Transporting your car within Australia can be an intimidating task due to the number of interstate car transport companies to choose from, the different service levels available and the preparation that goes into moving a vehicle. However, you can make sure this process runs as efficiently as possible by avoiding the following 5 common mistakes.
The first and often biggest mistake people make when booking their interstate car transport is not conducting thorough research on the transport companies they are considering. While the majority of freight organisations are legitimate businesses that operate ethically, there is always going to be one bad apple in the bunch - no matter the industry. That is why it is imperative to perform your own due diligence before making any bookings. This should include but is not limited to, reading previous clientele feedback from multiple different trusted review sites, ensuring the business is registered to operate within Australia and liaising with the company directly to ask any questions you may have. When examining the quote you have received be sure to compare them with prices outsourced from other car movers to ensure the quote is fair and matches the current market value. Doing these basic security checks is crucial to determining the authenticity of the transport provider's claims.
For additional peace of mind, it is also recommended to get referrals from friends, family or people who know the industry such as car dealers or auction sites.
When booking car transport it's easy to become overwhelmed with the vast array of options on offer - particularly with different service levels. The most common services are door-to-door and depot-to-depot and choosing the wrong one is a common booking mistake you should try to avoid.
Door-to-door service refers to when a car transport company picks the vehicle up from a residence or commercial property you specify and deliver it directly to the location you require. Choosing a depot-to-depot service, on the other hand, will require you to drop the car off to their depot and then collect it from a depot. This is often cheaper and quicker than its door-to-door counterpart. Rural and regional areas are likely to only be serviced by companies who can offer direct to door services as major cities are usually where depots are located. However, these depots can sometimes be more than 50kms from the city's centre. Therefore, ensuring you have selected the correct service level will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. We advise that if you’re unsure always contact the transport provider directly, especially if you are booking online.
Another common error that is made in regard to vehicle transport is the lack of understanding surrounding transit insurance and what it covers. Most car transport services include insurance in their quote terms, however, it is always in your best interest to confirm this directly with them prior to booking. Not only should you check to make sure their insurance is valid you should also examine the policy they offer to ensure it covers the cost of your vehicle. This is especially important if you are shipping a luxury or classic car as these are often more expensive and may require a policy that has more extensive coverage. Learn more about shipping a luxury/classic vehicle here. Consideration may also need to be made into whether the insurance offered also covers any aftermarket additions to the vehicle such as electronics or modifications. You might want to think about purchasing a supplemental insurance premium if these items or the cost of your vehicle aren't covered.
Being unprepared for the car transport service to take your vehicle is also a frequently made mistake. There are several different things you should do to get your vehicle ready for transport. Firstly you should make sure your vehicle is clean to ensure that no remaining debris can damage the car in transit. This will also be helpful for when the company has to conduct inspections and document the condition of the vehicle. Ensuring your vehicle is clean will also reduce the risk of your vehicle being quarantined due to having restricted materials such as plants, insects and food scraps. If these items are found by border agents at quarantine checkpoints, the car transport company will be required to decontaminate the vehicle at an additional cost to you.
In addition to the vehicle inspection report conducted by the freight provider, it is recommended that you complete one yourself by taking photos of the car and noting any existing marks and damage. This is a precaution just in the unlikely chance an insurance claim needs to be made. Mechanical checks of the car should also be performed in preparation of transport. The car’s battery, foot and hand brakes, tyres and windows should all be tested to ensure they are operational. Additionally, any non-factory alarm system you may have fitted into the vehicle should be disabled and the fuel tank should be at least ¼ full to allow for loading and unloading. Finally, you should ensure you have all documentation required ready for when the car movers interstate collect your vehicle. This includes any authorisation documents and invoices if the vehicle is coming from an auction house.
It may seem like a good idea at the time to fill your car up with all of your personal items, especially if you are relocating along with your vehicle. However, some car transport services do not allow goods to remain inside the vehicle. This could be for various reasons but is most often due to the extra risk of damage to the vehicle as well as the additional weight that is incurred. This can then cause the truck to be over its allocated weight limits which puts the driver and other road users in danger. Some car carriers do offer a ‘goods in car’ service for an additional fee however there are usually strict regulations around this. Common policies include a weight restriction of up to 80kg, goods are designated to the boot of the vehicle and must be in suitcases, boxes or bags and no dangerous goods or perishable items are allowed. It should be noted that if the transport company allows items in the vehicle, they will likely take no legal responsibility for the safety of these goods. This means if any of your belongings are stolen/damaged or the interior of your vehicle is harmed in any way due to these items, the car carrier will not be at fault, and you will not be able to claim insurance for this. Therefore, we recommend that any valuables you have may be better to be transported separately to your car where they will be covered under transit insurance.
