax price of the total invoice. If companies quote a fuel levy AFTER GST, this is illegal and you should query it. We receive many calls from customers who have had this experience in our industry. Also, keep in mind that con-note charges (a charge for writing out con-notes), demurrage (charges for time waiting for your load) and administration fees are also common. Always ask for a breakdown of these costs when you order a quote.   We have a newsletter, Lower Your Transport Costs, which contains industry specific information, tips and advice on how to lower the cost of shipping. To subscribe, click here.   Finally, if you have received quotations from other companies, or from us, and you have questions or queries about them, we are more than happy to help in any way we can. Call us on (03) 9879 3433, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .