Lorry Delivery Access in Singapore: Building and Loading-Bay Checks

Overall vehicle height is not cargo-bay height

The 10ft, 14ft and 24ft names are nominal lorry-size labels. They do not state the overall vehicle height. The overall vehicle height determines whether a lorry can enter a car park, covered driveway, loading bay or multi-storey ramp.

The assigned vehicle's overall height may differ from the fleet-wide range shown on the service page. For each job, confirm the actual assigned vehicle's overall height and compare it with the lowest clearance on the access route at both the pickup and delivery locations.

A posted height limit states an access restriction, not the height of the vehicle. If a car park sign reads 2.4 m, a lorry with an overall height of 2.95 m cannot enter. The lorry size guide compares published height ranges across the fleet; model-specific dimensions remain on each vehicle's service page.

Check the road route and the entrance separately

The road to the building and the entrance to the loading area are separate checks. A lorry may reach the street address without difficulty but not fit through the driveway, basement ramp or loading-bay opening.

When planning the route, account for overhead structures, posted height signage and lorry-restricted roads. If the vehicle approaches a structure that is too low, the driver should stop and find an alternative route rather than attempt to pass. Certain roads restrict lorry access and may require separate authorisation with conditions. (Paraphrased from LTA OneMotoring: commercial vehicles.)

Ask the site manager or building management for the entrance dimensions, any posted restrictions and the route from the street to the unloading point. Include this information in your quote request so vehicle suitability can be confirmed before the booking date.

Loading bay, time window and permissions

Contact the building management or site manager to confirm the following before the delivery date:

• Whether a loading bay is available and its dimensions or vehicle-size limit
• Allowed delivery days and time windows
• Whether advance booking, a security pass or a vehicle decal is required
• Any deposit, insurance certificate or other site requirement for the vehicle or goods
• Whether the bay is a raised dock, ground-level area or a ramp

Residential buildings, condominiums and commercial offices handle delivery access differently. Do not assume one building's rules apply elsewhere. HDB estates and condominiums may have their own vehicle access, parking and unloading arrangements; ask the specific building management for its current requirements rather than relying on general assumptions.

Service lift, internal route and handling

Once goods are off the lorry, they may need to travel to a unit, office or storeroom. Check the internal route:

• Is there a service lift? What are its internal dimensions and weight limit?
• Can items pass through corridors, doorways and stairwells without damage?
• Is handling equipment (trolley, pallet jack) available on site, or do you need to supply it?
• Who is responsible for moving goods from the lorry to the final location?

If the service lift or internal route cannot handle your largest item, identify that before the job. Ask whether an alternative lift, entrance or access route is available. Confirm who will carry, wheel or otherwise move the goods after unloading and what equipment is needed.

If the loading bay or unloading area is unavailable at the scheduled time, confirm an alternative stopping point where the driver can wait safely. Include this in your quote request.

Prepare a building-access note for your quote

Send these details with your quote request. Leave items you have not confirmed blank rather than guessing:

• Building or site name and full address
• Site contact person, their role and phone number
• Entrance type and any posted height, weight or width restrictions
• Loading-bay availability, type and allowed time window
• Access permissions required (advance booking, pass, deposit)
• Internal route: service lift dimensions, corridor width, stairs
• Cargo weight, packed dimensions and item count
• Loading and unloading responsibilities and equipment
• Alternative unloading point if the bay is unavailable
• Items still to confirm with the building management

Use the downloadable building-access brief to organise these details before contacting us.

Download building-access brief (.txt)

Photographs of the entrance, height signage, loading bay and internal route help the team assess vehicle suitability. Send them in the WhatsApp chat alongside your quote request.