We understand that getting a car shipped is quite a daunting task, however, avoiding making the above mistakes will ensure a smoother transportation process. At Truckit.net we offer a platform to help make moving your freight easier. So if you need interstate car transport we can help! Simply create a listing and our 6000+ accredited transport providers will supply you with quotes. Performing due diligence on Truckit is effortless with the ability to access the provider's profiles, reviews and job completion rates all in one place. We offer peace of mind with our secure payment methods, partner insurance company NTI, and access to a friendly customer service team who are always there to answer any questions you may have. So what are you waiting for? Click here to get a quote today!
Are you looking to find luxury or classic car movers interstate? Here at Truckit.net we have over 6000 transport providers accredited with us - including those that specialise in luxury/classic vehicle transport who can help with your move! All you have to do is create a listing, compare quotes and book - it’s as easy as 1,2,3.
However, before making any decisions there are a few things you need to consider when shipping a luxury/classic vehicle. Read on to find out the key factors to remember within this specialised car transport:
When choosing the transportation company who will move your vehicle it is important that you perform thorough research and due diligence. Checking their reviews from previous clients and ensuring they have experience moving luxury or vintage vehicles is imperative to help you decide if they are the right company to be moving your prized possession. Truckit.net makes this choice easy as we offer a platform that lets you view quotes and previous client feedback from transport companies all in one place.
As your luxury or classic car is most likely a very cherished item it is important when you want interstate car transport that you consider all of the options available. The most common mode of transport for shipping cars is open car carriers, however, this may not be the best option for your classic/luxury car. While this service is often a more affordable option it leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements and any debris that may be along the route. To protect your car from dangers like stone chips and dirt it may be prudent to choose an enclosed car service. For even further safeguarding you also may want to consider a single level enclosed trailer as this allows your vehicle to be the only one being transported. This option will ensure no damage will occur to your vehicle in the unlikely event that other cars on the upper levels spring oil leaks.
Other less common vehicle transport methods include via ship and aeroplane. These options are more frequently used on long distance and international trips, however, if this is your preference here's a few things you should know:
The type of service provided will be stated with all quotes supplied by providers on Truckit.net and you can confirm this with them using the messaging service available on the platform. When creating the listing you can also request that providers issue quotes with enclosed car services only in the ‘other details’ section.
A key consideration when booking your luxury vehicle transport is the type and extent of insurance on offer. While most interstate car transport companies will have their own insurance it is important that you ensure their policy covers the cost of your vehicle and any extras such as electronics you may have added to your vehicle. If these aren’t covered you may need to consider getting additional insurance for peace of mind. Truckit.net does have a partnership with National Transport Insurance where customers can purchase insurance when booking, however, this only covers goods up to the value of $50000. As your classic car is likely worth more than this we do recommend ensuring you have the correct coverage by connecting with an insurance broker which can be done here.
Before handing over your vehicle to an interstate car transport company make sure to do the following few things to ensure the process goes smoothly. You should always make sure your vehicle is empty of all personal belongings and both the interior and exterior of the car is clean. A record of the condition of your vehicle should also be made prior to your car transport to avoid any complications if an insurance claim needs to be made. This will require you to take photos of every part of the vehicle, noting any marks that may already be on the surface. This is merely a precaution as you most likely won’t need this inventory, however it is always better to be safe than sorry. As most major car companies don’t take vehicles with any mechanical issues, be sure to do a quick maintenance check on the battery, tire pressure and fluid levels. Also disable any alarms and if your vehicle has any quirks be certain to let your car movers know. If your car has been purchased from an auction site you will also have to provide the transport company documents certifying that they have the authority to pick the vehicle up on your behalf. Any additional steps that need to be taken prior to your vehicle transport will be communicated to you by the car transport service upon booking confirmation - so be sure to be checking your emails.
It is important you keep these factors in mind when making a decision on interstate car transport for your vehicle as they define what level of service you will receive. Click here to get a quote to move your luxury or classic car today!
I know it’s a very busy and challenging time of year, with rising fuel prices, staffing difficulties and road & rail disruptions. So I just wanted to shoot a quick video to say thanks for the good work and give a quick update on the platform.
Although I know most customers are delighted with the service, its still great to hear it again. Here is one that really stood out to me;
On time with pick-up and delivery. They kept in contact with me, informing me where vehicle was after pick-up and when in transit.
Called me when 15 minutes away from drop off point.Excellent service.
And here is another:
Need an engine shipped from Bundaberg to Melbourne. Tried quite a few of the big name companies and obviously were not interested.
Found a great company on Truck it who completed the job inside 5 days door to door with no issues at all.
The first shows how much customers appreciate communication. It sounds like that provider made things by using the app to enable tracking. In my opinion the highlight in the second review is all about the customer recognising that our providers are often more flexible with greater service standards. Great work!
