What information do you need to book a courier?

To book a courier, have the full collection and delivery addresses, the time the goods will be ready, when they need to arrive, the number of packages, dimensions and weight to hand. You will also need to explain how the goods will be loaded and received.

Those details help match the vehicle to the job and give the driver useful instructions. A postcode is a good starting point for a quote, but we’ll need the full details before arranging the delivery.

Start with the actual collection and delivery points

Give the business name, full address and postcode for each stop. Add the unit number, goods-in entrance or loading bay where relevant. A registered office or main reception address may be different from the place where a vehicle should report.

Include a contact name and telephone number for someone who can help at each address. This is particularly useful at shared buildings, industrial estates and sites with several entrances. If a purchase order, collection reference or booking-in number is needed to release or accept the goods, include it in the instructions.

Separate the ready time from the delivery deadline

The ready time is when the goods will be packed and available for loading. Tell us when the receiver needs the goods, too. Provide both, along with opening hours and any booked slot.

Be specific about dates when a journey crosses midnight. “Ready Friday at 18:00, required Saturday by 08:00” is clearer than “tomorrow morning”. If the receiver closes earlier than usual, say so before booking.

For collection within 90 minutes, a fixed delivery deadline or urgent out-of-hours transport, call ACS before booking. Online van bookings need at least 90 minutes’ notice.

Tell us what you’re sending

List what is being sent and the number of cartons, pallets or other separate items. “One machine part in a wooden crate” tells us more than “one item”. If several items differ in size or weight, list them separately.

Measure length, width and height with the packaging in place. Include pallets, protective frames and any overhang. Give the gross weight, including packaging, and the total for the whole load. State the units clearly; centimetres and kilograms are usually straightforward.

A useful description might be: “Two cartons, each 60 × 40 × 40 cm, 18 kg each, 36 kg total.” Use our fleet guide to compare options, and speak to ACS if the fit is close or uncertain.

Explain the loading arrangements

Tell us whether goods will be loaded by hand, forklift or another agreed method. Check arrangements at the destination separately: a supplier having a forklift does not mean the receiver has one.

Include any tail-lift requirement, side-loading requirement or need for additional handling assistance. Loading and unloading are the sender’s and receiver’s responsibility unless agreed with ACS in advance. Do not assume that booking a larger vehicle includes equipment or labour to move goods inside a building.

Flag access restrictions and special requirements

Tell us about restricted entrances, height barriers, narrow approaches, vehicle weight limits and limited space to unload. Include site inductions or specified vehicle requirements if they apply.

Describe fragile, unusually valuable, temperature-sensitive or potentially hazardous goods before booking. Batteries, liquids and used machinery should be identified accurately rather than described simply as “parts”. We can then advise how to arrange the delivery.

Your final courier booking checklist

• Full addresses, business names and the correct entrances.
• Collection date and ready time, plus the required delivery date and time.
• Goods description, number of items, packaged dimensions and gross weights.
• Loading and unloading methods at both addresses.
• Useful site contacts, references and access instructions.
• Any handling, vehicle or specialist transport requirements.

If something changes after booking, let ACS know promptly. An extra pallet, later ready time or different delivery address may change the vehicle, price or collection plan.

Ready to arrange your delivery?

For a standard van delivery, use the courier quote calculator. For larger or specialist loads, choose the relevant option on our quote page. Call 01234 385970 if you need help with the timing or choosing a vehicle.