Lorry Delivery Planning in Singapore: Stops, Loading Time and Quote Details

Single stop vs several collection and delivery points

A single pickup to a single delivery is the simplest booking. If the job involves collecting from one supplier and delivering to several recipients, or picking up from multiple locations, state each stop separately.

Give the desired stop order and ask whether the supplier can accept it. A provider may need to rearrange the sequence based on vehicle routing, time windows or access restrictions. The itinerary is not confirmed until the supplier accepts the full job in writing.

For each stop, state the address, a contact person who will be present, what cargo is loaded or unloaded, and the known packed dimensions and weight of those items. Include which direction goods move at each stop: onto the lorry, off the lorry, or both.

Arrival windows, loading time and waiting

State a requested arrival window for each stop rather than a guaranteed time. Distinguish between when you would like the lorry to arrive and the latest time the location accepts deliveries. Traffic, earlier loading delays and site access queues can all shift the actual arrival.

Estimate how long loading or unloading will take at each stop. Include known factors: number of items, floor level, lift access, need for equipment and whether a recipient must inspect or sign before the driver leaves. Ask the supplier how waiting time and delays beyond the estimated loading period are charged.

No total job time or route duration is confirmed until the supplier reviews all stops, access details and timing constraints together. An itinerary you propose is a request, not a schedule the supplier has accepted.

Loading, unloading and access responsibilities

State who is responsible for loading at each pickup and unloading at each delivery. Ask whether any driver assistance is included and what additional manpower, packing or equipment needs a separate quotation.

For each stop, record:

• Whether the location has a loading bay, dock or ground-level access
• Any height, width or weight restrictions for the vehicle or the goods
• Whether the recipient is a person, a reception desk, a loading bay attendant or a warehouse operator
• Parking and access permissions the driver may need in advance

If a stop involves a residential building, office tower or industrial estate with restricted vehicle access, include the access procedure with your request. The supplier needs this before confirming the route, not on the day of the job.

General reference: WSH Council: safe loading and unloading guidance (PDF). Official guidance for safe loading and unloading at worksites. This does not establish Omni Global specific procedures.

What counts as hire time and how changes are priced

Ask the supplier to explain hire time: when it starts, when it ends, and what counts as billable time between stops. Confirm whether travel between stops, waiting at each location and return to base are included in the quoted hours or charged separately.

Confirm how additional stops, changed addresses, extended waiting and scope changes after booking are approved and priced. A written quotation should state the basis for the total, not just a headline hourly rate.

Published hourly lorry rates and minimum hire periods are on the rates and estimator page. An indicative hire estimate based on hours requested is not a confirmed delivery quotation; the actual quote accounts for the full itinerary, stops, access and any additional services.

Day-of contact and written confirmation

Provide a phone number the driver can reach on the day at each stop. Confirm who will be present to receive goods and who can authorise changes if something does not go to plan.

Before booking, ask the supplier to confirm the itinerary, stop order, estimated timing, total quoted hours, vehicle, equipment, responsibilities and the quoted total in writing. Make sure the written confirmation covers the complete agreed scope, whether it is supplied by email, message or a formal quotation.

Use the worksheet below to record your planned stops before contacting the supplier. Leave items you have not confirmed blank rather than guessing; the supplier needs accurate requirements, not optimistic estimates.