While we haven't specifically been looking for more business to business jobs, a lot more manufacturers, wholesalers and civil projects have been reaching out to us to find good quality providers. It means an greater need for pantechs, skels, flat tops, curtainsiders, low loaders and more. These businesses generally have terms and conditions that go above what most consumers would expect, but the pay off is the chance of longer-term work, easier loading & unloading and pickup and deliveries to the same locations while dealing with the same people.
To give yourself the best chance of landing a slice of this work, make use of the insurance uploader for your certificates of currency, and keep your Truckit rating high.
Lastly I just want to say thanks to all of the transport providers who have kept Australia moving through the year!
Stay safe on the road and have great Christmas,
Rob
1. Where were you born?
Assam (North East) - India
2. Favourite Hobby?
Playing with Bat and Ball
3. Favourite Quote?
"Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it." - Rabindranath Tagore
4. Favourite Band?
Fossils Band (Kolkata)
5. Favourite Food?
Hilsa fish in Mustard gravy
6. Post-pandemic - Where Do You Want To Travel First?
Queenstown, New Zealand
7. What's a fun fact people may not know?
I made students believe that I was a new teacher at a private arts school being a student on the very first day of the course.
8. What’s your favorite part about your job at Truckit?
Bringing up design culture among folks
Understanding some of the most common freight shipping acronyms related to logistics and transportation will assist you in tackling quotes and shipping contracts with confidence. We have collated some of the most common freight terms that you will see here on Truckit.net when discussing your freight listing with one of our Transport Providers & Customer Support Staff.
Owner Operator
Freight Broker/Agent
A Freight broker is an agent between shippers and carriers. Instead of taking possession of the freight, the broker facilitates communication between the shipper and the carrier. They’re the ones making sure the handoff goes smoothly between carriers and shippers, and that freight arrives safely & on time.
Some shippers like working with freight brokers because they have a single point of contact from point A to point B while their freight moves to its destination. Working with a broker can eliminate the need to negotiate with a carrier, planning routes, and tracking freight. Some carriers also like working with freight brokers to optimise their routes and minimise dead kilometers, boosting their earnings in less time.
Cubic Weight
Also known as Volumetric Weight, and is a pricing technique for commercial freight transport which assigns a weight based on the volume of an item. For example, many pallet carriers use the cubic weight conversion of 1m3 = 333kg. Even though an item may only weigh 4kg, due to its size, it may be 15kg of cubic weight. For example, a large blanket might be relatively light, but large in size.
Door to Door / Depot to Depot
Single Transit Insurance
Consignee/Consignor
Consignment Note
Flatbed
A flatbed trailer is a typical open deck trailer that has no roof nor sides. It is mainly used for transporting heavy, oversized, wide and indelicate goods such as machinery, building supplies or equipment. The flatly shaped body makes it much easier to load and unload goods using ramps or lifting equipment.
Surcharges
A surcharge is an extra fee charged by a company to cover costs of one form or another. One example is a payment surcharge which may be charged by some merchants when a customer elects to pay by cheque, credit card, charge card or debit card. This covers the merchant’s costs (usually bank costs) of accepting this payment.
Other types of charges:
Dangerous Goods
CAR SPECIFIC:
Auction House
Salvage Yard
Drivable
Goods in Car
Driven Service
One of the benefits of using the Truckit Provider app is that you can share your location with customers, allowing them to keep up to date with their delivery.
The first time you login to the app you will be shown a popup with a brief overview of Truckit's location tracking. You will then be prompted to set your Location Settings to 'Always'.
In order for the tracking to function properly you will need to select 'Always Allow' when prompted. This is a technical requirement to ensure a good tracking experience for your customer, otherwise the tracking will not function. But don't worry, you will have full control over when you wish to be tracked, as you will read below.
Before you leave to go and collect a job, make sure you go into the job screen and click 'Start Job'. When starting the job you will also be given the options to:
With Truckit tracking you are in full control, to turn tracking on or off for all customers, simply use the 'Online' switch on the home screen (see below).
When you are Online, customers who have a job in progress will be able to see your current location on a map as well as an estimate of the distance to the collection or delivery (example below).
When you are Offline, nobody will be able to see your location, only your last known location from when you were last online.
Customers can view your location on a map when their job has been started and you are set to Online. If both of these conditions are met, then the customer will be able to see a map on their listing page that looks something like the below.
Good to know tip: To maintain a level of privacy, there is a zoom limitation on the customer map which means they can not zoom all the way in to see your exact position on the map.
We hope that this assists in your queries about our tracking options! As always, if you have any further questions or queries, please reach out to us on 1800 859 850 or support@truckit.net.
Where were you born? Ipswich, QLD
Do you have any Hobbies? Sports in the form of tennis and golf... Big tennis guy!
Favourite Quote? "Don't sweat the small stuff... and it's all small stuff".
