Price is not the first conversation
The biggest mistake in transport is agreeing a price before agreeing the expectation. A figure means very little if nobody has confirmed who is loading, what access is like, whether waiting time is likely, and how the delivery will actually happen.
Most transport problems are created before the vehicle moves. One side assumes the driver will load. The other assumes the site will load. One side expects a quick turnaround. The other knows access is awkward but has not mentioned it.
What should be agreed?
Before booking commercial transport, agree the goods, collection point, delivery point, loading responsibility, unloading responsibility, site access, timing, waiting time and payment terms. That protects both the customer and the transport provider.
This is especially important for pallet delivery, exhibition logistics and recurring haulage work where the relationship may continue for months or years.
