Delivering reliability, visibility, and flexibility nationwide.

Our client operates within the healthcare and construction industry, supporting the delivery of essential infrastructure projects across the UK. As part of a major NHS hospital build, they were responsible for supplying critical machinery and plumbing equipment required to keep the project on schedule.

When the collection site holding this equipment was at risk of liquidation, there was a real danger that the stock could be locked away by administrators. Without immediate intervention, the hospital build faced costly delays — something that simply wasn’t an option given the importance of the project.

The Challenge

The job called for the urgent relocation of heavy, specialist machinery and plumbing equipment from sites across the UK to a secure storage site in Bath. With the collection site facing imminent liquidation, there was no room for delay. The equipment had to be moved before the end of the week to prevent it from being seized.

Strict timescales
The operation had to be completed within days. Every hour counted, and precise scheduling was critical to ensure all stock was collected and transported safely before the site closure.

Specialist vehicle availability
The goods consisted of large, heavy machinery that couldn’t be lifted by conventional forklifts. The task demanded 13 HIABs capable of loading and unloading independently, each operated by trained drivers familiar with handling this type of specialist equipment.

Delivery site restrictions
The sites had limited capacity, so trucks had to be strictly sequenced — arriving, unloading, and clearing before the next could enter. At one stage, seven vehicles were scheduled an hour apart, with none able to leave until funds had cleared. Any delay risked disrupting the entire chain.

Complex coordination
Managing the movement of multiple HIABs under such tight constraints required clear communication between drivers, site teams, and our operations experts. Every vehicle had to arrive, load, and depart in perfect sequence to avoid congestion or delay — all while maintaining full compliance, safety, and visibility throughout the operation.

The Firstpoint Solution

Understanding the urgency and complexity of the task, our operations team acted immediately to design a plan that would guarantee fast, safe, and compliant execution.

Strategic planning and collaboration
We began with a detailed Teams meeting alongside the client to map out every stage of the move, identify risks, and confirm key requirements. This collaborative approach allowed us to create a structured schedule that balanced strict timing, limited site capacity, and the client’s financial processes. 

Specialist fleet and expert handling
Working with one of our trusted partners, we sourced a fleet of 13 HIABs capable of loading and unloading without the need for on-site lifting equipment. Each driver was fully trained, equipped with the correct PPE, and experienced in handling complex site operations — ensuring safe, efficient movement throughout.

Precise coordination and live oversight
Using our Onepoint technology, we managed every collection and delivery window, tracking vehicle locations and progress in real time. Automated notifications, proof of delivery alerts, and live status updates kept both our team and the client informed every step of the way.

Operational control and safety
Our precise coordination ensured each vehicle arrived and departed in the correct sequence to maintain site flow. The team maintained constant communication with site managers and administrators to verify that all funds were cleared before trucks left the site, preventing disruption or delays.

Execution

• Coordinated 13 HIABs across the UK
• Scheduled seven trucks to arrive in sequence, working closely with the client to ensure funds were cleared before departure
• Maintained constant communication between drivers, site managers, and the client to keep everything on track
• Overcame tight time restrictions by proactive planning and responsive decision-making when challenges arose on site

• Delivered zero incidents and complete project visibility throughout

Results

The operation was completed on time, within budget, and without disruption. In total:

• 13 trucks transported stock across 123 miles each.
• All machinery was secured safely before the collection site entered administration.
• The client avoided the risk of losing their equipment to administrators, ensuring the NHS hospital build could continue on schedule.
• Delivered zero incidents and complete project visibility throughout

Why It Matters

This project highlights Firstpoint Logistics’ ability to respond rapidly to urgent, large-scale, and complex logistics challenges. Our combination of proactive planning, trusted partnerships, and cutting-edge technology ensured the safe, compliant, and timely relocation of critical equipment.

Most importantly, the successful completion of this job helped keep an NHS hospital project on track — ensuring essential infrastructure could be delivered without delay.

Feedback

The client expressed their gratitude for our speed, professionalism, and reliability — and has since become a repeat customer, trusting Firstpoint with further projects.

“The Firstpoint team delivered exactly what we needed under extremely tight deadlines. Their planning, coordination, and responsiveness meant we could focus on the project knowing everything was in safe hands.”

— Paul Meacham, Project Manager