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
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
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.
Additional Freight Surcharges
Misdeclaration Surcharge
This surcharge applies when the declared weight, dimensions, or other shipment details are inaccurate. Couriers rely on accurate information to calculate shipping costs, and discrepancies may result in additional fees.
How to avoid this surcharge:
- Accurately measure and weigh each parcel or pallet (length, width, height, and weight).
- Ensure proper packaging and avoid misleading labels like “Handle With Care” or “This Way Up.”
- Refer to our Packing Guide for helpful tips.
Address Error Surcharge
This charge is applied when details such as the suburb, postcode, or state are incorrect. These errors can lead to delivery delays or the need for rerouting, which incurs extra costs.
How to avoid this surcharge:
- Double-check the suburb, postcode, and state before booking.
- Verify that the delivery address aligns with the recipient's location.
Incorrect Service Surcharge
This applies when the selected service doesn’t align with the parcel's actual specifications or delivery requirements.
For instance, selecting a service intended for smaller parcels but sending a larger or heavier shipment may result in additional fees.
How to avoid this surcharge:
- Review service descriptions and carrier guidelines carefully to select the appropriate option for your delivery.
- Be aware of services such as ATL (Authority to Leave), where the courier will leave the parcel in a safe location at the delivery address. Please note that our transit warranty does not apply for ATL deliveries.
- Confirm if your shipment is going to a residential or business address, as some services vary based on destination type:
- B2B (Business-to-Business): Services designed for deliveries to commercial locations, such as storefronts, warehouses, or business premises. These do not include businesses operated from homes or private residences.
- B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Services for deliveries to residential addresses or homes where a business is operated.
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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