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 a Business Delivery Run
If the van is needed for customer deliveries, start with the order list rather than the vehicle. Write down every item going out, its destination and the name of the person receiving it at each address. Contact each recipient beforehand to agree a delivery window and to record a phone number you can call on the day, since a missed call can leave an item undelivered through no fault of the driver. Ask whether each site has loading restrictions, gated access or specific opening hours, and note the answers next to the address. Where a customer needs to inspect goods on arrival, factor that into the schedule you write out. Sharing the full run list and dates with the team allows them to consider the job properly when suggesting a van.
Recording the Dimensions of Awkward Goods
Before requesting a van, measure every large or awkwardly shaped item on the list. Take the greatest length, the greatest width and the height, and remember to include packaging, pallets or protective wrapping if those will still be in place during the trip. Note anything with an unusual form, such as a rolled carpet, a flat-pack wardrobe in several panels or a workbench with fixed legs, and describe it in plain words alongside the numbers. Where an item comes apart, state whether you intend to dismantle it and whether all the pieces will then fit the same measurements. Photographs of the goods beside a tape measure can be handy for your own records. Send the dimensions, quantities and hire dates together so the team can match the job to a suitable option.
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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.