Before the van arrives
To prepare goods for a courier collection, pack them for transport, measure and weigh the finished load, label each item and confirm how it will be loaded and unloaded. Have everything ready at the agreed collection time, including any paperwork the receiver needs.
It sounds straightforward, but a few missing details can hold up an otherwise simple delivery. A pallet still being wrapped, a collection reference nobody has passed to the warehouse, or a forklift unavailable at the destination can all cause problems after the vehicle has been arranged.
Pack the goods before taking measurements
Measure the shipment as it will travel. Include the carton, crate or pallet, protective packaging and anything that projects beyond the main item. A machine’s dimensions in a product brochure may be very different from the size of its finished shipping crate.
Use packaging suitable for the contents and their weight. Protect vulnerable edges and surfaces, and prevent loose components from moving around inside a carton or crate. Remove old delivery labels that could create confusion.
For palletised goods, use a pallet in sound condition and suitable packaging or restraint to keep the goods stable on it. Tell ACS about overhang, an uneven shape or a load that must remain upright. If an item needs specialist packing, arrange that before the collection rather than expecting the driver to solve it on arrival.
Record the weight as well as the size
For each item, note its packed length, width, height and gross weight. Gross weight includes the packaging and pallet. Also record the number of items and the combined weight of the whole shipment.
Where possible, use a measured weight or reliable information from the supplier. If a figure is an estimate, say so. Describing something as “one standard pallet” does not tell the transport team how heavy it is or whether it will fit through the vehicle’s doors.
Keep those details together when requesting your quote. Our guide to choosing the right courier van size explains how dimensions, weight and loading access affect vehicle selection.
Label each item so the destination is clear
Use a clear delivery label on each separate item. Include the recipient or business name, delivery address and postcode, plus the customer reference where needed. For a shipment with several pieces, marking them “1 of 3”, “2 of 3” and “3 of 3” helps everyone identify the complete consignment.
If goods are going to different addresses, separate and label them by destination before collection. Keep delivery notes with the correct shipment and explain whether a particular document needs signing or returning.
Labels support the booking details; they do not replace them. Send any special handling or delivery instructions to ACS as well as marking them on the packaging.
Agree loading arrangements at both ends
Check who will load the goods at collection and who will unload them at delivery. For ACS bookings, the sender and receiver are responsible for loading and unloading unless another arrangement has been agreed in advance.
A forklift at collection does not solve unloading at an address without one. Similarly, a tail lift does not automatically make every heavy or awkward item suitable for delivery. Tell us about the handling equipment, available space and ground conditions at both addresses.
Our vehicle and loading guide gives further guidance. Discuss any need for a tail lift, loading assistance or delivery beyond the normal unloading point before booking.
Make the collection point easy to find
Provide the full address, including the unit or building name. Where goods-out is somewhere different from the main reception, give the correct entrance and any useful directions. Mention gates, access restrictions or a requirement to report to security.
Pass the collection reference to the team releasing the goods. An on-site contact and telephone number can help if the driver needs directions or the loading bay is occupied.
Choose a goods-ready time that allows for packing, checking and paperwork. If the load changes or is running late, let ACS know as soon as possible so the transport arrangements can be reviewed.
A final check before the vehicle arrives
- All items are packed, counted and ready to leave.
- Dimensions and weights match the finished shipment.
- Labels, references and delivery paperwork are correct.
- The collection team knows which goods to release.
- The receiver knows what is arriving and can unload it.
Ready to arrange collection? Get a courier quote using your route, timings and load details. For collection within 90 minutes, a fixed delivery deadline or urgent out-of-hours collection, call 01234 385970 before booking.