Full truckload (FTL) freight quotes from Brisbane to Sydney.
When you’ve got a load of stock to move fast, whilst still keeping the price as low as you can, full truckloads are the way to go. One World Courier supports the supply chain operations of 1000’s of businesses in Australia by providing a free, digital freight platform to generate and compare full truckload freight quotes. Our technology is leading the way in the logistics revolution, offering personalised solutions for full truckload freight between Brisbane and Sydney.
We understand the unique challenges retailers, suppliers and wholesalers face, and that’s why made it super-easy to get instant full truckload freight quotes. By using our freight platform, it’s easy to effortlessly compare quotes from multiple carriers, ensuring the most competitive full truckload services between Brisbane and Sydney.
With our commitment to innovation, customer services, freight troubleshooting and accurate tracking, we aim to redefine the way freight transport is booked and managed.
Full truckload quote checklist
Ready to move a full truckload of freight from Brisbane to Sydney? To get accurate FTL freight quotes from Brisbane to Sydney, you’ll need to provide the following information.
- The type of goods being shipped, and the dimensions of the shipment,including the contents, weight, volume, and packaging – or the number of pallets. (stackable or non-stackable)
- The pickup and delivery locations (including addresses and contact information)
- Pickup and delivery dates.
- Special requirements such as forklift, tail lift at the pickup and/or delivery locations.
- Add-ons such as temperature-controlled transport, or handling of hazardous goods.
Additional considerations to keep in mind for full truck semi-loads and B-double quotes.
- Load size: Full Truckload (FTL) shipments can be shipped by using semi-trailers or B-doubles, with each having their own load capacities. When asking for a full truckload freight quote, always provide accurate information about the size and weight of the shipment to ensure you get an accurate quote for the appropriate trailer type. This includes accurately measuring each pallet and adhering to the safety requirements for securing pallet contents whilst in transit.
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 typically 13.7 metres in length and can hold up to 22 standard 1,165 mm x 1,165 mm pallets placed in two rows. However, this number can vary based on the weight and size of the pallets.
It’s worth noting that the maximum allowable weight and dimensions of semi-trailers and their pallets/cargo in Australia is regulated by State and Federal authorities, so the number of pallets that can be carried may change.
- Route and distance: Freight carriers offering full truckload services between Brisbane and Sydney are automatically selected by the freight platform algorithm when the FTL/B-double options is selected. From here, adding the Brisbane pickup and Sydney delivery details allows the quote to be generated.
- Carrier type: Some carriers specialise in FTL loads, whilst others offer a mix of FTL and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. The freight carriers who are available 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 required. There may be times when a full truckload freight quote may result a POA (price on application) quote.
- Road transit times: FTL transit times between Brisbane and Sydney will be shorter than LTL shipments, because an FTL service will not make scheduled drop-offs along the way (except for refuelling). When choosing a full truckload sercice, the goods will be loaded in Brisbane and delivered direct to the receiver in Melbourne or a destination close to the metropolitan area. The main route to Sydney from Brisbane is the Pacific Highway (M31) with an average distance of 920 km and a transit time of about 10-11 hours. Of course, traffic and weather conditions can increase delivery times. Further down the page we have included typical distances and an average duration calculation from Brisbane to the major centres and towns stretching down the east coast of Australia en-route to Sydney.
Full truckload from Brisbane to Sydney?
Many Brisbane-based businesses regularly ship up and down the East Coast Pacific Highway that runs from Brisbane to Sydney. Using the One World Courier freight booking platform, they rely on full truckload carriers such as Hi-Trans, Palm Trans, TNT, Followmont, etc, whose semi-trailers and B-doubles move vast amounts of palletised freight – fast! Some common items that are shipped from Brisbane to Sydney in a semi-trailer or B-double include:
- Construction Supplies: Semi-trailers are ideal for transporting building essentials like timber, metal beams, ceramic tiles, and bricks.
- 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. - Everyday Goods: From apparel and tech gadgets to home furnishings, semi-trailers are versatile enough to handle a wide range of general cargo.
- Heavy-Duty Machinery: Need to move large equipment like diggers, tractors, or bulldozers? Flatbeds and low loaders are perfect for the job.
- Sensitive Cargo: For transporting chemicals, gases, or
other potentially dangerous substances, there are specially designed
tanker or dry van semi-trailers. - 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.
- E-commerce Deliveries: Bulk shipments of online
purchases, ranging from gadgets to home essentials, can be transported
to distribution centers using semi-trailers. - porting Equipment: Items like boats, jet skis, or even portable sports courts can be moved using flatbed or specialized trailers.
