Road freight within the UAE is quick to arrange when the transport team knows exactly what is moving, from where, to where and when. A request that leaves one of those out usually comes back with questions, or ends with a truck that does not suit the load or cannot enter the site. This guide shows how to prepare a road freight or truck transport request so the right truck arrives at the right time.
Describe the goods in one message
State what the goods are and how they are packed: pallets, boxes, crates or loose items. Give the number of pieces, the total weight and the length, width and height of the largest single item. Mention anything fragile, temperature-sensitive or unusually shaped, and say if the goods are hazardous or regulated, because that affects whether and how they can be moved.
An example of a complete description: “12 pallets of floor tiles, about 1,000 kg each, 120 × 100 × 110 cm, not stackable. Pickup from a warehouse in Al Quoz, delivery to a villa site in Dubai Hills. Forklift at pickup, none at delivery.” The team can choose a truck from that without a second call.
Match the truck to the load
Our cargo services cover several truck types. The load decides which one fits:
- Light truck: smaller shipments, a few pallets, business deliveries and scheduled local runs.
- Heavy truck: full loads such as building materials, project cargo and industrial goods.
- Refrigerated truck: chilled or frozen goods that must stay within a set temperature range. The refrigerated transport guide covers what to prepare.
- Specialised truck: oversized or unusually shaped loads that need a particular vehicle, route and loading plan.
For sand, aggregate and other site supplies, see the raw materials transport guide. If you are unsure which truck fits, describe the load and the team will propose one.
Plan loading and unloading at both ends
The truck is only part of the job. For the pickup and the delivery, say how the goods will be loaded and unloaded: by hand, with a pallet jack, with a forklift or with a crane. If a site needs a forklift and has none, say so when you ask for the quote. Forklifts are rented separately through Equipment Rental Enquiries.
Give exact map pins, the contact at each end and the hours when each site can load and receive. Industrial areas, malls and residential towers often have fixed delivery windows and loading bays that must be booked in advance. The loading and unloading checklist goes through the handling questions in more detail.
Trips with several stops
If goods are collected from, or delivered to, more than one place, list the stops in order with the quantity for each. That lets the load be planned so the goods for the first drop are not stuck behind the goods for the last.
Documents and sign-off
Have the delivery note, invoice or packing list ready, and agree who signs for the goods at each stop. Photos of the goods before loading help settle any question at delivery. For deliveries into free zones or other controlled areas, check the entry paperwork and gate pass in advance.
Send the request
- what the goods are, how they are packed and how many pieces;
- total weight and the size of the largest item;
- pickup and delivery pins, with a contact and a time window at each;
- how the goods are loaded and unloaded at each end;
- any stops in between, and any special handling.
Send them to Cargo & Transport Enquiries on +971 55 388 5075 by phone or WhatsApp, or use the cargo enquiry form. The full list of cargo services is on the cargo transport Dubai page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which truck do I need for my goods?
It depends on the weight, size and packing of the load. Send the goods, piece count, total weight and largest item, and the cargo team will propose a light, heavy, refrigerated or specialised truck.
Can one truck collect from or deliver to several places?
Yes, trips with several stops can be planned. List the stops in order with the quantity at each, so the goods can be loaded in the right order.
Who signs for the goods at delivery?
Agree it before the trip. Name the receiver at each stop with a phone number, and keep the delivery note, invoice or packing list ready for signing.