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Northstar Logistics

Help Center

Answers before you need to call.

The questions our dispatch, sales and support teams hear most often, grouped by topic. Can't find what you need? Contact us directly.

Shipping & Tracking

How do I track my shipment?

Every shipment is issued a tracking number when it's booked. Enter it on the Track Shipment page for a live status, or use the tracking link sent to the email or phone number on the booking. Status updates as the shipment moves — booked, in transit, out for delivery, delivered — with a timestamp for each change.

What do the different tracking statuses mean?

"Booked" means the shipment is confirmed but not yet picked up. "In transit" means it's on a vehicle and moving. "Out for delivery" means it's on the final leg to the delivery address. "Delivered" is confirmed with a proof-of-delivery record. If a shipment shows "exception," something needs attention — a failed delivery attempt, a documentation issue, or a delay — and our support team will already be looking into it.

What happens if my shipment is delayed?

If dispatch identifies a delay — traffic, border clearance, weather, or a vehicle issue — the shipment status updates with an explanation where possible, and significant delays trigger a proactive notification rather than requiring you to check. For time-critical shipments, contact dispatch directly with your tracking number and we'll give you the most current estimate.

Can I change the delivery address after a shipment has been booked?

Address changes are possible before the shipment reaches its final delivery leg, but they may affect the delivery window depending on how far the route has to shift. Contact dispatch as early as possible with your tracking number — a change requested before pickup is straightforward, while a change requested once a shipment is out for delivery may need to wait for the next available slot.

Quotes & Pricing

How is freight pricing calculated?

Pricing is based on the service type (road freight, express courier, warehousing, and so on), distance and route, shipment weight and dimensions, and any special handling requirements such as temperature control or oversized equipment. Get a Quote gives you a rate based on your specific shipment details — there's no flat published rate card because freight pricing genuinely varies with these factors.

How long is a quote valid for?

Standard quotes are valid for 14 days from issue, since fuel and route costs can shift. If you need to book after a quote has expired, request an updated quote — for repeat lanes, ask about a contract rate instead, which locks in pricing for a longer period.

Do you offer volume or contract pricing for recurring freight?

Yes. Businesses shipping regularly on the same lanes, or with predictable recurring volume, typically get better economics on a contract rate than booking each shipment individually at spot pricing. Open a business account or contact our sales team to discuss volume commitments and contract terms.

Are there additional charges beyond the quoted rate?

A confirmed quote reflects the total cost for the shipment details provided. Charges can change if the actual shipment differs materially from what was quoted — for example, a significantly higher weight than declared, additional handling requirements identified at pickup, or a failed delivery attempt requiring a redelivery. We flag any such variance before proceeding wherever possible rather than billing it silently.

Claims & Support

My shipment arrived damaged — how do I file a claim?

File a claim through the File a Claim page with your tracking or booking reference, a description of the damage, and photos if available. The sooner a claim is filed after delivery, the easier it is to investigate — we recommend reporting damage the same day it's discovered.

How long does a claims investigation take?

Most claims are reviewed within 5–7 business days of submission. More complex claims — for example, those involving high-value or specialized cargo — may take longer as they can involve reviewing handling records across multiple points in the route. You'll receive a status update if an investigation is going to run longer than the standard window.

What documentation do I need to support a claim?

At minimum, your tracking or booking reference and a description of the issue. Photos of damaged goods and packaging materially speed up an investigation, as does your original waybill or booking confirmation. For high-value cargo, any pre-shipment condition documentation is also useful if you have it.

Who do I contact for an urgent shipment issue outside business hours?

Our dispatch desk operates 24/7 for active, in-transit shipment issues — call or WhatsApp the dispatch line for anything time-sensitive. General enquiries and claims submitted outside business hours are picked up the next business day.

Business Accounts

How do I open a business account?

Apply through the Open a Business Account page with your company details. Business accounts get consolidated invoicing, contract pricing eligibility, a dedicated account manager, and portal access for your whole team to view shipments, quotes and documents in one place.

What are the benefits of a business account vs one-off bookings?

Beyond contract pricing, a business account gives you a single consolidated invoice instead of paying per shipment, portal visibility across everything your company has shipped, and a dedicated account manager who already knows your lanes and requirements rather than starting from scratch on every enquiry.

Can multiple users from my company access the same business account?

Yes. A business account supports multiple portal users under one company profile, so your logistics coordinator, finance team and warehouse staff can each have appropriate access without sharing a single login.

Still Have a Question

Talk to dispatch, sales or support directly.

Real people who can see your shipment or your account — not a ticket queue.