Checking a movement contractor's proposal
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Review the proposal against the actual movement, not just the contractor's company name or insurance certificate. You need evidence that the work has been understood, the people have suitable competence and the responsibilities between parties are clear.
A contractor may be experienced in routine pallet transport but need different resources for a fixed machine in a restricted building. The questions should match the complexity and risk of the job.
Start with the proposal's version of the job
Ask the contractor to confirm the asset references, access route, start and end points, included work and exclusions. Compare that answer with the movement enquiry pack.
If the proposal assumes an empty yard, disconnected services or loading assistance, check that the site can actually provide those conditions. Resolve differences before accepting the offer.
For work in Great Britain, HSE's contractor guidance explains the need to select suitable contractors and coordinate the risks created by each party's work. Its practical selection principles are useful here; its older references to construction regulations should not be used as a current legal checklist.
Questions that test the proposal
Ask for evidence appropriate to the work, rather than collecting documents without reviewing them.
- What relevant experience and competence will the people doing this movement have?
- Who plans the work, supervises it and makes decisions if conditions change?
- Which subcontractors will be used, and how are their roles coordinated?
- Which equipment and resources are included in the proposed method?
- What site information is still missing?
- What work must the seller, buyer or another contractor complete first?
- What insurance applies to the particular activities and assets?
- How will the parties stop and reassess work if the agreed conditions are absent?
Insurance needs its own review. Ask the contractor or relevant adviser to explain the insured activities, dates, limits, exclusions and any conditions affecting the job. Possession of a certificate is not a guarantee that every loss or activity is covered.
Keep unresolved questions visible
A short action log prevents a quotation from being treated as ready while important questions remain open.
| Question | Responsible person | Evidence needed | Booking effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who disconnects the machine? | Named site or buyer contact | Agreed competent-work scope | No physical release until completed |
| Can the proposed vehicle access the yard? | Contractor and site contact | Route review and relevant dimensions | Vehicle choice remains provisional |
| Who provides loading assistance? | Named party | Written scope and suitable provision | Do not promise assistance to the driver |
| Does the policy cover this activity? | Contractor or adviser | Applicable confirmation | Resolve before appointment approval |
These are example actions, not a certification process. Close each only when the relevant evidence has been reviewed by the person responsible.
Coordinate the interfaces
Use the disconnection responsibility guide to keep preparatory technical work separate from transport. Agree loading and load-security responsibilities before arrival.
HSE's delivery-cooperation guidance explains why suppliers, carriers and recipients need to exchange information. Instructions should reach the people doing the work, including the driver, rather than remaining with office contacts.
Confirm who receives the contractor onsite, where they report and which areas are permitted. Review the arrangements if the scope, personnel or conditions change.
Send the agreed responsibilities and unresolved booking conditions to UK Auction Group. That keeps the collection plan aligned with what the contractor has actually proposed.
Sources
- HSE using contractors guide Checked
- HSE delivering safely guidance Checked
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.