Backloading Removals vs Premium Interstate Removals

When planning an interstate move, choosing the right removal service is super important to ensure a hassle-free and smooth experience. Any interstate removalist will offer a range of options, but the most common choice will fall between two picks: backloading, and Premium Direct.

By knowing the difference between these two options, you’ll be able to make an informed choice that fits within your budget, and satisfies your individual needs and preferences. So, join us as we take a no-nonsense look at both options, and their respective pros and cons. Here we go.

At A Glance:

Backloading is a more affordable moving option that splits truck space with other cargo headed in the same direction. It’s more affordable, but less flexible.
Premium interstate moving services assign an entire truck and team for one job. It costs more, but has specific pickup and delivery times, with other extra services included.
Backloading is typically cheaper with short-term benefits, while premium services are better in the long run. Their value depends on your individual needs, budgets, and preferences.
Backloading and premium moves are good for different situations. For instance, backloading is better for smaller loads, and premium services are better for inexperienced movers.
Always talk to your moving company, and ask questions about costs, services levels, and about the team that’ll be handling your cargo. Get multiple quotes, check reviews, and shop around.

Contents

1 What Is Backloading?
2 What Is Premium Direct?
3 Pricing And Value
4 Which One Should You Pick For A Specific Situation?
5 Questions To Ask, And Red Flags To Watch For
6 To Sum Up
7 ZOOM Are Your Expert Backloading & Interstate Removalists
- 7.1 Other Interstate Removalist Services
- 7.2 Backloading Services

What Is Backloading?

Put simply, backloading is a smart and budget-friendly interstate moving option that lets you share cargo transportation space with that of other customers.

By hopping onto a truck already heading into a certain direction with other cargo, you’ll only need to pay for the space you’re using up, rather than an entire vehicle – full or not. And, because the truck would otherwise be returning back to the point of origin without any cargo, removalists can offer the services at a lower cost.

How Does Backloading Work?

Backloading typically follows the same pattern across different companies, but some may have their own takes. Here’s what you can expect from a typical approach;

The primary delivery is arranged
Backloading begins when a moving company schedules a truck for primary delivery to a specific location. This job is the truck’s main purpose, and informs the route for the return journey.
Prepping for the return trip
Once the truck has delivered to the primary destination, it’s time to prepare for the return journey, which will head towards the point of origin, a depot, or another location.
Backloading is open for cargo
Customers who need to move their cargo along the truck’s return route can book space at a reduced rate.
Picking up and loading
Once the booking is confirmed, the moving company arranges for the pickup of your items. These items will be loaded onto the truck during its return trip, sharing space with other customers’ belongings.
Transport and delivery
The truck transports your cargo along with that of other customers on its way back to the depot or the final destination. Your removalists will do their best to coordinate the logistics to ensure the delivery is done within a certain window.

Important: because backloading involves the sharing of services and space with other customer loads, the scheduling window is looser, and is dictated by the cargo at hand, the route, and the availability of space. As a result, anyone interested in backloading their interstate move will need to be flexible with their moving dates, cargo volume, and delivery times.

Here’s a little more about how ZOOM’s backloading service works.

The Pros And Cons Of Backloading

Just like other choices you’ll need to make during your interstate move, the pros and cons of backloading will vary depending on your personal preferences and budget. Here are the broad things to consider:

Pros:

It’s more cost-effective: People looking for budget-friendly ways to move choose to go with backloading. Savings can be made because your cargo shares truck space with other loads, effectively spreading the cost of the journey.
Environmentally Friendly: By using up all available space in a moving truck for both legs of a journey, backloading helps to reduce the number of journeys needed overall. Fewer trips mean less fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions, making backloading an eco-friendlier option.
Better efficiency: Interstate removalists love to find efficiencies wherever they can, which then lets them pass on savings to customers. By optimising logistics through backloading, the number of empty journeys is reduced, which in turn makes for more efficient and affordable operations.

