A telephone call before collection should be requested and confirmed if your site depends on it. Providing a phone number alone does not establish a guaranteed call or an exact amount of notice for every carrier and route.
Give the right operational contact
Use the number of someone who can respond during the collection window and deal with the loading point. A general company switchboard or an employee away from the warehouse may not help the driver gain access.
Include a backup contact when useful, along with gate instructions and any site reference. Keep the information brief enough for the receiving operations team to use.
A call does not replace readiness
The goods should be packed, labelled and accessible before the vehicle is expected. Do not rely on a last-minute call to start palletising or bring a forklift from another location.
If staff need substantial time to reach the site, tell the manager. That situation may require a properly coordinated appointment rather than a short arrival notification.
What to agree before collection
- Whether a call is required and available for the booking.
- The person and telephone number to use.
- The period during which the site can load.
- Any gate, security or loading-bay instructions.
- What to do if the contact cannot be reached.
If no call arrives
Check the confirmed collection window and tracking information. Contact your manager if the window has passed or if the agreed call requirement appears to have been missed. Do not assume the vehicle will wait outside until the contact becomes available.
See collection timing and appointments for planning a site with limited availability.