How much notice do you need for backup cover?

As little as a phone call — subject to availability. For regular backup arrangements we can agree likely windows in advance so a slot is more likely to be free when you need it.

Do I have to commit to a contract?

No. Backup delivery is used on demand. You only book and pay for the jobs you need, with each one priced and confirmed before it goes.

Can you run multi-drop overflow routes?

Yes. Overflow and backup runs can be planned as multi-drop routes where the geography and timing suit, with proof of delivery at each stop.

Can you become a regular second supplier?

Yes. Many businesses keep OBTA as a vetted second option alongside their primary courier, so cover is already in place before it's urgently needed.

How is backup delivery priced?

Each job is priced on its full operating requirement — postcodes, distance, item, timing and any additional stops. Local dedicated courier work starts from £90 + VAT (£108 incl. VAT for private customers), with a fixed written quote for longer runs.

07849 035451 hello@obta.uk

Back to Home

Business Backup Delivery

Backup courier support when your usual delivery lets you down

A reliable second option. When your regular courier cancels, you're over capacity, or a job simply can't wait for the next slot — OBTA steps in at short notice.

Most businesses have a primary courier they're happy with — until that courier can't take the job. A cancelled collection, a capacity spike, a vehicle off the road, or a seasonal rush can leave a committed delivery with nowhere to go. Business backup delivery is the contingency that keeps your promise to your customer.

OBTA works alongside your existing arrangement rather than replacing it. You keep your usual courier for the everyday work and call OBTA for the overflow, the short-notice cover and the jobs your primary provider can't fit in. Because we're owner-operated, you deal with one person who knows your routes and your requirements.

07849 035451 hello@obta.uk

When you'd use it

Situations this service is built for

Your courier cancelled

A confirmed collection has been pulled at the last minute and the deadline hasn't moved.

Capacity overflow

Volume has spiked beyond your usual provider's availability and you need a second pair of hands fast.

Seasonal peaks

Busy periods where your regular courier is fully booked and you can't afford to turn work away.

Vehicle off the road

Your own transport or your provider's vehicle is unavailable and the delivery still has to go.

Second supplier vetting

You want a tested backup in place before you actually need one — not a scramble on the day.

One-off awkward jobs

Items your usual network won't take but that still need to move this week.

What's included

On every job

Short-notice cover — call and go, subject to availability
Flexible vehicle matched to the item, not a fixed fleet roster
Single-driver point of contact who learns your routes
Multi-drop capable for overflow runs
Courier insurance in place — Goods in Transit cover available up to £50,000 per vehicle
Transparent fixed pricing confirmed before booking

A real example

4 drops completed

Backup courier when the usual firm let them down

Independent retailer, Buckinghamshire

Aylesbury → multiple local dropsSame day

When their regular courier cancelled at short notice, OBTA stepped in for a multi-drop run of stock between stores. All four drops completed the same day with proof of delivery at each stop.

Anonymised — no identifying client details.

Owner-operated from St Albans

Core operating areas: St Albans, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Longer-distance work is available nationwide by fixed written quotation. Courier insurance is in place, with Goods in Transit cover available up to £50,000 per vehicle, subject to policy terms.

Frequently asked

Questions about this service

Other OBTA services

Urgent business courier Suitable bulky-item delivery Scheduled business runs

Areas we cover

Milton Keynes Bedford Luton Buckinghamshire

Check availability

Need this service today?

Send both postcodes, the item details and required timing. OBTA confirms suitability and the total price before booking.

Urgent request during business hours?

Call or WhatsApp for the quickest response. Online requests are reviewed as soon as safely practical.

Call WhatsApp

We use essential cookies to run this site. With your permission, we also use analytics cookies to understand website use. Privacy Policy