How Far in Advance Should I Book a Lorry Courier?

One of the most common questions we’re asked at London Lorry Courier is how far in advance a lorry courier should be booked. The short answer is: as early as possible. However, the right timing depends on your load, location, destination and how time-sensitive your delivery is.

This guide explains the differences between same-day, short-notice and pre-booked haulage, and helps you decide the best option for your situation.

Same-Day Lorry Courier Bookings

We offer Same day HGV delivery across London, the UK and Europe, and in many cases can collect within hours. Same-day bookings are ideal for:

  • Urgent breakdowns or missed collections
  • Critical production parts
  • Last-minute event or exhibition requirements
  • Emergency stock replenishment

That said, same-day transport is subject to vehicle and driver availability. While our London Lorry Transport fleet operates 24/7, same-day jobs often come at a premium and may involve longer transit times during busy periods.

Booking 24–48 Hours in Advance

For many customers, booking a lorry courier one or two days ahead offers the best balance between flexibility and cost. This allows us to:

  • Allocate the correct vehicle size
  • Plan efficient routes around traffic
  • Confirm realistic delivery times
  • Reduce the risk of delays or re-routing

This timeframe works particularly well for General Haulage, Cash and Carry Transport and Direct Delivery Service bookings.

Pre-Booked & Scheduled Haulage

If you know your transport requirements in advance, pre-booking is always recommended. For scheduled work, contract runs or larger consignments, we suggest booking several days — or even weeks — ahead.

Advance booking is especially important for:

Pre-booked transport allows us to reserve vehicles and drivers specifically for your job, ensuring consistency and reliability.

European Transport Requires More Planning

International transport generally requires more notice than UK-only deliveries. While we do provide urgent services such as Same Day Urgent European Van Transport, booking European work in advance allows time for:

  • Customs documentation
  • Route planning
  • Ferry or tunnel scheduling
  • Load and compliance checks

For standard Europe Van Transport (from London) or lorry movements under International Transport and Travel, we recommend booking at least 48–72 hours ahead where possible.

Factors That Affect Booking Lead Time

Several factors can influence how far ahead you should book:

  • Vehicle size – larger vehicles have more limited availability.
  • Access restrictions – London delivery windows, height limits and site rules.
  • Seasonal demand – winter weather, holidays and event seasons.
  • Load complexity – oversized, heavy or unusual items.

Our proximity to key Transport Network routes helps us respond quickly, but early booking always improves outcomes.

What Happens If You Book Late?

Late bookings don’t mean we can’t help — but they can limit options. Short-notice jobs may:

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