What Is Backloading? Everything You Need To Know

Definition Of Backloading

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Backloading is a phrase used to describe a cost-effective moving option many removal companies offer, where your items are loaded onto a truck that is empty and has returned from a previous job back to its point of origin.

In a nutshell, If you love a bargain, then you’re going to love backloading as a service.

In this article, we dive deeper into answering a common question of ‘what is backloading‘ explaining some of the key reasons as to why this service is a popular choice among consumers.

Key Takeaways

- How It Works: Customers share a truck with other people and only pay for the space their belongings occupy.
- Advantages: More environmentally friendly than other moving services. Helps lower moving costs for people and is ideal for moving smaller loads and belongings interstate.
- Disadvantages: Customers have less control using this service Due to moving dates not always being available. There is also a lack of privacy when sharing a truck with others. Finally, mix-ups can occur with other people’s items.

The Benefits Of Backloading : Why It’s Popular

Everyone likes a good deal. If you find yourself looking for a real bargain, then backloading is going to be right up your street. Backloading is an excellent choice for customers as a way of moving for several reasons; read on, as we summarise some of the key takeaways down below:

Backloading Is The Cheapest Way To Move

When researching different backloading options, people often want to make sure that they will stay on budget. Backloading is great because it offers a cost-effective method of moving for both long and short hauls.

So why does backloading cost less than regular removal services? Well, together with sharing moving truck space (more on that below), if you choose to backload as a service, it assumes that you are a little more flexible around your moving service date and time.

This is primarily because backloading services are often dependent on short notice availability, where your removalists will take advantage of a moving truck that is in the right place, at the right time.

So, if you don’t need your cargo at a specific date or time, then backloading is a great option for you.

Customer Only Pay For The Space Used

backloading services Another reason why going for the backloading is that it’s a great option for saving money when moving your belongings, furniture and other cargo interstate.

As the truck will be returning empty from a previous job, it means that you as a customer has the option to only pay for the space you use, whilst sharing with others. This will be mutually beneficial for both the moving company and yourself, as the company make more revenue taking on another job while you get a cheaper price moving interstate.

Of course, the quality and process of all backload jobs will depend on the company you end up using. Different backloading companies do things in different ways and this is the same for removalists.

It Is Better For The Environment

There are also environmental arguments around backloading.

As all moving trucks need to ultimately return to its previous destination, this will use up fuel.

Through backloading removals, the moving company can still drive home while performing additional jobs on the way back.

This cuts out fuel wastage.

Save Money The Safe Way

Another reason why backloading services are a great way to save money is that you still get the full-service moving treatment.

This means that transporting your furniture and belongings will still get the same care, packing and attention as our premium moves. They will receive professional moving box labels as well as complete protection every step of the way.

When you backload with ZOOM, the only thing that changes is the delivery date and time. Otherwise, you can count on our friendly removalist team to do the job right.

Key Backloading Considerations To Remember

While this service is a fantastic way to save money, it is also important to keep a few points in mind before using a company to move your belongings using this method.

You May Not Be The Only Customer

Bear in mind, that backloading is also a cost-effective win for removalists. They can make a buck or two by simply moving other people’s furniture and belongings while returning from a previous job.

For this reason, however, you may find that you may not have exclusive use of the truck storage as they will try to make as much use of the space a possible by cramming in other people’s belongings too.

As leading removalists in Sydney and other areas, our backloading service will ensure that your cargo is properly labelled and handled along the way for your relocation so that even if you’re sharing a truck, everything will arrive in the same condition as we picked it up.

Furniture Can Get Easily Mixed Up

If you are sharing a backload with other customers, it’s possible that items can also become easily mixed up if your removalists company does not pay special attention to belongings and furniture.

For this reason, we recommend always labelling your boxes as a good solution.

It’s Best For Moving Interstate

While you can of course consider backloading for shorter or local journeys, you tend to save more money by using these services during longer distance moves such as moving interstate.

Important Information When Booking A Backload

Just like with other industries, you will want to do your due diligence before choosing to book with a backloading company. Some important things to remember include the following:

Cost Breakdown: Before booking with a company, ask their customer service for a complete breakdown of all the costs included. Will help you avoid any unexpected fees before committing.
Availability and Scheduling: One disadvantage of backloading is that availability can be unpredictable. To avoid delays, plan your move in advance and ensure your chosen company’s availability aligns with your preferred moving date.
Insurance and Coverage: Backloading is a long distance moving service. For this reason you’ll want to make sure that you are insured prior to a move. This helps provide additional protection and coverage for your items in advance. Some companies also offer moving insurance like we do.
Experience, Reputation And Accreditation: Before booking a moving company make sure you thoroughly scrutinise their reputation as reputable movers.
- Check their Google Reviews or use third-party platforms such as TrustPilot or ProductReview.
- Also, although not mandatory, try to use a company that has accreditation with organisations that regulate moving companies such as the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA).
- Finally, try to book with a company that has at least three years of experience in backload removals. This should help avoid using inexperienced movers that could potentially lead to damage to your belongings. This can be all done by performing an ABN lookup and working out how many years the company has been trading for.

Bonus Tip

Check Contract Terms and Conditions: Before booking with the company, always remember to carefully review their terms and conditions. This includes cancelling policies and any potential hidden charges that you may not be aware about.

Backloading FAQ

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What is backloading in one sentence?

A more affordable moving service, where you share the same truck with other cargo and agree to a more flexible delivery date on the other side.

What Do You Mean By Sharing A Truck?

When moving with a backloading service, part of the savings are achieved by packing in your cargo with the customer’s furniture and items allowing for a service with a great price.

However, there’s no need to worry as everything will be labelled and handled in the best possible way at all times, even if the truck is full.

Do I Need To Label My Cargo?

As mentioned previously, it’s always a good idea to label your cargo when you pack, especially if you’re going for a backloading move. However, our removal services are all-inclusive, so of course, we’ll help you with labelling and loading items as little or as much as you want.

How Much Will A Backloading Service Interstate Cost?

This is not a simple question to answer. The reason for this is that everybody has a different location to move to and a different number of items that need to be relocated. As a ballpark figure, prices for backloading can vary between $300 – $2500 thereabouts.

How Can I Get A Backload Quote With ZOOM Removals?

As industry leaders in backloading removals, we like to make things as easy as possible. Either head over to our backloading removals page for more information, or use the information below.

Get An Instant Backload Quote With ZOOM

If you want to move interstate and need to get your costs in order, all you need to do is phone us on 1300 788 165 and talk to our friendly team who’ll get to know your exact needs. Alternatively, book a removalist or use our interstate moving calculator.

Prefer a contact form? No problem, simply click here.

Additional Services

Here are a few services that offer that you could take advantage of :

What is Backloading?