The Delivery Vehicle and Equipment

Most bulk log orders arrive on an 18-tonne curtain-sided delivery lorry. This is a substantial commercial vehicle, similar in size to a municipal recycling truck. It requires plenty of clearance to manoeuvre safely down your street.

In this firewood kerbside delivery guide, the most important piece of kit is the vehicle tail-lift. The driver opens the curtain, rolls your crate onto an hydraulic tail-lift, and lowers the pallet down to street level. From there, the driver moves the pallet using a manual or electric pump truck.

The Real Meaning of "Kerbside Drop"

Firewood hauliers operate under kerbside delivery rules. This means the haulier contractually guarantees to place your pallet on the kerbside or hard public boundary directly adjacent to the road. You can learn more about standard delivery terms in Firewood Delivery Day: Costs, Kerbside Drops and Access Tips.

If you have a flat, level tarmac or concrete driveway, friendly drivers will often pull the pallet onto your drive as a courtesy. However, pump trucks have tiny nylon wheels with zero ground clearance. They cannot roll over gravel, cobbles, grass, soft dirt, or up steep inclines. If you have access challenges, see our advice in Narrow Driveways and Tail-Lifts: Sorting Log Delivery Access.

Inspecting Your Timber Before Signing

Before you sign the driver's handheld device or delivery note, carry out a quick three-point inspection:

• Check for Damage: Ensure the crate has not tipped over or suffered structural batten breakage during transit.
• Verify Weather Protection: Confirm that the weather wrap or shrink wrap over your kiln dried oak is intact and dry.
• Confirm Volume: Make sure you have received the exact number of crates or bags you paid for. Check our pricing guide on How Much Should You Pay for a Cubic Metre of Oak? to ensure your order matches your invoice.

If you notice transit damage, photograph it and write "Damaged on Arrival" alongside your signature on the delivery slip.

Post-Delivery Housekeeping

Once the lorry pulls away, the clock starts ticking. If your pallet sits kerbside, you will want to move your logs promptly. Have a wheelbarrow, gardening gloves, and a tarpaulin ready. Transfer the logs into your store, or secure the waterproof cover tightly over the crate to keep rain off your fuel. With a little preparation, delivery day is quick, safe, and hassle-free.