Cons:

Less control: One of the main drawbacks of backloading is the lack of flexibility in scheduling. This is because your move will be dependent on when the truck will return, and what stops it will have along the way. This means that backloading isn’t a good option for anyone who needs a specific time or date for the cargo to arrive.
More risk of delay: Because you’ll be sharing a truck and team with multiple cargo loads, delays are more likely. The truck will possibly make several stops along the way, which can extend delivery time, and with that increased time, the risk of traffic and adverse weather also goes up.
Limited space: If you’re moving an entire household’s worth of cargo, backloading may not be for you. This is because you’ll be sharing truck space with other deliveries, which means that the available space will vary day by day.

Is Backloading Right For You?

If you’re flexible with your timings and want to save some money during your interstate move, backloading is a fantastic option. It’s also handy if you have smaller cargo to move as you won’t need to pay for an entire truck and team. However, if you want to move into a new property at a specific date, or have a large amount of cargo that includes bulky furniture, you may be better off with a Premium Direct option.

What Is Premium Direct?

Premium interstate removal services are designed for long-distance movers who prefer a more tailored, custom, and precise service. It differs from backloading in this respect because an entire truck and team is dedicated to the one customer, instead of sharing the space and spreading the cost.

While a premium service typically costs more than backloading, it comes with a range of benefits for anyone looking for a defined moving schedule, together with additional services and benefits.

How Premium Interstate Removals Work

While the process itself will vary from company to company, this is what you might expect from a typical premium interstate removal.

Initial talks: A premium service will start with a detailed consultation with your moving coordinator to fully understand your specific moving needs, preferences, budget, and what additional services you need.
The assessment: Once the initial information has been gathered, your interstate removalists will then want to take a closer look at your cargo to understand the volume and value of the items, as well as what specialist equipment may be needed. They’ll also want to know about your moving dates to ensure all aspects of your move are considered.
A customised plan: After the assessment, a tailored moving plan and quote will be put together that encompasses all stages of the moves, and services such as packing, loading, transport, unloading, cleaning, and so on.
Assigning a truck and team: A specific truck and a dedicated team of movers are assigned to your move, and your move only. No sharing as you would see in a backloading job.
Professional packing: If requested, your interstate removalists can handle all packing for you as well, using their experience and high-quality, professional-grade materials.
Transport and updates: A dedicated move coordinator will be in touch with you throughout the move, and will direct your team as well. This ensures that everything arrives at your new home on time, or that any delays are properly communicated and mitigated.

Pros And Cons Of Premium Interstate Removals

Going for a premium interstate moving service is a balanced experience, and how valuable it is to you will depend on how much you’re willing to spend, and how flexible you are with your timing. Here are the general advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

A tailored service: From the initial consultation to the final unpacking, all aspects of your move will be tailored to your needs, with flexible scheduling, expert packing support, and most likely, more attention to detail.
You get the whole truck: With premium removals, you have the exclusive use of a dedicated truck, meaning that you can use all the space for large cargo, and it’ll go directly from the point of pickup to drop-off.
It’s much faster: Because the truck only handles your cargo and doesn’t do deliveries on the way, you won’t have to deal with any delays or large delivery windows. This makes it easier for you to plan your time, and reduces the risk of unexpected problems.

Cons:

It costs more: The main drawback to a premium service, is of course the cost. With a more personalised services, and the exclusive use of a team and moving truck, you’ll pay more than you would with a backloading service.
You might not need it: While the idea of an exclusive service seems nice, you might end up paying for something you don’t need. If you have smaller cargo, you may be better off with backloading and only paying for the space you need – instead of covering empty space in an exclusive truck.

Is A Premium Service Right For You?

Premium interstate services are the best choice for customers who want a hassle-free, highly-organised, and tailored moving experience. For them, the additional cost is worth paying for a tighter delivery window, and a team that’s fully assigned to one job. But, if you’re on a budget and have some wiggle room with the delivery date of your cargo, then you may be better off with backloading.

Pricing And Value

Let’s take a look at some typical prices. Bear in mind that these are just broad estimates / examples, and can vary depending on the time of year, the specific moving company, and any additional services. We suggest you shop around to get more quotes to see how different companies compare.

