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
If the hire supports a delivery for your business, start by writing out the delivery schedule before anything else. List each recipient, their address, a named contact and a phone number, plus any time window they have given you for arrival. Record the goods destined for each stop, with quantities and the dimensions of the largest items, so the whole consignment is described on paper rather than held in your head. Where a recipient has mentioned access details, such as a specific entrance or a loading bay booking, capture those notes too. When you ask for a quote, share this schedule and ask how your item list and dates align with the available van types, whether a crew van would matter if a colleague accompanies you, and what the access arrangements mean for the recommendation.
Recording Stop Details and Contacts
Alongside the delivery schedule itself, it pays to keep a separate note covering the practical details of every stop. For each address, record the recipient's preferred contact method, whether they expect a call ahead, and any reference numbers attached to the order, such as purchase or job references. If some items are being left with a neighbour or placed in storage, note who signed for what and where each consignment ends up, since this record becomes useful if queries arise later. Quantities matter as much as items, so count boxes and bundles individually. Questions that remain open for the team include whether your spread of stops affects the suggested vehicle, how the hire dates should be set if a delivery slips, and whether any recipient instructions influence the booking arrangements.
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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.