Tips for Unloading Your Metal Building

When you purchase a pre-engineered metal building, one of the perks associated with doing so is that your building gets delivered directly to your jobsite in clearly marked packages, streamlining erection and lowering associated expenses.

Before your building arrives at your jobsite, though, there are certain steps you can take to ensure a smooth delivery, and there are also several things you can do to make the unloading process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

So, before your building arrives at your jobsite, be sure to:

Prioritize safety

Some steel building components can weigh thousands of pounds, so it is essential that you have enough manpower – and proper lifting equipment, i.e. a crane, forklift and so on – on-hand during delivery to get everything unloaded and ready for erection.

Obtain “builder’s risk” insurance

Purchasing a steel building involves a substantial investment, so you should always make sure you have insurance coverage in the event that building materials suffer damage due to unloading, construction or inclement weather. Typically, your contractor will not carry insurance to cover damaged materials, so it is up to you to secure what’s called “builder’s risk” insurance to protect your purchase.

Have payment readily available

If your building manufacturer requires cash-on-delivery using certified funds (meaning no personal or company checks), be prepared to pay it upon the tractor-trailer’s arrival. Have your check ready to go before the truck arrives to avoid unnecessary extra steps or delays.

Prepare the jobsite

Because you will have a specific window in which to unload your building, it is critical that you prepare your jobsite for delivery ahead of time. In addition to having the building’s foundation firmly in place, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of space available for unloading and storing materials. Also, in terms of the supply dunnage, you’ll want to make sure that you have wooden material and blocking you can use to keep the steel materials off the ground and allow them to drain moisture. You should also make sure there aren’t any obstructions that will make it difficult for a tractor-trailer to access your space.

Once your jobsite is ready for delivery and the truck has arrived for unloading, be sure to:

Inventory materials

The easiest time to inventory materials is when you initially unload them. Make immediate notes on the shipping bill of any damaged or missing parts prior to signing for and accepting the material. If there are any missing or damaged components, promptly notify your supplier.

Avoid crimping steel panels

When you have especially long sheeting or panels, you run the risk of crimping or folding the entire bundle if you aren’t careful, but a spreader bar can help you avoid this. A type of lifting device that helps distribute a load to make it easier to work with, a spreader bar helps spread weight evenly, making it easier for fork-lift operators to manage. You can also use two forklifts for especially long panels.

Chances are, you’ve already invested a good deal of time and money into your steel building, so you probably want to use it soon as you possibly can. By taking these steps, you can make the delivery and unloading process that much easier, which in turn lets you utilize your building that much faster.