Before you book a courier, take these 30 seconds.
A courier booking does not need to be complicated. But six quick details can make the difference between a smooth pickup and a driver trying to figure things out at the door.
Is it complete?
Who is expecting us?
How many items?
How big and heavy?
When does it need to arrive?
Anything unusual?
The best courier booking is not the longest one.
It is the one that gives dispatch the information needed to understand the delivery without guessing.
A full address, a real deadline and basic shipment details can help determine the route, vehicle and pickup plan before the driver heads out.
That does not mean filling out a giant form. Most of the useful information can be checked in less time than it takes to find your car keys.
Address ✓ Contact ✓ Pieces ✓ Size ✓ Deadline ✓ Access ✓
Six things to check before booking your courier.
You probably know all six already. The important part is making sure they make it into the booking.
Is the address complete?
A street address may get the driver to the building. A suite, department, warehouse bay or business name helps get the shipment to the correct door.
Include unit numbers, floor numbers and business names when they apply.
Who is the contact?
If the entrance is locked or nobody knows where the package is, having the correct pickup or receiving contact can prevent a simple question from becoming a delay.
Provide a name and working phone number for the people involved when possible.
How many pieces are there?
“A package” can mean one envelope, one box or a group of cartons. Knowing the number of pieces helps dispatch understand what the driver is actually collecting.
Instead of “some boxes,” try “6 cartons.”
How big and heavy is it?
A small box and a large pallet can have the same pickup and delivery addresses while requiring completely different vehicles and loading plans.
Dimensions and approximate weight are especially helpful for larger boxes, multiple pieces and pallets.
What is the real deadline?
“ASAP” sounds urgent, but it does not tell dispatch whether the shipment needs to arrive in 45 minutes, before lunch or simply before the business closes.
“Must arrive before 2:00 PM” is much more useful than “ASAP.”
Is there anything unusual about access?
Loading docks, elevators, security desks, buzzers, appointments and limited receiving hours can all affect what happens when the driver reaches the location.
A quick note like “use loading dock on east side” can save a lot of searching.
See the difference 20 extra words can make.
Both bookings might describe the same shipment. Only one gives dispatch a clear picture.
Dispatch still has questions.
“One box from Vancouver to Richmond. Need it ASAP.”
How large is the box? Where exactly? Who has it? What does ASAP mean? Is there a receiving deadline?
Dispatch can start planning.
“One 18 × 14 × 12 in box, about 20 lb. Pickup at reception in Vancouver. Deliver to Richmond receiving before 2:00 PM. Contact Sam on arrival.”
Same basic delivery. Much less guessing.
“One box” is not really a size.
If the shipment is larger than a typical parcel, a quick measurement can help determine what vehicle makes sense.
Length, width, height and approximate weight give dispatch much more useful information than simply calling something small, medium or large.
For some shipments, dimensions can also matter when calculating dimensional weight.
Add approximate weight and dispatch has a much clearer idea of what needs to move.
View Numode's fleetDo the six-second scan.
You do not have to overthink it. Just make sure nothing important is missing.
- ✓ Pickup and delivery addresses are complete.
- ✓ The right contact information is included.
- ✓ You know how many pieces are being sent.
- ✓ Large items have dimensions and approximate weight.
- ✓ The real delivery deadline is clear.
- ✓ Loading, security or receiving instructions are included.
Got all six? You’re ready to book.
Numode Delivery provides local courier services across Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas. Tell us where it is going, what is moving and when it needs to arrive, and our team can help plan the delivery.
Frequently asked questions.
A few things worth knowing before booking a local courier delivery.
What information do I need before booking a courier?
Start with complete pickup and delivery addresses, contact information, number of pieces, approximate size and weight, the required delivery time and any special access instructions.
Do I need to know the exact weight of my package?
Not every shipment requires a perfectly exact weight, but an accurate estimate is helpful, especially for larger or heavier items that may affect the vehicle required.
Why does a courier need package dimensions?
Dimensions help dispatch understand how much space the shipment needs and whether it is suitable for a car, van or larger delivery vehicle. They can also be important when dimensional weight applies.
Should I write ASAP when I need an urgent courier?
You can indicate that a delivery is urgent, but providing the actual deadline is even more useful. For example, “must arrive before 2:00 PM” gives dispatch a specific requirement to plan around.
Should I include loading dock or building access information?
Yes. Loading docks, security desks, buzzers, elevators, appointment requirements and receiving hours can all help the driver reach the correct pickup or delivery point more efficiently.
Can I book a courier if I do not know every detail yet?
Contact the courier with the information you have and explain what is still unknown. For time-sensitive deliveries, it is especially helpful to confirm shipment size, location and deadline as early as possible.
What if the shipment changes after I book?
Contact dispatch as soon as possible. Changes to the number of pieces, shipment size, address or deadline may affect how the delivery needs to be planned.