To arrange an urgent same-day courier, have the collection and delivery details, contact names, required timings, and the consignment's dimensions and weight ready. Tell the courier about pallets, special loading needs or access restrictions so the right vehicle can be sent first time.

Roadrunners Despatch arranges dedicated, direct deliveries across the UK mainland. We normally target collection within 60 minutes of a confirmed booking, subject to traffic, the collection location and vehicle availability.

The quick booking checklist

Before calling or requesting an online quote, gather:

The full collection address and postcode.
The collection contact's name and telephone number.
The full delivery address and postcode.
The delivery contact's name and telephone number.
The earliest collection time and any firm delivery deadline.
A clear description of the consignment.
Its length, width, height and total weight.
The number of items or pallets.
Any loading, handling or access restrictions.
Any customer-specified instructions the driver needs to follow.

Providing these details at the start helps us select a suitable vehicle, plan the direct journey and give you a clearer quotation.

1. Collection and delivery details

Start with the complete addresses and postcodes for both ends of the journey. Include a named contact and working telephone number at each location.

If the driver needs to report to a security gate, loading bay, reception desk or named department, say so when booking. Unit numbers, building names and site-entry instructions can prevent avoidable delays at large or unfamiliar premises.

2. Collection time and delivery deadline

Tell us when the consignment will be ready and whether it must arrive by a particular time. A deadline may affect the vehicle choice and route planning, especially when the collection or delivery point has restricted opening hours.

Roadrunners is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For confirmed urgent bookings, we normally target collection within 60 minutes, although actual timing depends on traffic, location and vehicle availability.

3. Dimensions, weight and quantity

Measure the consignment's longest, widest and tallest points and provide its approximate total weight. Also tell us how many boxes, loose items or pallets are travelling.

Weight alone does not determine the right vehicle. A light but long or bulky item may need more load space than a compact, heavier consignment. Accurate measurements reduce the risk of a vehicle arriving that cannot safely accommodate the load.

If you are unsure which option fits, use our vehicle-selection guide or describe the load to our team. Final suitability depends on the consignment, loading method and vehicle availability.

4. Loading and handling requirements

Tell us whether the consignment is palletised and whether loading equipment is available at collection and delivery. Mention anything that cannot be stacked, must remain upright or requires customer-specified handling.

The sender remains responsible for preparing and packaging the consignment appropriately. If your organisation or the receiving site has particular handling instructions, provide them when the job is booked so they can be considered before collection.

5. Site access and delivery instructions

Useful access information can include:

Loading-bay opening times or booking requirements.
Height, width or weight restrictions.
Narrow roads or limited parking.
Security checks or reception procedures.
Floor, department or unit details.
A requirement to call the contact before arrival.

If either site is difficult to reach, sharing the details early gives the driver and operations team a better chance to plan for them.

What affects the price of a same-day courier?

The main pricing factors are the collection and delivery locations, journey distance, vehicle required, collection time, and any special loading or access requirements. The size and weight of the consignment help determine the suitable vehicle.

See our courier prices and vehicle options for guidance, or request a quotation for the specific journey.

What happens after the booking is confirmed?

Roadrunners assigns a dedicated vehicle for the collection and direct delivery. The consignment is not routed through a parcel network or transferred through a series of depots. Customers can receive journey updates, and delivery is confirmed with a named, timed proof of delivery.

Ready to book?

For an urgent same-day delivery across the UK mainland, call Roadrunners Despatch on 0800 970 1155 or use the online quote form.

Have the checklist above to hand and we can assess the requirement, help select a suitable vehicle and confirm the quotation before the job proceeds.

What Information Do You Need to Book a Same-Day Courier?