To get accurate FTL freight quotes from Brisbane to Melbourne, you’ll need to provide the following information.

1. What goods are being shipped? The dimensions of the shipment (including the contents, weight, volume, and packaging).
2. The pickup and delivery locations (including addresses and contact information in Brisbane and Melbourne)
3. Pickup and delivery dates.
4. Special requirements such as forklift, tail lift in Brisbane and/or Melbourne.
5. Include add-ons such as temperature-controlled transport, or handling of hazardous goods, fragile equipment or sensitive digital equipment.

Additional considerations to keep in mind for full truck semi-loads and B-double quotes.

1. Load size: Full Truckload, Brisbane to Melbourne (FTL) shipments can be organised using semi-trailers or B-doubles, with each having their different load capacities. When getting a full truckload freight quote, provide accurate information about the size and weight of the shipment to ensure you get an accurate quote for the appropriate trailer type.

   In Australia, the number of pallets a semi-trailer can carry will vary based on the size and weight of the pallets, as well as the specific dimensions and weight carrying capacity of the trailer.

   A standard Australian semi-trailer is about 13.7 metres long and can hold up to 22 standard 1.165 m x 1.165 m pallets, placed in two rows. Bear in mind, the number of pallets can vary based on the goods and their weight. One of the biggest considerations is whether the pallets and contents on the pallet are stackable – and are safe to do so.

   It’s worth mentioning that the maximum allowable weight and dimensions of semi-trailers and their cargo of pallets is regulated by State and Federal authorities, so the number of pallets being transported can change.

2. Route and distance: The distance between Brisbane and Melbourne can vary depending on the final destination, although the main route down the M31 Pacific Highway is one of the preferred routes. An alternative route on the Newell Highway A39 can also be used, especially if freight is destined for the likes of Dubbo etc .
3. Carrier type: Some Brisbane-Melbourne freight carriers specialise in FTL loads, whilst others offer a mix of FTL and less than truckload (LTL) services. The freight carriers on the One World Courier Freight Management Platform are carefully selected, and will only be available when a full truckload or B-double quote is needed. At times a full truckload freight quote may mean a POA (price on application) quote. This can be due to the type of freight being shipped, the size and weight, as well the type of goods being transported.
4. Road transit times: FTL shipments generally have a shorter transit time than LTL shipments, because an FTL service will not make stops along the way (except for refuelling). With FTL’s, the goods will be loaded in Brisbane and delivered direct to the receiver in Melbourne. Transit times can vary depending on the distance and route to be travelled. Considering the main route to Brisbane to Melbourne is the Pacific Highway M31, transit times from Brisbane to Melbourne are typically 18-19 hours at a distance of 1780 kilometres. Further down the page we have included typical distances and average transit times  from Brisbane to the major centres en-route to Melbourne

What can be shipped from Brisbane to Melbourne?

Many Brisbane-based businesses and companies regularly ship up and down the Pacific Highway M31, and rely on a number of heavy carriers (Hi-Trans, Palm Trans, Followmont, etc) who have specialised trucks to move vast amounts of palletised freight – fast!. Semi-trailers and B-double configurations are commonly used to transport a wide variety of goods and products from Brisbane to Melbourne locations. Some common items and products that can be shipped by road in a semi-trailer or B-double include:

1. Construction Supplies: Semi-trailers are ideal for transporting building essentials like timber, metal beams, ceramic tiles, and bricks.
2. Farm Produce: Whether it’s fresh fruits, vegetables, or
   farming essentials like fertilizers, a refrigerated or standard dry van
   semi-trailer ensures they reach their destination in top condition.
3. Everyday Goods: From apparel and tech gadgets to home furnishings, semi-trailers are versatile enough to handle a wide range of general cargo.
4. Heavy-Duty Machinery: Need to move large equipment like diggers, tractors, or bulldozers? Flatbeds and low loaders are perfect for the job.
5. Sensitive Cargo: For transporting chemicals, gases, or
   other potentially dangerous substances, there are specially designed
   tanker or dry van semi-trailers.
6. Edibles & Beverages: Whether it’s bottled beverages like wine, soda, or beer, or non-perishable food items, there’s a truck for that. And for chilled goods, refrigerated trucks are the way to go.
7. E-commerce Deliveries: Bulk shipments of online
   purchases, ranging from gadgets to home essentials, can be transported
   to distribution centers using semi-trailers.
8. porting Equipment: Items like boats, jet skis, or even portable sports courts can be moved using flatbed or specialized trailers.
9. Event Infrastructure: For concerts, festivals, or trade shows, stages, lighting, sound equipment, and other event essentials can be transported using appropriate semi-trailers.
10. Recyclables & Waste: Materials for recycling or disposal, such as paper, plastic, or even electronic waste, can be moved to processing centers using specialized trailers.
11. Medical Supplies: Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and other healthcare-related items can be transported in temperature-controlled or standard semi-trailers.