General Backloading Prices

The cost for a backloading services is usually based on the volume of goods, distance travelled, and the availability of trucks on your desired moving date. Prices are in Australian Dollars.

Short distances up to 500km: Around $100 to $300 per cubic meter. Smaller moves may cost somewhere between $600 to $1,200.
Medium distance up to 1,500km: Around $150 to $400 per cubic meter, with a typical job costing anywhere between $1,200 to $2,500
Long haul, exceeding 1500 km: Approx. $200 to $500 per cubic meter. A medium load going long-distance may cost somewhere between $2,500 to $4,500.

Hidden costs to watch out for: The quote may seem nice and low at the beginning, but they may rise if your cargo ends up taking more space in the truck, of if your schedule or other requirements change. Also, as you’re sharing space with others, your cargo will be loaded and unloaded a number of times, which can reduce the risk of damage or loss.

General Premium Direct Prices

Premium interstate moves tend to be all-inclusive, covering handling of your cargo from start to finish, including labour, packing, insurance, and other practicalities. And, as above, costs will also depend on cargo type, volume, and distance.

Short distances up to 500km: Around $150 to $350 per cubic meter. A typical small household move may cost somewhere between $1,000 to $2,500.
Medium distance up to 1,500km: Around $250 to $500 per cubic meter, with a typical job costing anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000.
Long haul, exceeding 1500 km: Approx $300 to $600 per cubic meter, with large jobs costing at least $5,000.

Hidden costs to watch out for: The upfront cost will be higher, but this typically means that there’ll be fewer surprise charges down the line. We suggest you get to know your quote and agreement very well to see if any extra services you expect to be included will cost extra – such as large or unusual cargo. Clarifying these details beforehand will help you avoid unexpected expenses.

Which One Has Better Value?

Instead of comparing value directly, we can consider the difference between backloading and premium services as having better short, or long-term value. Of course, value is highly subjective and your overall budget and expectations will affect what you consider to be ‘good’ value, but here’s some food for thought.

Backloading offers excellent value for those who are focused on minimising costs, with more flexibility, and fewer items to move. In general, you can consider that the value comes from the short term, as you’ll have other costs to bear, and spreading costs is more important.
Premium services offer more value in terms of the convenience and security that they offer, especially if you have large, fragile, or specialty items – not to mention the stress that’s saved. In general, the value can be considered as a more long-term investment, as you’ll be able to plan your time better, and won’t have to worry about the little things.

Which One Should You Pick For A Specific Situation?

We’ve covered the general pros and cons of backloading and premium interstate moving services, so let’s take a look at some more cases where one may be more suitable than another.

Small Moves VS. Larger Households

Backloading is more suited for smaller moves, such as the contents of a single room or even a small apartment. By going with this option, you won’t end up paying for space in a truck that you won’t be using. This makes it a popular choice for young professionals, single adults or students.
Premium interstate moves are recommended for large household or office relocations, where all items are transported together in a dedicated truck. Premium services can also include packing and loading, which will come in very useful for larger volumes of cargo. As such, this is a great option for families, households, and workplaces.

Time-Sensitive Moves

Backloading is not recommended for time-sensitive moves because the service relies on available truck space, and flexibility around moving dates and delivery times. Delays can happen if the truck is not filled, or runs into unforeseen scheduling changes due to the nature of having multiple delivers.
Premium interstate moves offer highly reliable schedule which can change according to the needs of the customers, with specific pick-up and delivery times. And, because the truck is dedicated to one move, there’s no need to wait for the loading and unloading of other cargo. So, if you’re operating to a schedule and timing is important, premium interstate moves are the way to go.

Transporting Specialist Items (pianos, antiques, art, etc.)

Backloading can cater for specialist items, but may not offer the same level of care. Because the truck space is shared with different cargo types, your items will be loaded and unloaded multiple times – and if they are large and fragile, the risk of damage naturally increases.
Premium interstate moves are ideal for transporting specialist items, offering tailored handling, high-quality packing materials, and comprehensive insurance to safeguard fragile goods throughout the journey. With the entire truck dedicated to your belongings, items can be securely positioned with ample space, minimising the risk of shifting or in-transit damage.

