Freight costs will depend on a number of factors. Regardless of whether you’re shipping a small on-off load or require weekly runs to remote areas in Australia, Best Rated Transport can connect you to top rated and trusted freight transporters in the industry.
Our online comparison platform allows you to connect to the best rated transporters that can handle any load type and size.
Our goal is to ensure you receive the best rates on every load.
To calculate freight cost for general freight you will need three main calculations. Cost per kg, cost per cubic metre and cost per km.
Some general freight companies will only charge cost per kg or cost per cubic metre while others include both of these freight costs in their calculations.
Small Shipments (less than 1 tonne): $2.00 to $6.00 per kg.
Medium Shipments (1 to 5 tonnes): $1.50 to $4.00 per kg.
Large Shipments (over 5 tonnes): $1.00 to $3.00 per kg.
Small Shipments: $50.00 to $150.00 per m³.
Medium Shipments: $40.00 to $100.00 per m³.
Large Shipments: $30.00 to $80.00 per m³.
Road Freight: $1.00 to $2.50 per kilometre, but this can be higher for specialised services or remote areas.
Transporting a pallet within a city might cost between 80 and 200. For longer distances, such as interstate shipping, prices could range from 150 to 500 or more, depending on the specifics. To send a pallet to Sydney from Cairns, for example, you're looking at around $400.
For a typical freight shipment, the cost might be calculated using a formula like:
Cost = (Weight × Rate per kg) + (Volume × Rate per m³) + Distance Charge (Kms, fuel, insurance, etc).
For Example:
Weight: 500 kg x $2.50
Volume: 2m3 x $45.00
Distance: 500 km x $1.50
Total Cost: $2,090.00
Weight: 1,000 kg x $2.50
Volume: 4m3 x $40.00
Distance: 2,000 x $1.50
Total Cost: $5660.00
Freight quotes are calculated based on a combination of factors that reflect the complexity and requirements of transporting goods.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary elements that typically influence freight costs:
Heavier shipments usually cost more to transport. Freight costs are often calculated per kilogram or per cubic metre for larger loads (m³).
Longer distances typically mean higher costs due to increased fuel consumption, wear and tear on vehicles, and longer travel times.
General Freight that requires no special handling requirements tend to be cheaper to transport than specialised freight such as hazardous materials, temperature-sensitive goods, or high-value items.
Road tends to be the most affordable way to transport general freight compared to rail and air.
At Best Rated Transport, we work with the best rated road trucks and road trains. We also specialise in remote and regional areas including mine sites and farms.
Flexibility makes a big difference to pricing, especially if you are able to find an empty truck looking for a backload. This is something Best Rated Transport can sort out for you.
Fuel costs, insurance, loading and unloading costs can also impact the cost of freight transport in Australia and the freight quotes you receive.
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General Cargo: Includes a wide range of goods transported in standard trucks or semi-trailers. This can be anything from household items to industrial equipment. General freight also includes pallets and palletised shipments.
Refrigerated Freight: Transport of temperature-sensitive goods like food and pharmaceuticals in refrigerated trucks.
Oversized or Heavy Haulage: Transport of large, heavy, or oversized items that require special permits and equipment.
Containerised Freight: Uses intermodal containers to transport goods across long distances. This is efficient for large volumes and long-haul routes as well as self-pack moves.
Hazardous Materials: Freight that includes dangerous goods such as chemicals, explosives, and flammable items.
Livestock Transport: Shipping of animals, which requires special conditions for their welfare during transport.
Project Cargo: Involves the transportation of large, heavy, or complex equipment often for industrial or construction projects.
Automotive Freight: Involves transportation of cars, boats and caravans.
Temperature-Controlled Freight: Includes goods that need specific temperature ranges during transportation, such as pharmaceuticals and fresh produce.
Our comparison services extend to most general and specialised freight including:
-General freight including palletised freight, palletised shipping
-Oversized and heavy haulage freight
-Project Cargo and specialised equipment transport
-Farming equipment and tractor transport
-Heavy machinery Equipment and mining equipment Transport
We don’t, however, have carriers who can assist with:
-Temperature controlled freight
-Refrigerated Freight
-Hazardous materials freight
-Livestock and Animal Freight
Determine the Weight and Volume: Measure the shipment’s weight (in kg) and volume (in cubic metres).
Calculate Costs: Multiply the weight by the rate per kg and the volume by the rate per cubic metre.
Add Distance Charges: Apply the distance charge based on the shipment’s route.
Include Additional Fees: Add any accessorial charges, such as for special handling or insurance.
To find the best rate on general freight use Best Rated Transport's comparison platform.
Enter your shipment specifics like weight, volume, destination, and service type into the platform.
The platform will generate and compare freight quotes from multiple carriers based on your criteria.
Review your options, select the best rate based on cost, service and reliability and finally, book your freight.
Simply start your quote below and you will be connected to trusted carriers who can assist you with your freight transport.
Alternatively, contact the team at Best Rated Transport at 1 300 440 139 to discuss your freight rates.
At Best Rated Transport you can compare container transport AND removalists on the same platform. Access quotes for both move types and see which one is your best choice.
