A city-centre address may describe a customer entrance rather than a usable delivery point. For a Durham courier request, ask the receiving business to explain the final approach and where the load can be handed over. Do not assume that a map route confirms vehicle access or permission to stop.
Ask for the delivery entrance, any applicable receiving window and a direct onsite contact. Check whether the business uses a shared service area and whether another party controls access. If the entrance is on a different street from the postal address, make that distinction explicit in the booking.
Provide the packed dimensions and weight of the load. Explain steps, slopes, narrow doorways or a long carrying distance. Confirm the practical handover point and what assistance will be present; movement into upper rooms or behind a counter requires agreement rather than assumption.
Ask the recipient about temporary works or changes affecting its access. Current signs and applicable restrictions must be respected; a customer’s instruction to stop somewhere does not itself make stopping permissible. If special arrangements are needed, confirm who is responsible for obtaining them before dispatch.
Name a backup recipient and agree what should happen if the planned entrance is unavailable. For a collection, have the goods packed and accessible at the agreed point so the vehicle is not waiting while stock is located. Give BHA enough detail to assess a suitable vehicle and handling plan rather than treating difficult access as something to solve on arrival.
Read about BHA courier coverage for Durham, then send a delivery enquiry with both postcodes, the ready time, required arrival time, packed dimensions and weight. Include the handling and access details described above. Ask BHA to confirm acceptance, availability, price and the agreed handover arrangements before booking.