- Event Infrastructure: For concerts, festivals, or trade shows, stages, lighting, sound equipment, and other event essentials can be transported using appropriate semi-trailers.
- Recyclables & Waste: Materials for recycling or disposal, such as paper, plastic, or even electronic waste, can be moved to processing centers using specialized trailers.
- Medical Supplies: Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and other healthcare-related items can be transported in temperature-controlled or standard semi-trailers.
It’s important to understand that specific goods and items may need special care when transporting. The One World Courier Freight Management team are always on hand to guide you through the process of booking full truckloads between Brisbane and Sydney, ensuring every detail aligns with regulatory standards in Queensland and New South Wales. One World Courier works with handpicked freight carriers capable of handling full truck loads, and are skilled at transporting unusually large, lengthy, wide, or weighty cargo.
Brisbane to Sydney, how many pallets can fit on a semi-trailer?
Most pallet freight is hauled by using Tautliner trailers, with the sides of the trailer protected to keep the contents from being damaged by weather. The pallets are held secure using steel gates that lock into place into the trailer floor and are secure by straps. There are different sizes of Tautliner trailers which can carry up to 34 pallets. On average, an Australian semi-trailer can carry a load ranging from 23 to 26 tonnes of freight, and can hold about 24-26 standard pallets. The maximum weight allowance for each pallet is 1,000kgs.
With pallets of 1165mm x 1165mm, a semi-trailer can hold between 24 to 26 in a single tier. If stacked in two layers, a total of 52 pallets can be loaded, but the max weight allowed, must be under 26 tonnes.
Read our helpful tips on how to avoid extra charges when sending freight.
Another consideration is the pallet size, which is typical around 150 mm in height. When you’re shipping large volumes of freight, it’s essential to include the height of the pallet when calculating the dims. For instance, if you have a shipment stacked to a height of 1650 mm on such a pallet, you’ll need to account for the pallet’s height too. This means the total height of the packed pallet becomes 1800 mm, or 1.8 meters.
Note: some carriers will have a flat rate per pallet, therefore the overall dimensions are not critical.
Example: If we use the max pallet volume of 2.239 m3 per pallet and a full load of 24 pallets, each with a dimension of 1.65m L x 1.65m W x 1.8m H. A full truck load of 24 pallets can volume out at around 58.63 cubic meters.
Pickup and delivery requirements for full truckloads ex-Brisbane.
Full truckloads of freight means adding and stacking pallets, which makes it easier to load and unload. Better pricing can also be achieved when the pallets are stackable, meaning not only is the truck loaded to the maximum allowed volume, but essential safety standards are not breached. Stacking pallets on top of one another and then securing them 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.
When you’re dealing with full truckloads, using pallets is a smart move. They make loading and unloading simpler. Plus, if these pallets are stackable, the price may be cheaper, or if not, you’ll be able to fit more items into the truck. This way, the truck is filled up as much as possible without breaking any safety rules. The best way to save money when shipping a lot is to stack the pallets and then make sure they’re secure in transit.
Because there are so many pallets on big trucks like semi-trailers or B-doubles, you’ll need the right tools to move them. This means having machines and special lifters ready to go.
Here are some options that will be used to load and unload pallets safely from a truck. The One World Courier Freight Management Platform has all the essential add-ons and is smart enough to detect and recommend the required machinery and equipment required and will add it to the total quote price.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Sydney 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.
To get a more accurate estimate of the number of pallets that can be loaded on an Australian semi-trailer for a specific shipment from Brisbane to Sydney, it’s best to consult with our team who can get an instant quote from our multi-carrier network.
Identifying full load truck types. B-Double and Semi-Trailer.
Sample transit times for pallet freight/full loads (FTL) from Brisbane to Sydney.
Typical distances and transit times for full truckloads from Brisbane to Sydney and all the major centres in between.
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Gold Coast – distance 80km- travel time 1 – 1.5 hours
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Byron Bay – distance 164KM- travel time 2 hours 15 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Ballina – distance 186KM- travel time 2 hours 50 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Grafton – distance 315km- travel time 4 hours 15 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Coffs Harbour- distance 384km- travel time 4 hours 45 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Kempsey – distance 491km- travel time 6 hours
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Port Macquarie – distance 544km- travel time 6 hours 25 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Taree – distance 606km – travel time 7 hours
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Newcastle – distance 770km – travel time 8 hours 50 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Gosford- distance 839km – travel time 9 hours 30 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Hornsby – distance 887km – travel time 9 hours 50 mins
- Full Truckload Brisbane to Sydney – distance 909km – travel time 10 hours 25 mins
Note: travel times and distances are a guide only and are subject to change.
Find out more about full truckload freight rates from Brisbane to Sydney, passing through the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle.