Advice on unloading Importing windows from Poland

MsWils

After months of planning we decided to ahead with ordering a full set of windows from Poland. Based on quotes we got here we think we saved around 45% on what it would have cost here.

Although the manufacturer is organising the shipping, it's our responsibility to unload the pallets from the wagon.

Has anyone had any experience doing this? My first worry is how we work out if the artic will manage the street. And how to hire a forklift and driver?

soolin

As well as your own questions, is your 45% saving after you’ve paid all the import taxes, VAT and handling charges?

QrizB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995706#Comment_81995706

Also FENSA certificates and Building Regs ...

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6667972/advice-on-unloading-importing-windows-from-poland

My first worry is how we work out if the artic will manage the street. And how to hire a forklift and driver?

You might find it easier to make arrangements with the owner of a small business with handling facilities and get the delivery made to their site for unloading - then transfer the windows to your house by car…. assuming you have a car and it is big enough for the largest window. If you make a sufficiently large donation to their Christmas fund they may be willing to help you out (if they aren't too busy). In rural areas a local farmer might be willing to help.

It is possible to hire forklifts with drivers - but you'll probably pay for a whole day as a minimum. It will also need to be road legal - so might have to be a telehandler rather than traditional forklift. Either though will need space at the side (usually) of the lorry to unload, so if the street is narrow and/or normally parked solid you'd need to find a way to create the necessary space.

Is the manufacturer using one of their own vehicles, or will it be via one of the pallet shippers?

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6667972/advice-on-unloading-importing-windows-from-poland

Maybe you are now finding out what was not included to make it cheaper.

Can whoever is going to install the windows help you?

anselld

Assuming we are talking “normal” windows they are individually not that heavy and the glass would be separate. So why not just offload them individually and leave the palettes for return in the vehicle. If they have already driven from Poland a few extra minutes to unpack the palettes is surely not going to be a problem. (Plus you can properly inspect)

Grumpy_chap

What type of offloading will the delivery vehicle have?

Tail lift?

Moffett?

MsWils

Of course I forgot I was on a forum where people like to poo poo peoples plans and completely ignore the part where I was asking for advice for those with experience. Yes I will pay VAT on this order, the same as I would pay VAT on an order made from a UK based company. Yes there are carriage charges, which Im obviously aware of. The cost of the order was £20k and for the same order here was over £40k. Building regs/FENSA is not something I asked about either as this is not something I need advice on as it's all in hand.

Thanks to those addressing the issue I was asking about regarding the delivery and offloading.. The windows are packed unglazed and there are some very heavy large, units. They come on crates and I've been advised we need a forklift to unload. I was hoping someone might have been through this process and have anything to offer regarding their own experience.

Albermarle

Are you sure they are planning to deliver with a large articulated lorry ?

MsWils

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995879#Comment_81995879

I believe so, its 13 metres long

MsWils

It doesnt have offloading, we need to arrange a forklift.