Startrack Surcharges
woman sticking a label on a box with computer next to her

What is the StarTrack Manual Handling Surcharge?

Do you use StarTrack to send parcels? If so, you might be aware that a Manual Handling Surcharge is being introduced from August 1 2022.

The Manual Handling Surcharge is $14.00 exc. GST (AUD) and will apply for items that don't meet the requirements of the service being used. Keep reading for more information about the Manual Handling Surcharge for each service.

Requirements for Road Express

The minimum dimensions to send an item via Road Express is 5 cm on either side, and the maximum dimensions are 117 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm. The maximum deadweight is 20 kgs.

STARTRACK EXPRESS
Minimum Dimensions 5 cm
Max Length 117 cm
Max Width 60 cm
Max Height 60 cm
Max Dead Weight 20 Kg

The Manual Handling Surcharge will incur also to the following scenarios:

  • Items packaged in plastic, totes, jiffy bags, bubble wrap, envelopes and other non-rigid packaging that is not stackable
  • Items packed in a drum, tube, cylinder or wooden crate
  • Freight containing liquids, nails, magnets, or glass
  • Sandbags
  • Suitcases and eskies or similar
  • Cartons with strapping
  • Glass items
  • Nuts or bolts packed loose in satchels
  • Loose items or tools not packaged in a carton
  • Plastic containers
  • Freight that may damage or cause delay to other consignments
Ideal compatible freight, pallets, freight 22kg and over in dead weight with a cross, tubes and cylinders with a cross

Requirements for Premium

To post a parcel using the Premium service, it must not exceed a length of 100 cm, a width of 60 cm, a height of 60 cm, and a dead weight of 22 kg. It can also not be a flat pack with a width of less than 5 cm or a cylinder tube that could roll off a conveyor belt.

STARTRACK PREMIUM
Max Length 100 cm
Max width 60 cm
Max Height 60 cm
Max Dead Weight 22 Kg
Min Width of Flat Pack 5 cm

The Manual Handling Surcharge will also incur in the following scenarios:

  • Sandbags
  • Items wrapped in plastic except for StarTrack approved satchels and jiffy bags
  • Suitcases
  • Cartons with strapping over the label
  • Liquids in any container (not limited to drums)
  • Nuts or bolts packed loose in satchels
  • Cylinders (round in shape)
  • Loose items or tools not packaged in a carton
  • Wine, alcohol, glass
  • Wooden crates
Idea competible freight, freight 22kg and over in dead weight that can't be sent, flat packs and tubes and cyliders with a cross
a box on a pallet

Important Information about the Manual Handling Surcharge and Parcel Audits

If the Manual Handling Surcharge applies due to weight or dimensions it will automatically be added to your quote. If your shipment falls under any of the above scenarios, the Manual Handling Surcharge will apply retrospectively via a surcharge invoice which will be raised at any point after collection and/or delivery.

It's also important to note that StarTrack conducts audits on parcels. If you ship an item using the wrong service or it's found that the dimensions of your parcel are subject to a Manual Handling Surcharge and you haven't paid for it within your booking process (under-declaring), you will get invoiced the $14.00 exc. GST (AUD) and additional freight charges.

How to Avoid the Manual Handling Surcharge

The best strategy to avoid the StarTrack Manual Handling Surcharge is to ensure you choose the right service to send a parcel. Pay close attention to the dimensions and requirements for shipping packages through Road Express and Premium.

You should also take the time to measure all your packaging and weigh your parcels before sending them. If you previously used Road Express to send your satchels, then you will want to switch to Premium moving forward to avoid paying the Manual Handling Surcharge.

If you receive a StarTrack Manual Handling Surcharge that you believe was incorrectly applied, you can contact us by following the instructions provided in your surcharge invoice.

For more details on the StarTrack Manual Handling Surcharge, click here for StarTrack Road Express or here for StarTrack Premium.

Still have questions?

You can reach out to our friendly customer service team for assistance with the StarTrack Manual Handling Surcharge and any enquiries about your order.

Contact us


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