CaterBidsUK
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Delivery Policy
Pallet delivery
CaterBids arranges pallet collection and delivery through Interparcel. We do not move goods ourselves — we book the freight on your behalf through Interparcel's network. Sellers prepare and pack the equipment; buyers arrange a suitable site and inspect on arrival. This page explains how the process works and what each party is responsible for.
Interparcel tiers
Pallet sizes
All pallet sizes share the same 1.2 m × 1.0 m base. The tiers differ by height and maximum weight only — not floor size. A “Quarter” pallet does not have a smaller footprint than a “Full” pallet.
| Tier | Max weight | Max height | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Quarter | up to 150 kg | up to 0.6 m | 1.2 m × 1.0 m |
| Quarter | up to 300 kg | up to 0.8 m | 1.2 m × 1.0 m |
| Half | up to 500 kg | up to 1.1 m | 1.2 m × 1.0 m |
| Light | up to 750 kg | up to 2.2 m | 1.2 m × 1.0 m |
| Full | up to 1000 kg | up to 2.2 m | 1.2 m × 1.0 m |
Final limits and pricing are confirmed at booking via Interparcel. Weights include the pallet itself and all packaging.
Seller responsibilities
Preparing your equipment for collection
The seller is responsible for ensuring equipment is safe, clean, and correctly secured before the Interparcel driver arrives. A poorly prepared pallet can be refused at collection or damaged in transit.
- Clean the equipment thoroughly — remove all food debris, cooking grease, and residues.
- Disconnect gas and electrical supplies safely. Remove all LPG cylinders, gas bottles, and any other hazardous materials — these cannot travel by pallet.
- Measure the height, width, depth, and total weight of the packed pallet (including the pallet board itself) to confirm the correct tier.
- Secure loose items separately — shelves, trays, cables, and removable components should be boxed and strapped to the pallet, not left loose inside the equipment.
- Wrap the entire assembly in shrink-wrap and use strapping or banding to fix everything firmly to the pallet board.
- Ensure nothing overhangs the 1.2 m × 1.0 m base in any direction.
- Have the equipment ready at the agreed collection point with clear, level vehicle access — no steps, low bridges, or narrow entries that would prevent a tail-lift vehicle.
- Confirm your collection address, contact number, and booking reference before the scheduled date.
Receiving a delivery
Tail-lift delivery and site access
Kerbside delivery
Pallet deliveries are kerbside by default. The driver will lower the pallet to the pavement or loading area using a tail-lift, but they are not required to carry items inside premises, up steps, or into buildings. Please ensure someone is present and ready to move the goods from kerbside to their final location.
Ground conditions
The delivery vehicle needs level, solid ground to operate the tail-lift safely. Gravel, steep inclines, or soft ground may prevent delivery. If your site has access restrictions — low bridges, narrow lanes, weight limits, or time-of-day restrictions — tell us at the time of booking so we can advise Interparcel accordingly.
Heavy pallets
For particularly heavy pallets you may need a pallet truck or forklift on site to move the goods once lowered from the tail-lift. If you are unsure whether your site is suitable, contact us before booking so we can discuss your options.
Buyer responsibilities
On arrival: inspect before signing
Once the pallet arrives, inspect it carefully before you sign the delivery note. Signing without noting damage makes it significantly harder to raise a claim later.
- Walk around the pallet before the driver leaves and check for visible damage to the wrapping, strapping, or the equipment itself.
- If you see any damage, write it clearly on the delivery note before signing — describe what you can see, even if you are unsure of the extent.
- Photograph the pallet and packaging from multiple angles as soon as it is delivered, and again once unwrapped.
- If damage is severe or the pallet clearly should not have been delivered in that condition, you may refuse delivery — note the reason on the driver's paperwork.
- Keep all packaging, strapping, and the pallet board until any claim is fully resolved.
Problems in transit
Damage, loss & claims
If your goods are damaged, lost, or fail to arrive, act quickly and follow the steps below. Delays in reporting reduce your options.
Damage
Note any visible damage on the delivery note before signing. Photograph the pallet, packaging, and the damaged item before moving or unpacking further. Report the damage to CaterBids and to Interparcel as soon as possible — do not wait.
Loss or non-delivery
If a pallet does not arrive within the expected delivery window, contact CaterBids and Interparcel promptly. Report non-delivery within the timeframe stated in Interparcel's current terms.
Evidence to keep
Preserve all photos (taken before and after unpacking), the signed delivery note, and all original packaging until the matter is resolved. These are essential for any claim.
Claim deadlines and carrier liability limits are set by Interparcel's current terms — check these at the time of booking.
Cover
Insurance
Standard carrier liability is limited and may not cover the full value of commercial catering equipment. For high-value items, we strongly recommend arranging additional cover for the full replacement value of the goods.
Insurance options, limits, and pricing are available through Interparcel at the time of booking. Review these carefully before confirming your shipment.
Quick reference
Checklists
Seller checklist
Clean the equipment
Remove food debris, grease, and any hazardous residues before packing.
Disconnect safely
Isolate gas and electrical connections. Remove gas cylinders and LPG.
Measure and weigh
Record height, width, depth, and weight to select the correct pallet tier.
Secure loose parts
Box shelves, trays, cables, and removable components separately.
Wrap and strap
Use shrink-wrap and strapping to fix the equipment firmly to the pallet.
No overhang
Ensure nothing extends beyond the 1.2 m × 1.0 m pallet base.
Clear access
Make sure the collection point has level vehicle access and no obstructions.
Confirm details
Double-check the collection address, contact number, and booking reference.
Buyer checklist
Prepare the site
Ensure level, solid, accessible ground for the delivery vehicle.
Plan for weight
For heavy pallets, have a pallet truck or forklift available.
Be available
Arrange for someone to be present to receive and sign for the delivery.
Inspect before signing
Check the pallet for damage before you sign the delivery note.
Note any damage
Record any damage on the delivery note before the driver leaves.
Photograph issues
Take clear photos of any damage to the pallet and packaging.
Report promptly
Contact CaterBids and Interparcel as soon as possible if there are problems.
Keep packaging
Do not dispose of wrapping or the pallet until any claim is resolved.
Disclaimer
This page is general guidance, not a contract. Delivery is arranged through Interparcel and is subject to their current terms, limits and pricing, confirmed at booking. For full carrier terms, liability and claim deadlines, refer to Interparcel at the time of booking.