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.

The right courier van must fit the size and weight of your goods, with suitable access for loading at both ends. Pallet count is only a starting point. A load can fit on the floor and still be too heavy, or fit inside the body but not through the doors.

Before comparing prices, write down three things: the dimensions of every item, the total weight including packaging, and how the goods will be loaded and unloaded.

1. Measure the goods as they will travel

Measure length, width and height after packing. Include the pallet, protective wrapping, handles and anything that overhangs. If items cannot be stacked or laid on their side, say so when requesting transport.

A long sign, machine part or display panel may need a larger van even when it weighs very little. Check the loading opening as well as the internal space. Wheel arches and the shape of the load can also affect what will fit.

2. Check weight separately from space

Add the weight of every item, including pallets and packaging. Do not estimate the shipment from the goods alone. Two pallets of light cartons and two pallets of dense components can need very different vehicles.

For example, if each of three packed pallets weighs 350kg, the total is 1,050kg. That calculation does not confirm a van is suitable: the usable payload, dimensions and loading arrangements still need checking.

3. Match the van to the load

• Small van: a starting point for documents, samples, small parts and light cartons.
• SWB van: consider this for compact boxed freight and smaller pallet loads.
• LWB van: useful for larger cartons, commercial parts and palletised goods.
• XLWB van: consider the extra length for longer items and higher-volume loads.
• Luton Box: an enclosed box body for bulky goods; a suitable tail-lift option may help where handling equipment is limited.
• Luton Curtain: curtain sides provide side-loading access where the vehicle and site arrangements allow it.

See our courier van sizes and fleet guide for current planning dimensions, payloads and pallet counts. These figures are guides. Ask us to confirm the allocated vehicle if your load is close to a limit. A larger body does not automatically mean a higher payload.

4. Check how the goods will get on and off

Tell us whether each address has a forklift, loading bay or suitable assistance. A forklift at collection does not solve an unloading problem at delivery. Include any restrictions on vehicle height, width or weight, plus narrow entrances and limited unloading space.

For ACS bookings, the tail-lift limit is 400kg per pallet or handling unit on suitable Luton vans, and 1,000kg on suitable tail-lift-equipped HGVs. These are separate from the total vehicle payload. Availability, platform suitability and ground conditions also matter.

A pallet above the Luton tail-lift limit may need a different unloading arrangement or a suitable HGV. Do not select a Luton simply because the whole shipment is within its payload. Drivers operate kerbside; loading and unloading are the sender’s and receiver’s responsibility unless agreed in advance.

5. Give us the details that could change the vehicle

Mention fragile goods, unusual shapes, non-stackable items and any need for side loading. Dangerous goods and temperature-controlled loads need a separate suitability check. Use our ADR quote request for dangerous goods, or contact the team about other specialist requirements.

If a van is too small or too light for the job, request an HGV quote. HGV requests are checked and priced manually; submitting a request does not reserve a vehicle.

Your checklist before booking

• Collection and delivery postcodes, with site access details.
• Number of items and the packed dimensions of each.
• Total gross weight, including pallets and packaging.
• Whether the goods can be stacked.
• Loading and unloading equipment at both addresses.
• Goods-ready time, receiving hours and any delivery deadline.

Ready to choose your van?

Get a courier quote to compare standard dedicated van options. You do not need a portal account or an email address to see prices.

Standard online bookings need at least 90 minutes’ notice. For collection within 90 minutes, a fixed delivery deadline, urgent out-of-hours collection or an uncertain vehicle fit, call 01234 385970 before booking.