What Information Is Needed for an Accurate Haulage Quote?

Collection and delivery locations

Provide full postcodes first, followed by site names and addresses once the load is booked. Restricted access, city centres, construction sites or timed booking systems can affect the vehicle and planning required.

Dimensions, weight and handling

Give the number of pallets or items, individual or overall dimensions, total weight, stackability and whether a tail lift, forklift or other loading equipment is required.

Collection window and delivery deadline

State whether the times are fixed bookings, broad windows or flexible. A carrier needs to know whether it can legally and realistically position the vehicle, load, drive and deliver within the requirement.

Goods description and value

Describe the goods accurately and provide an approximate value. Dangerous, waste, controlled-temperature, abnormal or otherwise specialist freight must be declared before booking. Goods value helps inform insurance checks.

Who is paying and what terms apply

For account customers, the freight desk also needs agreed credit terms and an internal credit limit. A profitable rate can still create a cashflow problem if carrier payment falls due long before the customer settles.