Frequently Asked Questions

Air freight services are charged depending on Chargeable Weight. Chargeable weight is the greater weight between volume weight and actual weight. Volume weight is the space that an item takes on an aircraft, and it can be calculated with the following formula:

Length x Width x Height / 6000.

The reasoning behind this can be explained as followed: imagine two identical items, weighing 10 kg, one the size of a table, the other the size of a book. Both take up 10 kg of the allowable limit on an aircraft but one takes up more space. Therefore, the airlines have devised a formula to account for these different types of cargo – the greater of the two being the chargeable weight.

Sea freight is generally charged by volume, not weight. LCL movements have a minimum charge of one cubic metre (which is the equivalent of 1000 kgs). This shipment is ideal for bulkier goods or those that weigh more than 100 kg. Our service is generally a door-to-port service from selected states to major ports around the world.

How do I get a quote from GSA Freight Logistics?

To obtain a quote from us, please simply click on our Get a Quote page and fill out your details.

GSA Freight Logistics provides quotes based on the shipment information you provide. At times, these measurements may be difficult for the customer to accurately obtain, due to a lack of access to necessary equipment. Unfortunately these are necessary in order to request an accurate quote as it may affect your chargeable weight. Our quotes are applicable to non-perishable, non-hazardous and non-liquid shipments. Do not include any applicable duties and taxes at the destination. If the chargeable weight changes, your price will change accordingly.

Duties, GST, VAT and Sales Tax vary from country to country. Usually if you have owned your personal effects for more than 12 months, no taxes are payable. You may be asked for receipts to prove ownership, flight itinerary, passport details, and dates of purchase.

Is there GST on the freight charge for exporting my shipment?

There is no GST in Australia on services for exporting freight overseas.

Do I need to package the goods myself?

You will need to ensure that all your items are packaged for transit. For tips on how to pack, please see the question and answer below.

We highly recommend hiring a professional packaging service for fragile items. GSA Freight Logistics will not accept liability for goods that are damaged in transit if they have not been packaged adequately. For more advice, see our packing tips.

What items shouldn’t I send in my package?

You may be surprised to learn that some common household items are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed on aircraft as cargo. Some of these include perfume, nail polish, matches, lighters, batteries, aerosols and paint. Packing dangerous goods in your excess baggage sent by our company is totally unacceptable. Remember, you might be on the same aircraft.

You will need to sign a freight consignment note, which places the onus on you, the shipper, that your consignment contains no dangerous goods. For more information on prohibited and dangerous goods that cannot be sent with air freight services, please contact us.

FAILURE TO DECLARE DANGEROUS GOODS OR COMPLY WITH GOVERNMENT SAFETY REGULATIONS IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE.

You will need to complete and provide us with a packing list that includes a description of every item you have packed in each box. Each item will need to be valued for customs purposes. The brokers at the destination will require this for clearance purposes.

A general description of goods is also required so that the carrier understands the movement they are transporting. A detailed packing list is likely to assist in a faster clearance at your country of destination as it will enable Customs Officers to clear your goods with much more ease.

Yes. You need not wait around all day for a driver (dependant on your pick-up location, rural areas may need to allow larger pick-up windows). We have our own drivers in the Sydney Metro Area and we are able to give you an estimated time of arrival (within two hours). We are able to provide an accurate estimated time of pick up for your shipments, which is flexible and accommodating.

Alternatively, you can drop off your items at our warehouse at 20 McCauley Street, Matraville, NSW 2036.

Yes, we offer different services and each has different levels of tracking available. Enquire about our tracking services at booking if you have any questions.

This will depend on where you are sending your shipment and also what type of service you elect to use. Obviously air freight services guarantee a much faster delivery than sea freight.

We accept cash, cheques and, of course, credit cards – Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

If your questions have not been covered, please call us on (02) 9666 5549 or contact us online.

Make sure that your parcel is properly packaged to avoid damage while on the move. While carriers will endeavour to take care of your goods, international movements go through numerous stops and hands before delivery, therefore the utmost care is required when packing your items.

  • Boxes should be durable and double-walled. Boxes may be stacked on top of each other and will need to be able to handle the weight of contents and movement. Some will travel through conveyer belt systems, while others may have numerous items stacked on top of them.
  • Always use quality packing materials. The extra strength, cushioning and durability of your wrapping supplies will ensure that your goods are safe. “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” labels are not a substitute for effective packaging.
  • Choose the correct size box to suit your goods. Under-filled boxes are likely to be crushed, while packages with too many contents inside could burst.
  • Use strong packing tape to seal and secure your box and prevent it from opening during the journey.
  • Place fragile items in the middle of the package to ensure they are well cushioned.
  • Pack powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags with secure seals. Then pack them in a strong fibreboard box.
  • Repack gifts properly. Many goods are sold in attractive packages that are not suitable for shipping.
  • If re-using a carton, remove all previous labels in order to avoid confusion. The carton should be in good condition.