It’s important to recognise that specific goods and items might need special care, official permits, or paperwork. At One World Courier, our Freight Management team are on hand to guide you through the process of booking full truckloads between Brisbane and Melbourne, ensuring every detail aligns with regulatory standards in Queensland and Victoria. One World Courier works with handpicked freight carriers capable of transporting unusually large, lengthy, wide, or weighty loads.

Brisbane to Melbourne, how many pallets will fit on a semi-trailer?

For more information and helpful tips on how to avoid extra charges when sending freight, read our latest article.

When shipping goods on pallets, it’s essential to remember to add the height of the pallet into the overall dimensions. For instance, if you have a shipment of cartons at a height of 1650 mm on a pallet, you’ll need to account for the pallet’s height (150mm average). This means the total height of the packed pallet becomes 1800 mm, or 1.8 meters.

As a further example, a pallet contents measuring 1600mm x 1600 mm x 1800mm will convert to a volume of 2.239 cubic meters. However, when you include the pallet itself, the volume increases to 2.44 cubic meters.

Pickup and delivery requirements for full truckloads ex-Brisbane.

Full truckloads of freight means adding and stacking pallets safely, making it easier to load and unload. Cheaper prices can also be achieved when the pallets are stackable on top of each other. Stacking pallets on top of one another is the most cost-effective method of shipping large volumes of freight.

Owing to the weight and quantity of pallets contained on a semi-trailer or B-double, it stands to reason that special machinery and lifting equipment must be available to load and unload the freight.

Because there are so many pallets on semi-trailers or B-doubles, you’ll need the right equipment to safely move them.

The One World Courier Freight Management Platform is smart enough to detect and recommend the required equipment needed and will calculate it into to the total price. Typically, the following equipment would be required.

1. Forklifts: A staple in the world of freight handling, forklifts are indispensable machines designed specifically for the task of loading and unloading pallets. With their robust lifting
   capabilities, they can effortlessly transfer pallets from trucks to designated storage zones or onto loading docks. However, operating a forklift isn’t a task for the untrained. It’s imperative that operators undergo proper training and obtain certification to ensure both
   efficiency and safety during operations.
2. Pallet Jacks: Often referred to as pallet trucks, these manually-operated devices are perfect for transporting pallets across shorter distances. They’re especially handy when dealing with lighter loads or when navigating areas where a full-sized forklift might be
   cumbersome. Their compact design allows for easy maneuverability, making them a favorite for tight spaces and quick relocations.
3. Conveyor Belts: An automated solution for freight
   handling, conveyor belts streamline the process of moving pallets from trucks to storage areas or onto loading docks. Depending on the setup, these belts can be motor-driven or rely on gravity to move goods. They offer a continuous flow of movement, ensuring that pallets are transferred efficiently and with minimal manual intervention.
4. Loading Dock Levelers: When it comes to ensuring a seamless transition between the truck bed and the loading dock, dock levelers are the unsung heroes. These platforms adjust to the height difference between the truck and the dock, creating a smooth ramp for forklifts and other equipment. By doing so, they minimize potential bumps or drops, significantly reducing the chances of accidents or damage to the goods.
5. Ramps: Especially useful for trucks that don’t have a built-in hydraulic lift, portable ramps can be positioned to allow forklifts or pallet jacks to easily access the truck bed. They’re
   versatile and can be used in places without dedicated loading docks.
6. Strapping and Wrapping Machines: Once pallets are loaded with goods, it’s essential to secure them. Automated strapping and wrapping machines ensure that items remain stable and protected during transit. They wrap pallets in layers of plastic film or strap them tightly, reducing the risk of items falling or shifting.
7. Dock Seals and Shelters: These create a seal between the truck and the loading dock, protecting the goods from external elements like rain, dust, or pests. Especially crucial for sensitive items or perishables.
8. Pallet Inverters: These devices can rotate a palletised load, making it easier to switch goods from one type of pallet to another or to replace damaged pallets without manual unloading.
9. Safety Barriers: In busy loading areas, safety barriers
   can be installed to delineate zones and protect workers from moving
   vehicles and equipment. They ensure a clear and safe pathway for both
   personnel and machinery.

Different truck types for full truckloads exit Brisbane to Melbourne and back.

It’s important to note that the type of semi-trailer used for the shipment can also impact the number of pallets that can be loaded. For example, flatbed and drop deck trailers may have different pallet capacities compared to dry van or refrigerated trailers.