At HouseFuel, we use trusted third-party hauliers to ensure your approved smokeless fuel and log products arrive safely and efficiently. Due to the size and weight of these orders, most coal delivery services are completed using tail lift or kerb-side delivery vehicles.
If you’re ordering a pallet of smokeless fuel, coal, or logs for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about coal pallet delivery and what to expect on the day.
A Guide to Firewood & Coal Delivery & What to Expect
Larger pallet deliveries are very different from standard parcel deliveries. When ordering a full pallet of coal, smokeless fuel, or firewood, specialist delivery vehicles and equipment are required to transport the goods safely.
Most coal pallet delivery orders are delivered using an 18-tonne lorry, as drivers often complete multiple deliveries throughout the day. However, if access to your property is limited, it may be possible to arrange a smaller delivery vehicle. We recommend contacting the retailer before dispatch if you think access could be an issue.
To help avoid any problems on delivery day, we have included guidance below on how kerb-side coal delivery works and the access requirements needed for successful delivery.
What Does Kerb-Side Coal Delivery Mean?
Most haulage companies operate on a kerb-side delivery basis. This means your coal delivery will be made to the nearest safe and accessible point outside your property, usually where a vehicle would normally park by the kerb.
Heavy delivery vehicles are generally unable to drive onto private driveways due to the risk of surface damage or restricted access. Because of this, drivers are contractually required to leave pallet deliveries at the kerbside whenever necessary.
How Pallet Deliveries Are Unloaded
Your delivery driver will use a pump pallet truck to unload and move the pallet from the vehicle. This equipment lifts the pallet from underneath and allows the driver to manoeuvre heavy loads safely during the coal pallet delivery process.
However, pallet trucks have small wheels and are designed for use on flat, solid surfaces only. Deliveries cannot usually be moved across:
- Steep inclines
- Gravel driveways
- Grass or soft ground
- Uneven surfaces
This is another reason why most coal delivery orders are completed kerb-side, as roads and pavements provide the safest and most stable unloading area.
Preparing for Your Coal Delivery
Before your delivery arrives, please make sure there is:
- Clear access for a large delivery vehicle
- Enough turning space for the lorry
- A flat and solid unloading area
- No parked vehicles blocking access
If you are unsure whether an 18-tonne vehicle can access your property, contact the supplier in advance to discuss alternative arrangements for your coal pallet delivery.
Vehicle: 7.5 tonne
Payload: 2,800 kg
| Technical Specification: 7.5 tonne Lorry | Feet | In | M |
| Length | 27'4 | 328" | 8.33 |
| Height | 11'6 | 138" | 3.50 |
| Width | 8'2" | 98" | 2.48 |
| Tail Lift Width | 6' | 72" | 1.82 |
| Tail Lift Length | 6' | 72" | 1.82 |
Vehicle: 18 Tonne
Payload: 10,000 kg
| Technical Specifications: 18 Tonne Lorry | Feet | In | M |
| Length | 32'5" | 389" | 9.88 |
| Height | 12' | 144" | 3.65 |
| Width | 8'3" | 99" | 2.51 |
| Tail Lift Width | 7' | 84" | 2.13 |
| Tail Lift Length | 7' | 84" | 2.13 |
