Interstate Removalists - Getting a Quote

Article - Blog: Interstate Removalists - Australia Wide - 7 Days per week?

Transcorp Interstate Removalists - Weekly Service Areas - All of Australia including Perth CBD and all other WA towns including Kununurra, Broome, Derby, Port Hedland, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Geraldton, Tom Price, Newman, Carnavon, Denham, Fremantle, Bunbury, Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, Kalgoorlie and all other places on- route (7 days per week).

Whether you require the services of an interstate removalists to or from any Australian city, then please ensure you request a quote from only an AFRA (Australian Furniture Removal Association) member. This will give you peace of mind ensuring that the removal company is accredited and will need to abide by the strict AFRA guidelines.

Please never only base your decision on price alone as this is a common and major mistake made by customers moving interstate to and from Australian Cities. Many times, Transcorp Removals & Storage is called on for last minute pick ups, whereby clients that have booked with other non accredited backloading companies have not turned up or choose to take better paying removal options leaving you high and dry and potentially loosing or chasing paid deposits. This creates undue stress for the consumer and we attempt to assist with short notice which in the end may also create extra charges due to the possibility of needing local removal trucks as well as our interstate removal vehicles to help you move with short notice.

Getting a License to drive a removal truck: It is very easy for any individual to apply and succeed in getting a truck license and then advertise as an interstate removalists to perform 'backloads'. Unfortunately for the consumer there is no current legislation that forces qualifications or compulsory accreditation's (like builders, plumbers or electricians) . With approximately  $700.00 to $1000.00 most individuals can get a medium rigid truck license and advertise to win your work. This doesn’t automatically make them an experienced interstate removalists. If you have every tried to load a truck or container yourself or even attempted to move furniture around your house or office you would understand the difficulty, equipment and experience required.

I also strongly suggest you ask the following questions when moving interstate to help minimize issues and stress.

1. AFRA – The first and most important question for you to ask is if the interstate removalists is AFRA (Australia Furniture Removal Association) accredited? Do NOT even consider them if they are not! The application process to become a member of this Association is comprehensive and aims to accept only quality interstate removalists who agree to abide by the AFRA code of contact. The Code of Conduct sets out certain minimum standards expected of members so that clients may, with confidence, place their work with a member.The minimum standards described include company premises, staff, training, dealing with the client, vehicles and equipment, quality procedures and disputes. Only approved AFRA members are allowed to offer full comprehensive transit and storage insurance.
2. Who do I call if I have any problems communicating with the interstate removal company?
   Do NOT directly select a one man, one truck outfit because the interstate removalist is more probable to have problems with times, dates and money and your communication with them will be limited as they are continuously on the road. They may decide to divert elsewhere to make extra money and any extra delays may be risking all of your belongings and you will be totally stressed out. Only select an interstate removal company that has an office where communication lines are always open.
3. How long has the company (or individual) being performing interstate removals?
   Only let an experienced interstate removalists (minimum 3 years) handle your precious belongings. It takes many years to clearly understand how to wrap, stack and safely tie down your belongings to minimize potential furniture damages. With some interstate moves (Melbourne to / from Perth) it is highly likely that your furniture will travel via a 20 ft container (across rail network). This typically means the removal team (at least 2 man) that loaded the container truck will not be the same team that unloads the container. Ensure the team that uplifts your goods performs a detailed inventory and condition report that can be checked off by you at the delivery end. Normally your goods will be consolidated with other furniture travelling to Perth or Melbourne and the inventory list will be beneficial in case of cross loading.
4. What type of insurance does the interstate removalists provide in case of damages and how do I claim if anything happens?s
   Any quality interstate removal company should automatically have insurance for their truck(s), therefore if anything happens to the truck whilst on the road ie. fire, overturning etc then your belongings would be covered provided you have read their terms and conditions. If you require accidental damage insurance including loading/ unloading and movement whilst inside the truck then you would seriously need to consider insurance that covers you for this type of potential damage(s). Only AFRA accredited removal companies can offer this level of transit insurance.
5. Ask for a written quote to be provided by email that includes your inventory (very important)?
   Any interstate removalists company that is not prepared to supply a written quote including their charges with terms and conditions and cannot attach an inventory of your goods should not be even considered. This is where you are extremely susceptible and the interstate removalists or backloading company may increase charges when they arrive to pick up your belongings. If you have any problems with their moving service and you have no paperwork to prove what was expected from the outset then you may have major issues. Companies performing removals this way are “Cowboys” and have been known to hijack your belongings until you pay the additional charges. Do NOT risk it!
6. Do they have an up to date website that you may review?
   In today’s marketplace a web-site tells you a lot about a company and its ability to service your interstate move. Take your time and read through their website content. They should also have 'Terms and Conditions' that you can review if needed.
7. What happens if the interstate removalists is running late to pick up or drop off my belongings?
   As most charges are based on competitive “backload” rates it is still important that you clearly understand the interstate removal company’s procedure for unforeseen delays that may occur from time to time. Do they have a corporate office so that you may be updated of circumstances? Perhaps consider booking the entire removal truck or shipping container as this will assist meeting exact dates that you may have requested. Transcorp provide approximate transit times for you to consider.
8. Do they have the correct tools to disassemble and assemble beds, shelves etc?
   As strange as it may seem, many small interstate removal companies or cowboys cut their cost by not having the latest equipment including tools to perform the work correctly. They blame you for not being ready and threaten to walk off the job. If you require your beds, shelves etc to be disassembled and reassemble by them, then it is important the removal company know about it and are prepared to assist you. Is this service included in the interstate price quoted to you and perhaps their interstate service is to drop the goods at the front of your house only?Thanks and I hope I have assisted with any decisions you may make now and in the future when moving interstate - Australia Wide!John Christoforidis Managing DirectorTranscorp Removals & Storage1300 466 838 (Toll Free) or Get a Quick Quote

Or Visit - Interstate Removalists

for more information