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.
Getting a business delivery organised
If the van is for delivering goods to customers, the paperwork of the job deserves as much attention as the vehicle. Prepare a delivery list showing each address, the items bound for it and any reference numbers the recipients expect. Where a drop involves a business premises, ask your contact there about receiving arrangements, including where the vehicle should wait and who signs for the goods. Some sites have limited space for unloading, so a quick conversation with each destination can prevent hold-ups across the day. Sharing your route and the number of stops with the team when you enquire also helps them understand the pace of the work you have planned.
Thinking through the unloading order
The sequence in which items leave the van shapes how smoothly the whole delivery or move runs. Before loading, it helps to know which pieces are needed first at the destination and which can stay aboard until the final stop. Discuss this with whoever is receiving the goods, as they may have preferences about where things end up and in what order. If several addresses are involved, grouping items by destination avoids unpacking everything at each stop. Equally, if one recipient is expecting a mix of large and small pieces, agree in advance how they would like them handled at their end. Passing a summary of the load and its destinations to the team supports a well-matched vehicle choice.
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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.