Frequently asked questions

Heliolink provides same-day and next-day pallet delivery, dedicated vehicle services, multidrop distribution, and general freight transport from our Preston depot. We operate a direct point-to-point routing model — your goods go straight from collection to delivery without passing through a central hub or being handled multiple times. See our full services page for details.

• Dedicated service: A vehicle is assigned exclusively to your consignment. It collects from your premises and delivers directly to your customer with no other stops. Ideal for time-critical, high-value, or fragile loads.
• Pallet service: Your palletised goods are transported on a shared vehicle alongside other consignments heading in the same direction. A cost-effective option for standard delivery timeframes.
• Same-day delivery: Goods are collected and delivered on the same working day. Used for urgent orders or last-minute requirements.
• Next-day delivery: Goods collected today are delivered on the following working day. Our most commonly used service for routine B2B dispatch.

Yes. We offer timed delivery slots where your goods are delivered within a specified time window. This is particularly useful for deliveries into sites with strict booking-in requirements or where your end customer has requested a specific arrival time. Speak to your account manager to arrange time-definite delivery on any consignment.

We handle both standard UK pallets (1200mm × 1000mm) and half pallets (1200mm × 800mm / 800mm × 600mm). If your goods are on a non-standard pallet or are loose-loaded, get in touch and we can advise on the best approach. See our pallet delivery page for more on how our pallet service works.

We primarily operate box vans fitted with tail lifts as standard. This means your pallets can be loaded and unloaded at any premises — even those without a loading bay or forklift on site.

Yes. Unlike many carriers who add a surcharge for tail lift use, Heliolink includes tail lift as standard on every delivery at no extra cost.

Our depot and head office are at Unit 1, Riversway Managed Workshops, Leeward Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2TE. We're centrally located for fast access to the M6, M55, and M61 motorway network.

Our core coverage area includes the North West of England (Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside), Cheshire, the Midlands, Cumbria, and Scotland. We run daily routes to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, and London, plus a regular Friday shuttle service between Preston and Edinburgh/Glasgow. For deliveries outside of these areas, contact us — we can often accommodate routes on request.

Heliolink primarily serves domestic UK routes. However, we can arrange international freight forwarding — including air and sea freight — through our trusted partner network. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Transport charges are based on whichever is greater: the actual dead weight of the consignment or the volumetric (dimensional) weight.

Dead weight is the physical weight of the goods on the scales. Volumetric weight is calculated using the dimensions of the consignment (length × width × height) to reflect the space it occupies on the vehicle. A large but lightweight consignment may have a higher volumetric weight than dead weight, and in that case the volumetric figure is used.

This is standard practice across the logistics industry and ensures pricing fairly reflects both the weight and space a consignment requires. Your account manager can walk you through the calculation if needed.

We allow 20 minutes at each collection and delivery point as standard. If the driver is kept waiting beyond 20 minutes — for example due to delays at a loading bay, goods not being ready, or access issues — a waiting time surcharge will apply. We recommend having goods palletised and ready for collection to avoid any additional charges.

We transport ambient products only. We do not carry alcohol, refrigerated or temperature-controlled goods, or fully hazardous materials. Mildly hazardous goods (e.g. certain cleaning products or adhesives) can be accepted — contact us to confirm whether your product qualifies.

Our vehicles can accommodate standard palletised goods. Loads exceeding 6 metres in length cannot be accommodated on our current fleet. If you have an oversized consignment, get in touch and we'll advise on the best solution.

Yes. All consignments carried by Heliolink are covered by our goods in transit insurance policy. Details of coverage limits are available on request.

Yes. Heliolink holds public liability insurance. Copies of our insurance documentation can be provided to customers upon request.

Call us on 07508 237697 or email sales@heliolink.co.uk with your collection and delivery details. You can also request a quote online. We aim to confirm availability and provide a quote promptly.

To give you an accurate quote, we need:

• Collection and delivery postcodes
• Number of pallets
• Weight and dimensions of each pallet
• Required delivery date or timeframe

No. Heliolink is a business-to-business logistics provider. All collections and deliveries must be to or from commercial premises.

This is exactly where Heliolink can help. We provide overflow and contingency logistics support for businesses across Lancashire and the North West that need a reliable backup when their primary transport is unavailable — whether that's a driver calling in sick, a vehicle breakdown, or a sudden spike in orders. No long-term commitment required. Call us and we'll get your goods moving.

Yes. A signed proof of delivery (POD) is obtained at every drop. Your account manager can provide copies on request.

Yes. All pallets should be securely wrapped and stable before our driver arrives. Goods that are not adequately secured may be refused or carried at the sender's risk. If you're unsure about packaging requirements, we're happy to advise.

Credit terms are agreed on a case-by-case basis with your account manager. We offer flexible arrangements to suit your business.

Call us on 07508 237697 or email sales@heliolink.co.uk and request a credit account application form. We'll collect your company details and registered address so we can set you up on our system. The process is straightforward and we aim to have your account open quickly so you can start booking.

Invoicing frequency depends on your agreement with your account manager. This can be tailored to your preference — whether that's per consignment, weekly, or monthly.

Heliolink was established in 2011 and has been providing logistics services from our Preston, Lancashire base for over a decade. Learn more on our About Us page.

Most pallet networks operate a hub-and-spoke model — your goods are collected, taken to a central depot, sorted alongside hundreds of other consignments, and then sent out for delivery. This means more handling, more touch points, and more opportunity for damage or delay.

Heliolink operates a direct routing model. Your goods are collected and delivered point-to-point without passing through a central hub. Fewer hands on your goods, faster transit times, and a more reliable service. See how our pallet delivery service works.

You don't need a contract. We're happy to handle one-off consignments as well as regular, ongoing logistics requirements. Many of our customers started with a single delivery and now use us as their primary carrier. Request a quote to get started.