What is 'as directed' chauffeur hire?
As-directed hire, sometimes called hourly hire, books a vehicle and chauffeur for a block of time rather than a fixed route. Within that block you go where you like, in whatever order.
Key points
- As-directed hire, sometimes called hourly hire, books a vehicle and chauffeur for a block of time rather than a fixed route.
- Everything is confirmed in writing before you travel.
- Ask the desk if your situation is unusual; most things are possible.
- A fixed quotation removes the guesswork.
The short answer
As-directed hire, sometimes called hourly hire, books a vehicle and chauffeur for a block of time rather than a fixed route. Within that block you go where you like, in whatever order.
It is the right structure for any day with three or more stops, uncertain finish times, or an itinerary that will change while it is happening.
Why it works this way
Chauffeur service is built on removing uncertainty, and that is the reason behind most of the arrangements around as directed. Anything left vague at the booking stage becomes a decision someone has to make at the kerbside, which is the worst possible moment for it.
Where a the booking forms part of a longer itinerary, the same chauffeur is retained wherever scheduling allows, which removes repeated briefings and keeps luggage handling consistent.
What to tell the desk
Give the specifics rather than the general shape. On as directed, the useful facts are the ones that change the answer: exact addresses, honest counts, and anything already fixed about the timing.
The most common cause of a delayed the journey is an incomplete address. Building names, gate numbers, entrance sides and postcode-level accuracy all shorten the last hundred metres, which is where time is usually lost.
Where it varies
Availability, timing and location all affect what is possible. Peak dates, unsociable hours and remote locations narrow the options, which is why early notice matters more than the size of the request does.
Where a the booking crosses regions, the itinerary is planned as one continuous movement rather than a series of handovers, so luggage and passengers stay with the same vehicle.
Getting a definite answer
Describe your specific situation to the client service desk and you will get a specific answer rather than a general policy. Most questions about as directed have a straightforward resolution once the details are known.
Judged purely on distance, a the booking costs more than a metered alternative. Judged on recovered working time, guaranteed capacity and a fixed price agreed before travel, the comparison usually looks different.
Ready to arrange this journey?
Send us the details and we will confirm a vehicle and a fixed price. Every field on the quote form goes straight to our client service desk on WhatsApp.
Get a QuoteUseful links
Frequently asked questions
Related reading
All articlesAre chauffeur services available 24 hours?
Yes, including very early mornings, late nights, weekends and public holidays. Some out-of-hours periods carry a different rate, which is stated in the quotation before you accept it.
FAQsAre chauffeur services licensed and insured?
Journeys are operated under the appropriate private hire licensing and insurance arrangements for the vehicle and the area of operation. Documentation can be provided on request.
FAQsAre your vehicles non-smoking?
Yes. All vehicles are non-smoking, and that includes vaping. Where a stop is needed, the chauffeur will arrange one at a safe and legal place.
FAQsCan a chauffeur handle multiple stops?
Yes. Additional stops can be built into the quotation in advance, or added during a booking and reconciled afterwards at the stated rate.