FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Booking Courier Services with Rapid Despatch

Whether you are sending an urgent document across town or shipping a bulky item nationwide, booking a courier should feel simple and stress free. This FAQ gathers the questions we hear most often about same day, next day, and international deliveries. You will learn how to book, how tracking works, what to do with sensitive or heavy items, and where we operate. If you still have questions at the end, our team is ready to help.

How do I book a courier?

Booking is quick, and you can choose phone or online depending on what suits you.

• Gather the essentials: pickup and delivery postcodes, full addresses, contact names and numbers at both ends, item description, weight and dimensions, any access or handling notes, and your deadline.

• Get in touch: call your local Rapid Despatch team in Reading, Basingstoke, Farnborough, or Southampton, or request a quote online. We confirm the price and recommend the best service for your timeframe.

• Confirm and go: once you approve, we assign a driver, often within 30 to 60 minutes for same day. For timed or next day services, we agree a precise collection window.

  
  

For time critical consignments, our same day courier services are the fastest route. If your delivery is less urgent, we can arrange next day with timed options including morning slots and weekends. For cross border shipments, our international team will advise on customs data and any surcharges.

Can I track my delivery?

Yes. From collection to delivery, you can receive real time updates and proof of delivery. Our control team monitors each consignment, keeps you informed, and can adjust routes when traffic or access changes. For added peace of mind, ask for status notifications to your mobile or email, and share specific site instructions in advance so your driver arrives prepared.

If you need direct, point to point transport without hub stops, choose a dedicated vehicle. It keeps your item in one van from pickup to drop off, which is ideal for urgent or confidential deliveries.

What if I need to send a bulky or valuable item?

Tell us the size, weight, and fragility at booking, and we will assign the right vehicle and equipment. Our fleet ranges from small vans to larger vehicles with tail lifts, so we can handle boxed parts, exhibition kit, retail stock, or sensitive electronics. For high value or confidential items, we provide extra care, sealed loads on request, and direct routing.

A few packing tips to help your item travel safely:

• Use a double walled box for weighty goods, and fill voids with foam or paper to stop movement.

• For fragile items, wrap each piece individually, label the box clearly, and mark the heaviest side if needed.

• Share access notes, loading restrictions, and onsite contact numbers so the driver can load and unload efficiently.

  
  

If your consignment is a legal pack, contract, or passport, ask about our dedicated document courier options for secure, direct handling. For time specific paperwork runs, you can also book a timed driver to collect at a set minute, wait as needed, and deliver straight away.

What are your service areas?

We collect quickly from our core hubs in Basingstoke, Farnborough, Reading, and Southampton, and serve surrounding towns across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and beyond. Thanks to our network, we arrange national coverage for urgent and scheduled deliveries across the UK. If you are unsure whether your location is covered, call us with the postcodes. In most cases we can confirm availability immediately and provide a

realistic ETA based on live traffic.

For international requirements, we ship worldwide by air, road, or sea. Our team will advise on documents, customs, and any elevated risk surcharges that might apply to certain destinations. If you need a quick overview of routes, transit times, and paperwork, start with our page on International Courier Services.

What services can I choose?

You can tailor speed, security, and timing to your deadline.

• Same day: collection typically within 30 to 60 minutes, then direct transport to the delivery address. Ideal when waiting until tomorrow is not an option.

• Next day: a cost effective choice with flexible timed options including before 12 pm and weekend delivery.

• International: air, road, or sea solutions, plus on board courier for small urgent items that must fly with a dedicated handler.

• Specialist services: exhibition logistics, European road courier, passport and visa collection, and secure handling for sensitive consignments.

  
  

If you need immediate pickup, ask for a same day collection courier. If you have a fixed deadline, request a timed collection or delivery slot so we meet your schedule precisely.

How much notice do I need to give?

For same day, call as soon as you have your details. We usually place a driver within the hour during normal working times, and often faster from our local hubs. For next day, you can book later in the afternoon, and for international we recommend contacting us earlier so we can check cut off times and any export paperwork.

If your site has restricted loading, security checks, or specific PPE requirements, tell us when booking. It helps us choose the right driver and vehicle and prevents delays on arrival.

What proof of delivery will I receive?

You will receive confirmation once the delivery is complete, with a name, time stamp, and any relevant notes. If your internal process needs a signed docket or photo confirmation, mention that at booking and we will provide it.

Do you handle urgent documents securely?

Yes. Many clients trust us with confidential paperwork, from legal and financial packs to healthcare records that do not require specialist regulation. For these time sensitive items, ask for direct routing and minimal handling. You can also book same day document delivery to keep paperwork moving quickly with live updates throughout.

What information should I provide at booking?

The more detail you can share up front, the smoother your delivery will be:

• Full addresses, contact names, and phone numbers at collection and delivery

• Item description, weight, dimensions, and packaging

• Any hazards or special handling notes

• Access instructions, parking restrictions, loading bay details, and security requirements

• Your deadline, preferred collection window, and billing details

  
  

With this information, we can confirm a realistic ETA, assign the correct vehicle, and keep you updated from start to finish.

Summary

Booking a courier with Rapid Despatch is straightforward. Share your pickup and delivery details, choose the speed that suits your deadline, and track progress in real time until you receive proof of delivery. Same day is ideal for time critical consignments, next day suits planned shipments with timed windows, and our international team guides you through cross border requirements. If you are sending bulky, fragile, or high value items, we match you with the right vehicle and secure handling so everything arrives safely.

If your question was not covered here, get in touch with your local team today. We will recommend the best route, confirm a realistic ETA, and keep you informed every step of the way.