TREK CONTAINERS

Getting your containers ready

All containers are anti-bacterial and soap washed after each use. Once washed all containers are aired-out & sun dried. No carry over smells. Our containers work hard and endure some heavy use, but we make sure each and every container is always in excellent condition when delivered to you. No exceptions.

Protecting your containers from weather, wildlife and humans

The containers are prepared to protect your food/gear from rodents, insects, dust, rain and sun. When containers are delivered to the food drop point, each container is tape sealed (the lid is tape sealed shut to the box). Each container is also zipped tied shut to reduce the likely hood of opportunistic tampering. Four spare zip ties are provided in each container so that you can zip up the container after use.

Each and every container is individual marked and tracked

Every container is tagged with your details so you know exactly which container is designated for each drop and for what purpose. The tag, which is a sticker (see example below), includes your trek booking code, surname, container number, drop location and barcode.  Every single container is scanned into a tracking database which is managed by sophisticated courier and logistics software.

Getting your containers

Empty containers are delivered to your accommodation during pre-trek. The Pre-trek is the date you nominated in your booking form. We will deliver the containers to the accommodation nominated in your booking. We normally drop off the containers between 3-6pm. You do not have to be present when deliveries are made. The containers will be left in the reception storerooms or equivalent. An SMS will be automatically sent to you when deliveries have been made.

Some points to consider when packing your containers

When you receive your containers, you can pack them any way you like. You can put anything you want in your containers as long as it's not illegal, a biohazard or dangerous. You can put stove fuel in your containers. Make sure your containers do not exceed their weight restrictions.

Collecting the containers once you have finished packing

Once you have packed your containers, you can leave them back at the reception storeroom or where you found them. We generally pick up the containers the day you start your trek. You will automatically receive an SMS once your containers are scanned and collected. All containers are then secured in our storerooms until placement along the trail.

How each container is secured and stored

All packed containers are stored in our secure, clean and monitored storerooms. Generally our storerooms stay around 7-12 Degrees C temps all season regardless of outside temperatures. The storerooms are protected from the elements and are regularly inspected and cleaned. Each container is barcode scanned on receipt. We can have anywhere between 40-60 containers moving in and out of storerooms each day but our systems are electronically managed to ensure each and every container is delivered on time and exactly to the nominated food drop point.

When your containers are placed on the trail

Containers are generally placed on the trail within 24/48 hours of your starting your trek. Your trek plan assist's us with this planning. When necessary ( for fast moving hikers) containers are placed within 3-12 hours of your trek start time.  All containers are delivered by the field support team, the same team which does the transfers. In most instances, containers are delivered during transfers but more often than not they are placed on the trail during the same time as transfers back to Alice Springs.

Proof of Deliveries and Tracking

Every single container is barcode scanned, photographed and confirmed by our field staff when placed at the nominated point along the Larapinta Trail. This basically means we know down to the second when the containers were placed out field. This is our guarantee the container was placed at the right location at the right time. You will automatically receive an SMS when this is done. In courier terms, this is what is considered as proof of delivery. We use sophisticated courier and delivery software to manage and track this.

What happens after you use your containers

If your package includes Gear Retrieval or you request this while on the trail (see below how) your used containers will generally be collected within 24-48 hours after use, but most often than not within 12 hours of use. Unless otherwise requested, all contents of used containers are disposed of when returned to our storerooms. Containers with gear retrieval will be collected, tagged and secured in our storerooms until the end of your trek, after which they will be delivered to your accommodation before or when you arrive there.