How to Ship Palletised Freight in Australia: Costs, Carriers & Tips

Struggling with bulky deliveries that arrive late, damaged or over budget? Learning how to ship palletised freight in Australia can solve these problems. For businesses and e-commerce retailers, pallets keep goods stable, reduce handling risks and cut transport costs. 

This guide shows you exactly how to ship palletised freight step by step, from selecting the right pallet and packing it securely to booking and tracking shipments online.

Best Way to Ship a Pallet in Australia

The best way to learn how to ship palletised freight in Australia is to follow a few clear steps that keep your freight safe, cost-effective, and easy to manage. Palletised shipping helps businesses protect goods, reduce handling issues, and streamline deliveries nationwide.

Four essential steps to ship a pallet:

1. Choose the right pallet: Select a type and size that matches your freight.
2. Pack and secure your goods: Stack evenly, wrap tightly, and use straps or corner protectors.
3. Compare carriers: Review service options to balance cost, timing, and destination.
4. Book online with Couriers & Freight: Access instant quotes, print labels, and track deliveries.

With Couriers & Freight, you can manage the entire process from one platform, giving your business reliable freight solutions across Australia.

Simplify Pallet Shipping

Cut costs and save time with instant pallet freight quotes from Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now

Step 1: Choose the Right Pallet for Your Freight

Choosing the right pallet prevents damage, avoids compliance issues, and helps control long-term costs. Start by assessing pallet material, weight capacity, and durability.

Types of Pallets in Australia:

• Timber pallets: Affordable, recyclable, and easy to repair. They’re the most widely used option but may wear faster under heavy or long-term use.
• Plastic pallets: Lightweight and resistant to moisture, pests, and bacteria. They’re ideal for hygiene-sensitive industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, though they are more expensive upfront.
• Export-grade pallets: Heat-treated timber that complies with ISPM 15 standards, making them essential for international shipping and smooth customs clearance.

Pallet Sizes in Australia

• Standard pallet (1165 × 1165 mm): The most common size for domestic freight.
• Euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm): Designed for global compatibility.
• Export pallets: Smaller and lighter, making them ideal for air or sea freight.

Most pallets in Australia can safely support between 1,000 and 1,500 kg, depending on their construction and material. Selecting the right pallet helps protect your goods while maximising efficiency and compliance.

Step 2: Pack & Secure Your Goods Safely

Packing your pallet correctly is one of the most important steps in freight shipping. A well-prepared pallet not only protects your goods but also makes handling easier for carriers, reducing the risk of delays or damage. 

Follow these steps to keep your shipment secure from pickup to delivery:

1. Stack goods evenly: Place cartons in neat layers with no overhang. Uneven stacks can cause instability and increase the chance of cartons shifting in transit.
2. Use corner protectors: Reinforce pallet edges with cardboard or plastic protectors to prevent crushing and maintain pallet shape.
3. Shrink-wrap tightly: Wrap the pallet at least three times with industrial shrink wrap, securing the wrap firmly around the base to lock the load in place.
4. Add straps or banding: For heavier or irregular loads, use steel or plastic strapping to provide extra stability.
5. Label clearly: Attach shipping labels to both the top and sides of the pallet so sender and receiver details remain visible during handling.

Pro Tip: For single heavy items such as engines or machinery, consider using a skid instead of a standard pallet. Skids sit lower to the ground, making them easier to load and unload with forklifts.

Step 3: Compare Pallet Freight Carriers in Australia

Your choice of carrier depends on delivery distance, urgency, and freight type. Matching your needs to the right service helps reduce costs, avoid delays, and keep goods safe in transit.

Couriers & Freight partners with a wide network of reliable Australian carriers, giving businesses the flexibility to choose the service that best fits their needs. Always check details such as insurance coverage, liability policies, and delivery zones before booking. 

Below are examples of carrier options available through Couriers & Freight:

• Economy Pallet Freight – Blacks Transport Economy Pallet

A cost-effective option for small to medium B2B deliveries where transit time is flexible. Ideal for businesses looking to reduce freight costs without compromising reliability.

• Regional Pallet Freight – Gippsland Freight Pallet

Specialised in servicing Victoria’s regional areas, ensuring consistent and dependable deliveries to locations that larger national carriers may not reach.

• Heavy & Industrial Pallet Freight – Centurion Bulk & Heavy Haulage

Designed for oversized, mining, or industrial freight. Provides specialist vehicles and equipment to handle bulk loads securely and efficiently.

With Couriers & Freight’s platform, you can instantly compare these services side by side, saving time on research and gaining confidence that you’ve chosen the best carrier for your shipment.

Step 4: Book Pallet Shipping Online with Couriers & Freight

Booking freight online takes the hassle out of managing shipments. Instead of making multiple phone calls or chasing quotes manually, a digital platform gives you instant options and full visibility over your delivery. Digital booking also improves accuracy by reducing manual data entry errors.

Enter Your Freight Details

• Input pallet dimensions, weight, and quantity.
• Add pickup and delivery postcodes for accurate pricing.
• The system calculates available carrier options based on your details.

Compare Carriers & Rates

• Instantly see side-by-side quotes from economy, express, and regional freight services.
• Choose the option that best fits your budget and timeframe.
• Avoid overpaying by aligning each shipment with the right service level.

Print Labels & Track Online

• Generate compliant shipping labels instantly.
• Track your pallet’s journey in real time with automated updates.
• Reduce administrative tasks with digital records and less manual paperwork.

Couriers & Freight gives you one centralised platform to quote, book, and track your pallet freight from start to finish.

FAQ: Pallet Freight Costs, Sizes & Delivery Options

How much does it cost to ship a pallet in Australia?

The cost typically ranges between $120 and $400+. Prices vary depending on the pallet size, freight weight (in kilograms), distance, and whether you select economy, express, or regional delivery.

What size pallet should I use?

The standard 1165 × 1165 mm pallet is the most common for domestic shipments. Export pallets are lighter and smaller, making them better for overseas shipping where size restrictions apply.

Can I send a pallet overseas?

Yes. Pallets can be shipped internationally by both sea and air freight. Sea freight is cost-effective for bulk shipments; air freight is faster but more expensive. Couriers & Freight offers both services and can advise on international compliance requirements.

Is pallet freight suitable for e-commerce?

Absolutely. Palletised freight is often the most efficient option for e-commerce retailers managing bulk deliveries to fulfilment centres or distributors.

Simplify Pallet Shipping in Australia 

When handled correctly, palletised freight delivers goods safely, on time, and cost-effectively. With Couriers & Freight, businesses gain access to trusted carriers, transparent pricing, and easy-to-use shipping tools.

Start shipping smarter today with Couriers & Freight.

Simplify Pallet Shipping

Cut costs and save time with instant pallet freight quotes from Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now