Member - Meggs replied:

I'd be surprised if you could get freight any cheaper. Just ring up a couple of the freight companies and you will get a shock. If possible I have all my stuff sent by Aust post. In QLD the freight companies are considerably more expensive than Aust post but they are quicker.

Shaker replied:

I had to send an EverKool fridge interstate & rang several interstate parcel carriers, & was told that unless I had an account with them they weren't interested in dealing with me. I said I don't have, or need an account, as I'll simply bring the fridge in, pay for the freight, then you deliver it, cos that's what you do. They still weren't interested. I then asked why in the hell they advertise in the Yellow Pages if they don't want any business, because if I had an account, I would already have their bloody phone number. They couldn't answer that one!
I ended up going to Australia Post, the parcel weighed 25 Kilos 300 grams. They asked me to open the carton & remove 300 grams of packaging, I said but that's only like a bloody packet of peanuts! Anyway beggars can't be choosers, so I removed the offending 300 grams that was going to put their delivery drivers on a lifetime disability pension, & posted it. End of saga!

Magnus replied:

What about couriers as opposed to parcel freight companies. Might be worth a try

Cheers

Magnus

Willem replied:

Aust Post is always cheap intra-state but once you cross the border the price goes up.Still $20+ from Melbourne to Perth is reasonable. Mayne Nickless/Toll couriers are reasonable also. Had to send my laptop to Sydney for repairs from SA and it cost $13.00

Member - Roachie SA replied:

The only thing I can add to the discussion is that sometimes (rarely??) it is actually cheaper to send 2 separate parcels vis Aus Post rather than one. When you take the tyre pliers in, remove the hinge-bolt and ask them for a quote on 2 separate packages as well as the one package with the whole thing.

Member - Bernie. (Vic) replied:

I think $20.00 would be good value,
also never put items in to regular size boxes as they also do a cubic rate , know a guy saved heaps by putting a false triangle on the top of cartons,or a box inside a tuff plastic bag and some stuffing. ( They can't cube it then)
You could check the rate on Austpost Bags.

With Austpost you can also get cheap insurance.

I always get parcels sent to C/O local post office and pick up myself that way its not left on front porch if you are not home when its delivered.

Cheers

dogart replied:

Try the bus companies.
Had a retriever mate for the boat bussed over to Perth from Melb.
Pretty heavy item couriered from the sellers door - bussed over - couriered to my
front door for $20!
Would have cost a mint through Aussie Post.