Furniture can be complicated to deliver sometimes, and if done incorrectly, it can result in damages to the furniture itself, the person delivering it, or their vehicle. So how exactly can furniture be delivered via road freight in the safest way possible?
In today’s guide, we will present all the relevant information and context regarding how to deliver furniture safely: Road freight logistics.
Radius Warehouse and Logistics is here to provide you with all the information you need when it comes to the multiple areas of logistics that we provide, from sea to air, to road freight solutions. Operating from the South West of England for over 20 years, our experience and services are here for anyone who needs it.
What is the need for road freight?
Road freight is a critical service for almost all items that require transportation to fulfil delivery. Road freight is specifically the transportation of cargo via roads, this is usually facilitated by vehicles that can carry large items, a large quantity of items, or both.
The cargo that is transported by road freight can be from overseas or nationally, it is all subject to the item or items being delivered. It can come from a depot, showroom, warehouse, cargo ship and more.
Is parcel delivery the same as road freight?
Not exactly, the difference between parcel delivery and road freight is the weight of the item being delivered. However, not every item classed as road freight has to be delivered by an 18-wheeler lorry.
For example, if you run a business selling clothing which is sourced in large amounts from another country or area in the UK, then its journey to your stockroom is considered road freight. So it would need to be delivered by the appropriate vehicle.
After that, when you are fulfilling individual orders, they will be sent as parcels, which can be delivered through a variety of vehicles depending on the service providing the parcel delivery.
Can road freight transport everything?
No. As far as UK regulations go, certain items cannot be transported unless you seek permission from relevant authorities, as well as the driver taking an ADR test. Some of these restricted items include…
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Explosives
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Flammables
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Fuming Acids
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Pesticides
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Paints
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Solvents
Who drives road freight?
Road freight can be driven by anyone who has obtained the legally required qualifications that allow you to transport heavy goods in an HGV. For international deliveries being fulfilled by road freight, there will be customs procedures to follow.
How to deliver furniture safely: Road freight logistics
Furniture is the key to making a house a home, whether people buy bespoke furniture from overseas or locally, it is expected to be delivered in a pristine state. That means there must be strategies in place to prevent any damage during its transportation. But before we delve into that, let us give a few examples of furniture that can be delivered via road freight…
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Chairs
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Tables
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Beds
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Sofas
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Desks
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Cupboards
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Drawers
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TV stands
And more.
Delivering boxed furniture safely
As you may be aware, some of the aforementioned items would need to be assembled and can come in flatpack boxes etc. This does not negate it from being road freight, as it likely still passes the weight threshold.
Furniture that needs assembly generally has a level of protection to prevent damages such as polystyrene, and other cardboard coverings beneath the box. This also helps to prevent movement in the box itself.
Regardless of the shape of the box, it must be secured within the vehicle it is being transported in. Vehicles like lorries have a large space to transport goods, but due to the twists and turns that come with driving, unsecured items can become damaged if they aren’t secured into place. This can be fixed with items such as a ratchet strap.
Delivering unboxed furniture safely
Although unboxed furniture is very rarely sent, it is a possibility that may arise. In this instance, it is paramount that all precautions are taken to ensure this piece of furniture isn’t damaged. But how can this happen if it isn’t transported with any sort of cover?
There are a few methods to use, however, the effectiveness is directly dependent on when it will be delivered, which can be an issue if it is being transported alongside additional road freight going to different destinations.
Regardless, if there is ever an occasion in which unboxed furniture is being transported via road freight, here are a few methods that can be practised.
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If there is any spare cardboard, polystyrene, plastic wrapping, or other items that provide a layer of protection, apply them over the furniture.
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Secure the furniture with ratchet straps
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Do not stack it over anything, or stack anything over it.
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Do not allow it to lean on anything else or vice versa.
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Depending on when it will be delivered, place it accordingly if possible. For example, if it is being delivered first, place it closest to the door for easy access.
Please note that although boxing items isn’t the only option available when transporting goods, it can prove to be the best in terms of ease of transport, and general safety of the item inside. However, this is subject to how well it is packaged.
The dos and don’ts of safe furniture delivery
Safely delivering furniture is not just about the state of the furniture upon delivery, it is also about ensuring the safety of the people transporting it, placing and removing it from the vehicle, and other road users, in the case of an accident.
Here are the ‘dos’ of safe furniture delivery…
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Items that require heavy lifting equipment are securely placed on pallets. This ensures items are safely manoeuvred out from the vehicle without risking injury.
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Items are secured in place with ratchet straps and other equipment. This prevents movement of the item, which if left unattended can result in it falling, which can break or damage the furniture, or anything else around it.
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Items have an appropriate level of cover, which prevents them from accumulating dust, and dirt or being damaged during the transportation process. This is also beneficial for people transporting the equipment, as they may have allergies to certain materials or fabrics the furniture is made from.
If possible, arrange the items in the order which will be delivered first, not only does this make the delivery efficient, but it also prevents unnecessary movement of other items.
Here are the ‘don’ts’ of safe furniture delivery…
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Don’t stack items on top of each other. This makes them harder to secure, and if they fall, it will damage the item and anything around it. The item that is being stacked over may also be damaged as a result of the weight.
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Place furniture in the way it would be placed in the home. For example, this means not having a sofa balanced on its arm, as it was not made to support its weight like that, and it could break or become damaged.
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Don’t lean items against each other. Similar to stacking, leaning heavy furniture on other items can damage either, especially if they are not secured.
Do not attempt to move palleted furniture or items without the required heavy lifting equipment, neglecting this can result in injury and/or damage to the items.
Transporting furniture with a logistics service
Transporting furniture through a logistics service that offers road freight solutions like Radius Warehouse and Logistics ensures that your furniture is in the hands of professionals. We have years of experience handling a vast variety and number of items including furniture.
Through our years of experience, we have cultivated a comprehensive network. As a result, our services are not only reliable and competitive, but they are also quick. When it comes to freight transport, quickness is a highly sought-after benefit.
Our services can be optimised for your needs, whether it’s a part load or full, or if you need a dedicated vehicle, and much more. Request a quote today!
The benefits of using road freight
In addition, when opting to choose Radius Warehouse and Logistics Services, your DIY/home improvement delivery can benefit from the following advantages we offer…
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A dependable & dedicated service supported by a vast amount of experience, technology, and expertise.
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Daily Departures to European countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Holland, and more.
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Extensive surface through Europe, Scandinavia, and Ireland.
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Express/Next day delivery on some cargo.
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A fleet of vans and trucks of all sizes.
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An option for a road courier service for smaller items.
We also provide ancillary services, which are services that relate to cargo inspection, preparation of customs documentation, and storage of transported goods, or goods to be transported. This is vital for anybody who wants to export their DIY/home improvement goods.
Our ancillary services cover…
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Documentation services.
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Nationwide collection and delivery in the United Kingdom.
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Express deliveries in the UK and globally.
Enquire for road freight solutions today
We at Radius Warehouse and Logistics Services encourage you to get in contact with us to see how our services can benefit you. Alternatively, you can get a quote from us directly, or visit our help and advice page for anything further you may need help with.
We hope that our guide has highlighted the key elements regarding how to deliver furniture safely: Road freight logistics.
With over 20 years of experience as an independent freight forwarder, you can expect quality service from us. In addition to being a member of BIFA, and trading under the standard trading terms of BIFA, We are also staffed by a dedicated core of enthusiastic and efficient professionals.
Our staff’s many years of experience in this industry welcomes your enquiries and hope you can join our loyal and superb client base.
