Practical guide
What to include in a transport brief
Give the logistics team the information needed to assess a practical movement plan.
Describe the cargo as it will travel
Provide piece count, packaged dimensions, gross weight and packaging type. Identify oversized pieces and any special handling requirements.
Define the route and handovers
State the collection point and final destination, receiving contacts, site access restrictions and responsibility for loading and unloading.
Explain timing and constraints
Distinguish cargo readiness from the required delivery date. Identify fixed deadlines and any uncertainty in the available information.
Confirm documents and responsibilities
Discuss required shipping information and the parties responsible for formal documents and approvals. Regulatory requirements should be checked with the appropriate qualified party or authority.
Review the proposed scope
Confirm mode, delivery basis, handling activities, exclusions and the evidence required at delivery before placing an order.
General planning guidance. Requirements vary by assignment; confirm your actual scope and any specialist requirements with the appropriate parties.
Put the guide to work
A transport brief that covers the actual packed cargo.
Use these headings in your enquiry. Complete what you know, label estimates and identify the person who can confirm any missing information.
- Cargo
- Describe goods, packaging and any special handling conditions.
- Pieces and measurements
- List piece counts, external dimensions and gross weight by package type.
- Collection
- Give the collection location, contact and cargo-ready date.
- Destination
- State the final delivery point, receiving contact and access restrictions.
- Dates
- Separate the ready date from the required delivery date.
- Handling and records
- Identify loading, unloading and document responsibilities.
A practical example
If a shipment contains eight small cartons and one larger crate, list the crate separately. Its packed dimensions and weight may change the handling requirement even if most of the consignment is straightforward. State which measurements have been verified and which are estimates.
Check for gaps before sending
Check for product weight used in place of packed weight, missing dimensions, an address that only names a city, or a delivery date without cargo readiness. Ask the receiving team about access and unloading before treating the destination as a simple drop-off.
Review the packing information with the person preparing the goods and confirm destination conditions with the receiver. Then send the transport enquiry with the latest cargo details. A quotation needs to be reassessed if the consignment or delivery basis changes.
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