HELP & ADVICE
A brief guide with some tips on using our courier service, and getting the best value.
Understanding Courier Services
In short you can divide the services into two types, the direct, or 'sameday' and the overnight. The first involves a courier coming to you right away or at a time specified. They will then drive directly to the delivery address. The second is the less urgent overnight service, offering delivery by 3pm the following day. Less cost than a direct courier, but also less flexibility and without the care and attention you get with a dedicated courier.
So the sameday service offers more speed, flexibility and care, while the overnight service offers a lower cost.
The sameday service is priced on the distance, so you can fill a vehicle with no additional cost. The overnight service is priced on weight and there are restrictions in size and maximum weight per item.
Time taken to deliver
Keep in mind the time it will take for us to get there. We are always happy to give an estimate, and can contact a driver to check on their progress. Always allow extra time going into cities such as Manchester Birmingham and especially, London.
Which vehicle?
We generally run three types of vehicle; cars, small vans and larger Transit type vans. If you are unsure, please call and describe what it is you wish couriered. If you don't specify, a car or small van will be sent.
Pre booking
If you know you will need a courier at a particular time, consider pre booking. This can help in many ways, in particular allowing you to get on with other things knowing the courier will turn up when and where requested.
Cutting the cost
Considerable savings can be made on the cost of direct couriers by booking two or more together. If they are in the same direction or area, you will only be charged one way out, then the distance between deliveries. For example, a Cambridge to Central London is currently £68.00. Two central London deliveries however will only cost an extra £20.00 or £25.00, depending on location (all plus VAT).
Help avoid problems and delays
You would be surprised how many times we are given items with incorrect addresses and postcodes (even without an address!). Your delivery will be quicker and safer if you check these are correct before booking. If delivering to a private address or late in the evening, check someone will be there. We will only leave an item without a signature if instructed to do so by a client. Otherwise we will return it to our office.
With longer deliveries or those towards the end of the day, check the closing time at the destination. It may be they have security that can accept a delivery after office hours, or perhaps not. If not, one option is for us to be there when they open the following morning.
Booking and keeping a record
It is a good idea to give us a reference when booking a courier. This may relate to a case or client, a number or name. The reference will be quoted against the delivery on the invoice. Also keep a record of your bookings. In this way when the invoice is received you will know exactly which delivery related to which job or person. This is especially helpful if you will re charge your client later on.
Consultation service
Keep in mind our free consultation service. If you would like, one of our experianced staff would be happy to come and discuss your requirements. A written report with recommendations would then be provided.
Communication
Perhaps most of all communicate with us. Let us know as much as you can. Any relevant information can be of enormous help in avoiding delays and ensuring a trouble free service. If you have any questions on any of the above do not hesitate to call and ask, we are always keen to help.
01223 276000
Fax 01223 277066
