Frequently Asked Questions

Can Baggage Masters pack for me or do I have to do my own packing?

Most clients shipping baggage and non-breakable items pack their own shipments to minimise cost. We can pack all sizes of shipment, but minimum charges for packing do apply, so it is not usually viable for us to pack shipments of less than 1 cubic metre (35 cubic feet) or 200kgs (440lbs). However, if you have a large amount of furniture or fragile items we recommend that we pack for you. Packing charges vary depending on the job’s size, complexity and location.

If you are packing yourself, we can supply a wide range of packing materials, which are either free or at a low cost in certain locations. If we pack for you we will supply all necessary materials.

Can I bring my goods into a Baggage Masters office personally?

Our office accepts all personal deliveries. However, if the shipment is large or complicated, please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to handle your items.

Can I seal the cartons?

Cartons should be sealed by owners prior to being dispatched. However, they may be re-opened at the discretion of Baggage Masters for security purposes only. All shipments sent by air are subject to security checks and/or x-ray examination, which may also involve a search.

How long will my baggage take to reach its destination?

While transit times vary, intercontinental sea shipments generally take between 6-10 weeks. Air freight shipments can take between 3 and 14 days depending on the destination and the level of service chosen.
UNDERLINE Please note that transit times are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed.

What information can you give me on how my shipment is progressing in transit?

We operate with the latest computerised tracking systems. Our system provides full details on the status of all shipments in transit and incorporates the most up-to-date information for your convenience and peace of mind.

How much will it cost?

Please see our airfreight price charts for the most common routes, weights and volumes regarding baggage shipment. For destinations and quantities not listed please contact us by email, fax or phone, with details of what you wish to send, its point of origin and final destination.

Do Baggage Masters offer student discounts?

Baggage Masters offers quality service at competitive rates that are tailored to meet the needs of the student community. We also work in close communication with the universities in Adelaide.

Will Baggage Masters match a quote that I have received from another company?

Where possible, we will endeavour to match prices, providing that the competitor is fully IATA compliant. Non-compliant operators may provide cheaper rates but cannot offer the peace of mind you receive when using a reputable shipping service. Risks involved include the loss of money on your behalf should the company encounter financial difficulty, as well as your cargo being stranded. If this occurs, having it released can be very expensive. Using an IATA compliant company is only sensible option, after all you wouldn't buy an airline ticket from a non-bonded travel agent, would you?

Why are airfreight charges sometimes based on volume and not weight?

It is an international air cargo convention to charge for weight or volume, whichever is greater, according to the following formula:

length x height x width (m) = m3 multiplied by 167

This formula converts volume to weight and ensures that air carriers receive reasonable revenue for light items. A bag of feathers would take up a great deal of space in a cargo hold but because of their lightweight, the airline would earn little revenue from their carriage if charges were calculated on weight alone. While their large size would also prevent the airline from transporting more items.

To give an example, a tea carton with dimensions of 41x51x61cm, weighing 5 kilos would be calculated as 0.41 x 0.51x 0.61m = 0.127 m3 multiplied by 167 = 21kg volumetric weight.

This means that the above items would be charged for the actual weight if greater than 21 kg, while 21 kg remains the minimum charge.

Please keep in mind that this is an International Shipping Standard. Even if your chosen shipping company does not tell you about this charge, they will still rate your shipment on this basis. If you require any extra information or that this concept be explained further, please contact us and we’ll gladly assist you.

How can I pay?

It is usually easiest to pay by credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We also accept cash payments at our offices. Alternatively, EFT or cheque can make payment. However, payments by cheque require clearance, which may delay your shipment. For this reason cheque payments are not recommended for airfreight.

Will there be extra costs at the destination?

If you send your baggage to port or airport only, then you will be responsible for local unloading, dock/port or airport charges. These vary according to the destination. Further information is available in the Customs section of this website, or you can contact us direct.

What charges do I have to pay at destination on an arrival port/airport service?

Our Door-to-Door charges include pre-payment for destination port/airport unloading, customs clearance, and delivery charges to your overseas residence. Door-to-Port expressly excludes these services at destination and is therefore less expensive. If you send your goods by air and to the arrival airport only, nominal charges will be due to destination agents for unloading and handling.

What duty or tax will I pay, if any?

Duty charges vary widely according to origin and destination. However, in many cases goods owned and used for at least 6-12 months do not incur any charges.

Please bear in mind that we have no control over the actions of Customs Services anywhere in the world. It is your responsibility to ensure that you abide by the rules and regulations of the country of origin and destination of your baggage.

How will I be contacted at destination?

For ocean freight shipments you will normally be contacted prior to arrival by our chosen agents. Our foreign agents can also arrange customs clearance and local delivery if it is not already set up with us at the time of shipment. They can also provide storage facilities if required, at reasonable cost.

For air shipments our agents, or in some cases the airline carrier, will notify you on arrival, by telephone where possible. It is therefore essential that we receive either a telephone, fax or email number so that they can contact you as soon as possible. Storage charges are levied by airlines and air freight agents on uncollected shipments. These can be expensive compared to storage charges levied on uncollected ocean freight consignments.

Can Baggage Masters store goods?

We provide up to 1 months free storage in Adelaide.

Do Baggage Masters offer after-hours collection and delivery services?

We operate between the hours of 0700-1800, Monday-Friday. Out of hours collections are often possible depending on your location. Please contact us on the mobile service outside office hours (Mob: 0414 335152).

Do Baggage Masters have offices abroad?

No. Where possible we work with personally vetted and approved agents in other countries who are generally members of the IATA/FIATA.

Which Trade Associations are Baggage Masters affiliated with?

We are members of the Customs Brokers Forwarders Council Australia (CBFCA), as well as being an International Air Transport Association Cargo Agent (IATA).