Backloading Service – What is it?

Backloading is a term you’re likely to come across when looking for removalists, but it’s often misunderstood and viewed with scepticism due to its lower cost. Backloading is simply when a moving company fills a truck returning from a job. As a result, rather than sending an empty truck interstate, the removalist company will fill it with another move.

Backloading has the advantage of saving money over full-service options because you only pay for the space your items occupy. Furthermore, companies would prefer that the truck have something in it rather than nothing, resulting in significant savings for the customer. Trips can also be scheduled with less notice than a full service offering because the truck is already in the location.

Backloading has the disadvantage of being less flexible and taking longer. Because you’ll be sharing the truck with other movers, you won’t be able to choose when the truck will pick up and drop off your belongings.

Furthermore, trucks are more likely to be late because you are relying on others to be on time and fill the truck with their items by a certain point. Backloading services will also be unappealing to movers who need assistance packing or do not want to share a truck with others, so a full-service offering may be the best option.

Backloading is a great way to save money on your next move, and while it isn’t for everyone, it might be the best option for you.

Backloading can help you save money.

Many of the folks we’ve spoken with (let’s call them “ordinary people”) have never heard of a backload. That is perfectly OK. They had no idea how many removal trucks go interstate every day, or how many of them had spare capacity in their vehicle, which is what a backload is (the spare space at the back of a truck that can be filled up).

So, what does this mean for you, and why should you be concerned? So, if you’re planning to relocate your home, apartment, granny flat, studio apartment, shared accommodation, or even a special piece or two of furniture, now is the time to pay attention so you can save money on your next move.

We’ve all heard that crossing state lines can be expensive. Now, if you’re moving a large 4, 5, or 6 bedroom house (or more), and you have very specific moving needs, such as having a crew come and pack everything up for you, moving on a specific date and time, and having the same crew unpack the truck for you, this may or may not be for you.

If you are moving a studio apartment, one or two bedroom apartment, or even a small three or four bedroom house, or one or two items weighing less than 5 cubic metres , having access to vacant space in trucks (backloads) and their underutilised capacity can save you a small fortune.

How Does Backloading Work?

When you contact a backloading removalist company, you would book them in the same way that you would a traditional moving company. You’d explain that you’d like to reserve a truck for your chosen moving dates, tell the company how many items you have, and get an estimate.

You can call around to see which companies provide the most affordable services. You can book them once you’ve found one that fits your budget and time constraints. The company will then coordinate with their other moving project. This can proceed in one of two directions.

If you don’t mind mixing items and only have a few pieces of furniture or boxes, they may be able to pick up your items while still having a few items from the previous job in their truck. You can also pay for premium service with some companies, which ensures that you get an empty truck and avoid accidentally offloading the wrong things at the wrong location.

If it’s an empty truck, the company will go to the first job site and unload, then come to your house and load your items on the return trip to take you to your destination. If not, they may go to one job and pick up the items, then make a second stop to pick up your items before returning to the first customer’s home. They’ll unload their belongings before delivering yours to your new home.

The company is essentially performing two tasks in a single trip. It’s a cost-effective way to move because you’ll most likely only pay for the amount of space your items take up in the truck rather than the entire rental fee. This is especially true if you only have a few larger items to relocate and cannot afford to hire a traditional moving truck.

As with a traditional move, you’ll fill out all of the standard contracts. The company will provide you with estimates, explain any discounts or price tiers for this service, and treat your belongings with the same care that they would in a traditional move.