How to check a transporter handles large items without damage

A transporter's promises mean nothing without evidence that they actually deliver fragile or valuable items in one piece. The difference between hiring someone careful and hiring someone careless shows up in their track record, their equipment, and how they handle questions before you even book.

Most damage happens because someone skipped basic checks. They didn't ask to see photos of past jobs. They didn't verify the driver had relevant experience. They didn't confirm the vehicle had padding, straps or climate control. You can reverse that by asking hard questions and spotting when someone dodges them.

What to search and verify before you ring

Start with registration. Ask for the transporter's business registration number and check it on the CIPC website — a legitimate operator should be happy to provide this. If they're vague or give you a runaround, that's your first red flag. A proper business registration shows they're traceable and operating above board.

Ask whether they hold professional liability or freight insurance. Don't accept vague answers like "we're covered" — request the name of their insurer and their policy number, then call that insurer to confirm. This matters because it shows whether they've formally acknowledged the risk and taken steps to manage it. If something does go wrong, you need to know who pays. Ask what the excess is, what items are excluded, and whether the cover is "agreed value" or replacement cost. These details shift your risk significantly.

Speech to three previous clients who moved items similar to yours — heavy furniture, glass, electronics, artwork, whatever applies. Get their contact numbers through the transporter and phone them yourself. Don't rely on "reviews" online; direct calls reveal detail. Ask those references whether anything arrived damaged, how long the job took, whether the driver was careful around doorways and stairs, and whether the quoted price matched what they paid. If the transporter refuses to give you names, or only offers one, that's suspicious.

Request photos or video of at least two completed jobs that match yours in complexity. A transporter who moves large items weekly should have visual proof. Watch how they pack, how they secure items in the vehicle, and what protective materials they use. If they say they don't have photos, ask why — many use their phone to document jobs as proof of care.

What to confirm in the booking conversation

Before you commit, walk through the exact route in your mind and describe it: stairs, tight corners, narrow doorways, gravel driveway, low ceilings, anything that could snag or damage the item. Listen to how they respond. A transporter who has done this hundreds of times will ask clarifying questions back — angles, measurements, access points. One who glosses over it may not have thought through the real obstacles.

Ask what protective gear they use: blankets, pads, corner guards, shrink wrap, furniture dollies, ramps. Ask how they secure items in the vehicle — are straps or tie-downs used, or do items shift around? Ask whether they'll unload only at your door or actually place items in the room where you want them. Some damage happens during unloading, not the drive.

Confirm they'll do a walkthrough of both pick-up and delivery locations before the job to spot risks. This takes 10 minutes and prevents most problems. If they say they just show up and load, their process is basic.

Be explicit about any items that are fragile, irreplaceable or sensitive to temperature or humidity. Ask how they'll handle those differently. A transporter who treats a glass tabletop the same as a sofa is not thinking about risk.

Get a detailed quote in writing that lists the items, the collection and delivery dates, the cost, and what's included (packaging, labour, insurance). When the quote is vague, disputes later are easy. A quote that names each item and confirms protective measures is a working document, not a conversation starter.

When you find a transporter who answers all these questions directly and provides proof without hesitation, you've found one worth trusting. Strove profiles include references and verified feedback; filtering by those who move items in your category will narrow the field to operators with skin in the game.