Frequently Asked Questions
for international travellers
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All airlines have strict limits on the amount of free baggage which may accompany a passenger on their flights. This allowance is dependent on the class travelled however, it is normally 20kg. Excess baggage charges imposed by the airlines are expensive and are based on 1% of the first class airfare to your destination. Megatop Cargo can save you money by sending your excess as unaccompanied baggage.
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As a general rule, most countries allow their returned residents duty free concessions on their USED personal effects which they have owned for more than one year. If in doubt, you should contact your local consular representative.
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At Megatop Cargo we acknowledge that you may wish to travel before returning to your home. If this is the case, just let us know how long you wish us to hold your things at our depot. We can then send your goods to arrive around the same time that you do! The first week of storage is free and thereafter we charge a small storage fee per week. Customs in most countries require the owner of the goods to be present when the goods arrive at destination.
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For airfreight, the goods need to be security screened and held for one week (This is a requirement by the Dept of Transport Canberra). After the 7 days expires, we will arrange for the luggage to uplift on the first available flight to your overseas nominated destination. The transit time for travel by air is 2-3 days.
For goods sent by sea freight, allow approximately 21 days to S.E. Asia, 40-45 days to Europe, 35-38 days to Canada & USA and 8-10 days to New Zealand. However, at time of booking, our friendly staff will provide you with a more accurate transit time.
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Unaccompanied Baggage by air is insured by International Airlines for loss or visible damage on an airport to airport basis for a compensation of approx Australian Dollar $35.00 per kilo. Claims must be made and reported at the airport before taking delivery. Please ensure you notify the airline and/or agent in the airport of destination prior to receiving your goods if there is visible damage or cargo missing.
Sea freight is not covered by Insurance. For both air and sea freight, we recommend that you consider Marine Transit Insurance. Megatop is an Authorised Distributor for Midas Insurance underwritten by Associated Marine Insurance Limited. For more details regarding insurance, please mention to our staff at time of booking and they will be only too glad to assist.
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There are a number of products and substances which are potentially dangerous, such as, FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, MATCHES, LIGHTERS, PERFUMES, FIREWORKS, AEROSOLS, and MUST NOT be included. This is not a complete list of hazardous materials. As part of our procedure we require you to declare your shipment free of any dangerous goods. It is an offense to carry dangerous goods aboard an aircraft. For seafreight consignments, you are allowed to pack perfumes and aerosols because it is not as dangerous via sea.
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It is most important that all your cartons, suitcases and bags are properly labelled inside and out with your full name and destination address. Should any of the boxes or luggage be separated, it can easily be identified and directed to your overseas destination.
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Once your cargo arrives, you will be contacted immediately by the airlines, forwarder or shipping line. Most airlines, shipping lines or agents apply handling fees in the country of destination. The receiver may then collect the goods from the cargo terminal after Customs Clearance and all local requirements have been completed. Goods must be collected within approximately 2-3 days upon arrival before storage fees apply. Ask Megatop Cargo about alternative storage if no one can collect your freight within the designated free storage holding period.
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A booking is as simple as a phone call or an e-mail. Any additional questions or queries you may have will be answered immediately by our experienced team. Once a booking has been arranged, it is up to you to pack your things in either Megatop cartons or your choice of any strong cartons you have access to. Suitcases are also acceptable. Don't forget to clearly label each piece of your shipment with your receiver's name and address. Limit approx. 25-30kg per piece to allow manual lifting. Call us to take advantage of our free pick-up available on selected days. Our helpful drivers will come to your door and collect your belongings hassle free. You also have the option of bringing your freight to our depot in St Peters, Sydney.
Note: Megatop carton size is 43 x 40 x 60cm. Tea chest size and very strong (double layer)
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• LABELS: Cartons must be MARKED in English with your name, overseas address and telephone number. The address on the boxes/luggage must be the same as shown on all the documentation.
• PACKAGE LIST: A packing list is required for exporting your goods. These forms are available on our website or can be emailed to you by our export staff upon request.
• PACKING: Your goods must be packed in suitable strong cardboard boxes. Plastic bags are NOT accepted by the airlines. Allow enough time prior to your departure to make a booking, generally 48 hours is sufficient time to complete all export handling, documentation and procedures.
• FRAGILE: Fragile Items must be marked accordingly. Megatop Cargo international freight forwarding can provide fragile labels for your Unaccompanied luggage, so please advise at the time of booking if you require these labels.
• WEIGHT: Each box/suitcase must not weigh more than 30kgs.
• RECEIVING: Your Unaccompanied Baggage/luggage will be held at the International cargo facility at your destination NOT at the international passenger terminal.
• CLEARANCE: Your unaccompanied luggage will remain under customs control until you or a Megatop Cargo Customs Clearance agents clear it through customs at destination.
• AVAILABILITY: After your goods arrive it can take up to 48 hours before Unaccompanied Baggage/luggage is checked in and made available for customs inspection. Airline charges also apply. For seafreight cargo allow 3 to 5 working days after arrival for goods to become available for customs clearance purposes.
• REQUIREMENTS: A copy of your passport will be required at time of pick-up as well as suitable ID such as drivers licence or student ID card.
• DANGEROUS GOODS: dangerous goods cannot be packed in your Excess baggage/unaccompanied baggage. Items include Alcohol, perfumes, nail polish, batteries etc. Please consult Megatop Cargo staff for more information regarding hazardous cargo.
• COSTINGS: Your cargo will be picked up and brought back to Megatop Cargo warehouse at St Peters, Sydney and you will be notified of the weight and total costs immediately.
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• Find your country and city of destination as listed.
• Pack your items, and please ensure no dangerous goods are packed in your cargo boxes such as alcohol, perfumes and nail polish. If you have any questions about dangerous goods, please consult our staff, we’ll be more than happy to help.
• Complete the Megatop Cargo international freight forwarding booking form (Shipper's letter of instruction and packing list) when you have packed your items.
• Label each box/Unaccompanied Baggage with your name and overseas address and telephone number.
• Complete a packing list and dangerous shipping goods declaration form.
• Photocopy of your passport will be required
• Have these documents ready when the Megatop Cargo driver arrives to collect your boxes/Unaccompanied luggage
• The boxes will be brought back to Megatop Cargo at Bankstown warehouse to check the weight.
• Once the weight is determined, we will call or email you immediately confirming the total costs. Payment options include BPay, cash or credit card.
• Our friendly staff will give you the cost comparison between air freight forwarding and sea freight forwarding
• You will also be given the details for the Megatop Cargo representative office in your country of destination for further information regarding clearance and delivery to your home.
• A copy of the airway bill and/or Bill Of Lading together with the receipt of payment will be forwarded to you by fax or email once the cargo has been booked on a flight/vessel departing Australia.
• Megatop Cargo recommends that sea freight shipments should be loaded and wrapped on a pallet for convenience and security purposes. An additional fee of $44.00 per pallet (includes GST) is applicable but it is peace of mind and minimises the risk of damage to your fragile shipping goods.