Advice on unloading Importing windows from Poland

MsWils

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995735#Comment_81995735

Thank you for this constructive advice. We were thinking this might be the case that we may need to get them delivered elsewhere and then load onto a smaller van or wagon. They are large triple glazed units and most too big for a car. 

Theres a few units that will take more than 2 men to lift I would think.

Slinky

Are you having building work done or is it just window replacement? Could the delivery go to your builders and they transfer them to you? Thinking laterally how about somewhere like a large self storage unit, would they have a forklift for unloading?

Who is installing the windows? Could they go to them?

MsWils

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995735#Comment_81995735

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995958#Comment_81995958

Thank you ..Yes, we're having building work done. My builder is fitting the windows but to be honest he's been rather flaky. Currently on holiday. I'm trying to make sure we have things in place without overly relying on him. He doesn't have a builders yard. Maybe we should try some storage yards as you suggest..

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996183#Comment_81996183

Yes, you don't want to rely on anyone who isn't 100%. Delivery drivers have a tough job and restrictions on hours etc mean they are often working on the edge… you don't want to be in a position where the lorry arrives and a builder is nowhere to be seen.

Unless they are able to work in a scheduled break (improbable) the driver is most likely to want to get your load off asap so they can be on their way to the next drop or back to the depot/ferry.

GDB2222

This seems very enterprising. I’m impressed.

When they do this sort of thing round here, the truck parks by the side of the road and the unloading is done from the side. So, the road needs to be wide enough for the truck and the pallet and the forklift plus some manoeuvring space.

Beforehand, no waiting cones appear. Unofficial ones. You may need to cone both sides of the road for a stretch.

MysteryMe

I think storing in a storage facility may be best. Big Yellow offer forklift services and I am sure others will do the same.

Obviously this all increases costs but it sounds like it's still cost effective

Silvertabby

What if they don't fit?

BikingBud

Coincidentally I am just mulling over options for a new build and was just this evening looking at windows.

I hadn't at this stage thought too much about how it might occur but it seems offloading with a telehandler might be best.

Are the builders expecting to manually lift the windows into position? Ground floor and upper floors in and around scaffolding? If the windows are large and heavy such they will require lifting into place then a crane might be the best route although that then needs to get crane and delivery synchronised and windows installed in the quickest manner or additional days to of crane hire.

Or if the windows arrive and are stored on site for a short period but that might increase risk of accidental damage.

Seems a little bit of a worry for me at the moment please update whatever your solution is.

TroubledTarts

Just watch a few episodes of those channel 4 restoration and build programs.

It seems there are multiple ways to handle this. Some not as safe as others with many people ordering windows from abroad, even full houses.

Whatever you do sounds like a fun project and if the lorry driver helps you out remember to tip him well.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995887#Comment_81995887

The best thing would be to request the delivery on a vehicle with offloading facilities. Given that would mean a different vehicle all the way from Poland it might not be something the supplier is agreeable to.

I also think if you arrange a fork lift plus driver to be at your property to meet the delivery vehicle there is a lot that could go adrift. Access and space issues, delivery arriving early or late (by a whole day or more), forks too long / short, etc.

It might be better to get the delivery directed to a freight forwarder. They will be able to receive and offload whatever it takes and then manage the storage and reshipping to you including offloading.