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.
Picking a suitable van
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 a customer order needs to go out next week, the first job is often a simple written brief. Note the delivery date and any cut-off time the recipient has given, the address, and a named contact who can receive the goods, together with a phone number in case access arrangements change on the day. Record roughly how many parcels, crates or pallets are involved and their approximate sizes, plus whether anything is fragile or needs keeping upright. From there you can ask whether a small van, Transit or crew van suits the load, whether the hire covers the hours you need, and what happens if the delivery slips to another day. Having these answers ready keeps the enquiry quick and gives you a clear record to work from.
Keeping a load inventory
Should the job involve several stops or a mixed load, a numbered inventory is worth preparing before you ring. List each item with a short description, its approximate dimensions, and the stop it belongs to, then tick items off as they are confirmed. Note any collections along the way, including who will hand items over and their contact details, so nothing relies on memory. If some goods are going into storage, write the unit or bay reference beside them. Once the list is drafted, you can ask which van size the team would suggest for that volume, whether a Luton or dropside would be more appropriate for anything unusually shaped, and how the hire period lines up with your dates. An inventory also gives you something to check against when the job is complete.
Explore other van hire areas
Last checks before booking
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.