Delivering To Rural And Remote Areas

Backloading can work for remote and rural areas as moving companies will plan their routes to pass through multiple locations. This will help to keep costs down, but the volume of trucks heading to such areas will be lower, so you may have to wait for the right time.
Premium interstate moves are better suited for deliveries to remote and rural areas, as the trucks will have a pre-defined destination which can be planned for. This can be especially important in areas where access is challenging or where backloading routes are less common.

Moving With Pets And Plants

Backloading is not recommended for transporting any living things, as the shared space and need for multiple stops can create an unfavourable environment. Also, trucks used for backloading may not have the temperature control or appropriate environment.

Premium interstate moves are far better suited for transporting pets and plants, but this often requires the expertise of a specialized service rather than a general moving company focused on boxes and furniture. If you need something like this, consult your interstate removalists to see if they collaborate with such specialised partners.

First Time And Experienced Movers

Backloading is often favoured by seasoned movers with extensive experience, who are well-versed in the relocation process and comfortable handling certain aspects on their own. These people are generally more flexible with their time and better prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise with shared cargo.
Premium interstate moves are perfect for first-time or inexperienced movers who need extra support throughout their relocation. From packing, loading, furniture disassembly, and other extra services, premium options reduce the likelihood of common mistakes that first-time movers might make.

Questions To Ask, And Red Flags To Watch For

Now that you know more about the differences between backloading and premium interstate moves, you’ll have a much better idea of what you might go for. To help you even more, here are some of the questions you’ll want to ask your removalists, and some red flags you’ll need to be wary of.

Questions For Backloaders

How do you calculate the costs, and what factors could increase the final quote?
Can you give me a delivery window, and what changes to that window could occur?
Are my items treated the same as if with a premium service?
What happens if my belongings take up more space than initially estimated?
Are there any additional fees for changes in schedule or delays?
Any other costs or extra charges I need to know about?

Backloading Red Flags

Vague or unclear pricing without a detailed breakdown of costs.
Overly broad delivery windows.
Less focus on item handling or protection for your cargo.
No clear policy on what happens if items are damaged or lost.
Poor communication or reluctance to answer specific questions.
Extra charges for things that don’t affect anything.

Questions For Premium Services

Does the quoted price include packing, loading, disassembly? What extra services are available, and what do they cost?
Can you provide a detailed moving plan, with information on logistics and timing?
Tell me about basic insurance cover, and extra cover.
How are large and fragile items such as instruments and antiques handled?
Can you tell me more about any costs not mentioned in the quote?
Can you tell me about the experience of your staff, and the equipment available?

Premium Service Red Flags

Unclear information pricing and hidden fees.
Unwillingness to provide a detailed moving plan or schedule.
Limited or unclear insurance coverage.
Outsourcing of basic services which should be covered in-house.
Bad online reviews from other customers

To Sum Up

Backloading and premium interstate moving services both come with the pros and cons, and are suited for different kinds of moves. The option you go for will be heavily influenced by your budget and desired moving timeline, so do take your time to explore your options.

Whichever one you go for, the moving company you choose to work with will also have a heavy influence on the outcome of your move. We offer both backloading and Premium Direct interstate moves, with both options being given the ZOOM treatment for quality. You can be sure that your cargo will be treated with professionalism, even if you’re backloading, and we’ll always go the extra mile to see the job well done. Give us a call, and let us tell you more!

ZOOM Are Your Expert Backloading & Interstate Removalists

ZOOM-Removals-Guarantees

ZOOM Removals is a leading interstate removalist service provider for homes and offices. Our five-star rated relocation services are renowned across Australia not only for its quality but also for the best prices when compared to other interstate moving companies. Our attentive furniture removalists can move your belongings from Sydney to all major Australian cities for added peace of mind and a worry-free relocation, including: