Large item courier companies deal with the large items that we’d instead not be carrying around on the bus or up the stairs of our flats. Whether it is a washing machine, fridge freezer or a new sofa, shipping requires careful planning and specialist services. Here are eight ways to choose your large item courier carefully:
1. Compare quotes from different companies.
Make calls to companies offering large item courier service providers and compare their services and prices. If you’re planning on shipping something bulky, it pays to do your research. By making several calls or visiting two or three websites, you’ll be able to compare quotes and company reviews.
2. Make sure they are insured for damaged items.
If you’re having something precious delivered via a large item courier service provider, ensure they are covered for damage. You don’t want to have to pay for something that gets damaged in the process of delivery. A reputable company will not ask you to cover damages yourself, and if they do, make sure you get a good explanation of how it happened before agreeing.
3. Look into insurance options offered by couriers.
If you’re shipping something costly, it may be worth considering insurance on the item with the courier company. This means that if anything happens to your goods during transit, you can get compensation.
4. Get a definite quote and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) before committing.
This is especially important for larger items like furniture; you’ll want to know exactly how much it’s going to cost and what the timeframe is before committing. ETA information should also be available for any quotes you receive.
5. Ensure the large item courier company has a local depot or can deliver immediately.
If you’re having something urgent delivered, check that your chosen company will be able to move quickly and deliver it on time. This is particularly important for businesses shipping goods.
6. Ask your friends and family for recommendations of large item courier companies they’ve used before.
By asking around, you may find some good company recommendations that can save you time finding someone reputable. You could also ask them what they like about them if they’re satisfied with the service, and how the company handled their items.
7. Make sure you can track your large item courier company’s progress if necessary.
Having a clear idea of where your goods are in transit is important for some people when shipping large items through a large item courier service provider. If this is important for you, it may be worth checking that the company you’re planning to use has good tracking services.
8. Beware of hidden costs and read up on how much it should really cost to ship large items.
Ensure there are no hidden costs when you receive your quote by asking about things like loading times or other services related to delivering your items. You should also check out the company’s website or contact them to find out how much they charge for those things, so you get a clear idea of what you’re paying.
Conclusion
There are many choices when it comes to shipping large items through a large item courier company. If you’re planning on using one, make sure you take the time to do some research and ask around friends and family for recommendations.