Sizing a van around what you are moving
List the largest items with rough length, width and height, and give an estimate of total weight, because bulk and payload limit a van in different ways. Mention anything awkward, such as a wardrobe that cannot be dismantled or long timber. Describe loading at both ends, including stairs, lift access, distance from the kerb and whether anyone will help lift.
Fitting the van to your route
Start with the load, then choose the van. A small van works well for boxes, tools and light collections; medium and long-wheelbase vans suit furniture, stock and trade equipment; and a Luton is the better choice for bulkier items on a house move. Subject to dates, driver details and availability, the range includes the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB. Make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are all confirmed at quote stage, so treat these vehicles as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Preparing Details for a Business Delivery
Imagine you have promised a customer a delivery next Thursday morning. Start your notes with the delivery address, the name and direct number of the person receiving the goods, and any time window they have given you. Record what each item is, how many there are, and whether anything is fragile or needs to stay upright, since these details help the team match the job to a van. If the site has specific access arrangements, such as a named contact at the gate or a preferred entrance, write those down too. When requesting a quote, ask whether the hire period covers both legs of the trip, what to do if the recipient is unavailable on arrival, and which vehicle options the team can check for your dates.
Keeping a Written Load Inventory
A load inventory is simply a written list you can read out over the phone. Go room by room or job by job and note every item, its approximate dimensions, and the quantity involved, from three wardrobes to a dozen boxes of files. Measure anything awkward, such as a sofa or workbench, and record its length, width and height rather than describing it as large. Keep the list with your hire dates and the access arrangements at each end, and update it if plans change before you book. Questions to ask include whether the total volume suits a small van, a Transit, a Luton, a dropside or a crew van, and what information the team needs to check availability for your chosen days.
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What to confirm on the phone
Before the hire is confirmed, go over the key points: whether the vehicle is available, the driver requirements, mileage, insurance, the delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for. Make sure payload, loading height, tail-lift needs, driver details, deposits and insurance excess are confirmed before you settle on a van size. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, a rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the passengers or load you expect and any special requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.