Start with the addresses, when the goods will be ready and the time they need to arrive. A dedicated van or truck carries your load from collection to delivery. Share the packed dimensions and any loading restrictions early so the transport team can check the vehicle and route.
What is being reserved?
A dedicated van or truck is reserved for your shipment. Confirm the collection and delivery addresses, any extra stops and whether the goods need to stay on the same vehicle throughout.
Work back from delivery
Start with the time the receiver needs the goods, then check its opening hours and unloading arrangements. Tell us which timings are fixed and where there is flexibility.
Check the handling requirements
If the load should avoid depot transfers, say so. Include any instructions about stacking, lifting or keeping the goods upright. Suitable packing is still needed for a direct journey.
Would dedicated transport suit your delivery?
It can be useful for urgent parts, fragile equipment or a load tied to a booked appointment. A routine shipment with flexible timing may have different priorities, so describe the job before choosing the vehicle.
For urgent deliveries
Give the earliest collection time and latest useful arrival time. Explain what depends on the delivery, such as a production restart or engineer’s visit, so we can assess the timing with you.
For valuable or sensitive equipment
Describe the goods, packing and handling limits. Share any manufacturer’s instructions and discuss specific security or other requirements before the booking is agreed.
For sites with special arrangements
Include booking references, access restrictions, opening hours and any induction or permit requirements. If equipment or staff are booked for unloading, give the transport team those details.
For UK–Europe journeys
Agree who is preparing the customs paperwork and answering queries. Tell the team what is ready and what is still outstanding. The vehicle and paperwork need to be planned together.
Comparing a shared service
Check the delivery window and handling arrangements as well as the rate. Ask about depot transfers and any limits on the type or size of freight accepted.
Agree how the job will be managed
Confirm the contact for updates and who can approve changes. Give the receiving site the arrival information it needs, and check what happens if the unloading appointment has to move.
Use the packed dimensions
Supply length, width, height and gross weight for each pallet or package. Include pallet overhangs or projections so the team can check the actual space needed.
Dedicated European vans
A van may suit compact loads such as cartons, parts or packed equipment. Its payload, door opening and loading method must all fit the shipment.
Dedicated European trucks
A truck may be needed for larger or heavier goods. Include the pallet footprints, loading direction and any equipment requirements so we can check which truck suits the load.
Confirm the loading equipment
State what equipment is available at both sites and who will operate it. A tail-lift, side-loading or other requirement must be agreed before dispatch; it should not be assumed from the vehicle name.
Review the collection instructions
Check the address, reference and contact number with the sender. Have the load packed and accessible, and tell us promptly if the ready time or shipment details change.
Check what the price covers
Review the vehicle, route, dates and equipment in the quote. Ask about waiting time or additional services where relevant, and resolve any differences before accepting.
Confirm the booking arrangements
An enquiry starts a review of availability and price. The team will confirm the proposed service and booking arrangements with you before a vehicle is committed.
Planning your next European delivery?
Send ACS the route, packed load details and required collection and delivery times. We’ll check dedicated van or truck options and talk through the arrangements with you.
