If Your Freight Could Talk, It Would Probably Ask Where Dave Is

Confessions of a pallet travelling across Australia.

I’m a pallet.

A bit of timber, a respectable load and enough stretch wrap to suggest someone cares about me.

I’ve travelled across Australia, spent quality time with forklifts and heard “she’ll be right” more often than any load of fragile goods should.

Along the way, I’ve learnt that a smooth delivery starts long before the truck does.

So, on behalf of freight everywhere, there are a few things I’d like to get off my chest. Preferably before someone stacks a washing machine on it.

“My weight is not a matter of opinion.”

The booking says 600 kilos.

The scales say 980.

Apparently, we’re using the same approach to freight weights that people use on their driver’s licence.

Accurate weights and dimensions help the transport team quote correctly, allocate suitable equipment and plan the load safely. Please measure the whole package, including anything sticking out.

And count the crate. It’s timber, not a weight-loss programme.

“Stretch wrap is not a structural engineer.”

Two laps of plastic and a hopeful pat on the top might get me through a warehouse photo shoot.

I’m heading across the country.

There’ll be loading, unloading, corners, braking and several thousand kilometres to reconsider your packaging decisions.

If I’m leaning before departure, our relationship is already off to a difficult start.

Use suitable packaging, keep the load stable and protect anything fragile. If you’re unsure, ask the transport team before collection.

I’d like to arrive as a product, rather than a puzzle with no picture on the box.

“Does Dave know I’m coming?”

We’ve arrived.

The driver has found the address. The paperwork is ready. The delivery contact is Dave.

“Dave’s on holidays.”

Of course he is.

Nobody else knows about the delivery, the forklift keys are missing and receiving closed at two. It’s now five past.

Confirming delivery hours, a reliable contact and unloading arrangements before dispatch can save everyone a lot of trouble.

And perhaps nominate someone besides Dave. At this point, he’s got a better travel schedule than I have.

“Urgent works better before departure.”

Happy to help with your store opening, production deadline or important customer order.

Just tell the transport team when you book.

Finding out on Thursday afternoon that I was essential on Thursday morning leaves very little room for a sensible solution.

I’m a pallet. My time-travel capabilities are disappointing.

Explain the deadline upfront so the team can discuss suitable services and realistic delivery expectations.

“Can something go on top of me? Please ask me first.”

I appreciate confidence.

But “should be stackable” is a bold statement when I’m carrying bathroom basins.

Knowing whether freight can safely be stacked helps plan trailer space and protect the goods. The answer needs to reflect the product, packaging and load it can actually support.

My ambition is to cross the Nullarbor. Becoming the bottom layer of a warehouse experiment isn’t on the list.

Good freight journeys start with a conversation

At Vexor Logistics, we move freight between Australia’s East Coast and Western Australia. Getting the details right helps us organise the right transport for your load.

Tell us what’s moving, its weight and dimensions, when it’s ready and what’s waiting at the other end. Mention tight receiving windows, restricted access or anything unusual while we’re planning.

With more than 40 years of transport experience behind our business, we know a few questions upfront can save a lot of phone calls down the road.

Planning your next shipment? Contact Vexor Logistics and let’s get your freight organised.

And if Dave is your delivery contact, just check he’s back from Bali.