Favourite Band? The Killers
Favourite Food? Woodfired Pizza
Describe yourself in 3 words? Curious, Confident & Jocular
Favourite TV/Book Series? Game of Thrones
Where were you born? Beijing, China.
Favourite Hobby? Skiing, photography & collecting vinyl!
Favourite Quote? "We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us." - Rabindranath Tagore.
Favourite Band? The Cranberries, Pink Floyd, Tippling Rock.
Favourite Food? Blue Fin Tuna.
Post-pandemic - Where Do You Want To Travel First? I plan to go to Japan and/or Queenstown for skiing!
What's a fun fact people may not know? I hope one day that I can have a band of my own!
What’s your favorite part about your job at Truckit? My favourite part about my job here at Truckit is its diversity and inclusivity.
Although it is not recommended, car transport businesses may allow you to transport personal items with your car whilst it is in transit. If you choose to transport personal items with your car, we have collated some tips and to-do’s to make sure you have packaged all of your items appropriately according to the guidelines.
Items must be under the windows
There are two main reasons why the personal items you pack need to be under the height of the car windows.
If your transporter shows up and your vehicle is packed to the brim with personal items that are beyond the window line, they may refuse to take your vehicle for liability and safety reasons. They most likely will charge you additional fees if this is a breach of any contracts you signed regarding the transport of personal items within your vehicle.
Think about any potential damages
A car sitting potentially upon another car on a transport truck isn’t the most smooth ride and there will be lots of vibrations and shifting, so you need to make sure that all of the items that are in your car are packed securely and safely. If items are not secure, there is a high risk of them shifting around and causing internal damage to your vehicle. Additionally, any damage that is caused by your items or the extra weight they add is not insured. Packing these items in your car is at your own risk, not the transport provider.
When shipping personal items in your vehicle, use common sense and pack non-valuable items. If the items in the car are easily replaced, then go for it. If they are highly valuable or sentimental and will not be easily replaced if damaged or stolen, it is HIGHLY recommended that you do not ship them with your vehicle.
A recommended way of making sure all personal items are secure and not going to cause internal damage to your car is by packing all of the items in suitcases, duffle bags, or boxes.
Limitations
While it is understood that sometimes there is no choice but to ship personal items with your vehicle, it is important to know why it is discouraged by many companies, and the risks involved.
While many online businesses are legitimate, it can be easier to fall for an online scam due to the anonymous nature of the internet. Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites, email receipts, and text messages that look like genuine online stores and responses.
Online scams are sophisticated messages which often use professional-looking brands and logos to look like they come from a business you know. At first glance, the level of sophistication can make it difficult to determine if it is real, or fake.
It is common that scams involve asking you for upfront payments in times of an ‘emergency’, or to pay for products or services. Scammers might even go as far as impersonating a friend, family member, or business that you frequently communicate with online, to try and convince you of their ‘story’.
While many online businesses are legitimate, it can be easier to fall for an online scam due to the anonymous nature of the internet. Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites, email receipts, and text messages that look like genuine online stores and responses.
Online marketplaces are one of the most popular platforms for scammers to conduct their activities. Below are some of the tactics they use to cover their tracks (according to besedo.com):
Scammers look for accounts that have a good reputation and buy them to publish fraudulent ads.
2. Ad modification
Scammers submit mundane ads with real photos, prices, and reliable data. But once the ads are accepted, they change them - lowering prices and deleting/adding photos.
3. Trojan ads
Scammers create accounts and begin publishing conventional ads. Once a reliable precedent is set, they begin posting fraudulent ads instead.
4. Change IP addresses
This is when scammers continually change IP addresses to avoid being tracked.
5. Multiple ad publication
Scammers submit multiple ads in big quantities; to disguise their fraudulent ones.
If you think you have encountered a scam, talk through your situation with a friend, family member, or trusted colleague as a quick sanity check because some scams are so sophisticated that they can effectively play with your emotions. Asking for an outsider’s view can help you reframe your thoughts and put you on the right track to remedying the situation. Then, contact the retailer that the scammer is claiming to be through the official website to make them aware of the situation. If you are not satisfied with the response from the retailer or more action is required, you may be able to contact your bank to arrange a charge-back through them, or your credit union if you have paid by card.
For further assistance, you can file a complaint through your state government website, and it is highly recommended to make a complaint to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Queensland Government Consumer Complaints: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/make-a-consumer-complaint/use-the-contact-list
ACCC: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
Once you have completed these reporting processes, spread the word to friends and family to make sure they are aware and protected.
To arm yourself in the future, you can use online resources like Scam Adviser. Scam Adviser asks for details about the potential business scam and produces a trust score based on what they find by scanning the details across the internet.
Scam Adviser: https://www.scamadviser.com/check-website/truckit.net
