Delivery of materials and labor to and moving materials around the job site are important steps in any construction job.  The delivery and transportation phases include delivery and handling of materials, as well as transportation of supplies and employees to site.  Carpet will be delivered to the job site or will require pick-up based on the vendor.  Materials commonly delivered to site include carpet, padding, glue, tack strip, metal trim, transition strips and nosing for steps.   Without all of the necessary materials, the job can not be completed.  Having a well planned and properly scheduled installation is also essential.  Making sure that all supplies, materials, and labor required to get started are on site at the start of the job will prevent down time and the resulting loss of money.

Some carpet retailers will deliver the materials to the site, but this usually involves a fee.  When arranging a delivery the steps that need to be completed are, paying for any delivery fees, verifying the delivery address and time of the delivery with the vendor, making sure that there is adequate clean and dry space to store the materials on site, plan for moving of  materials on site, and inspecting delivered products.  Deliver fees are paid to the vendor who then arranges the delivery.  Payments are most often by check or credit card and due before shipment.  Verification of delivery address and times are usually done at the same time as the payments.  A space should be cleared, cleaned, and available at the time the materials are delivered.  Labor and tools to help unload materials should be available if needed.  Laborers and a carpet dolly or tow lift should be available to move materials on-site.  All delivered materials should be inspected by the homeowner or contractor for defects and to ensure that the correct materials were delivered.  Following these few simple steps can save a lot of time, money and trouble.

The main things to concern yourself with when picking up carpet are the vehicle, loading, and unloading and scheduling of pickup, delivery and labor.  A box truck, van, pick-up truck, enclosed trailer, open trailer, or dump truck are all ways to get the carpet to the job.   I would recommend a diesel 16 foot box truck with an above-cab storage area.  Along with protection from the elements, this will allow room for carpet, pad, tools, supplies, and employees.  The other option that I would recommend is an extended passenger or cargo van.  Diesel is also recommended here for fuel economy.  A van has limited storage compared to a box truck, but is more fuel efficient.  A pick-up truck with an extended bed or a dump truck can be used to transport carpet and other materials. An enclosed trailer or open trailer with a tarp can also be used.  All of the above vehicles are available for rent in most areas.

Tow straps, a carpet dolly, and if available a forklift with a carpet pole can be used for handling of materials.  Loading of the carpet and large quantities of glue onto the truck is usually done by the vendor, with the pad and small items carried by the vendee.  When unloading carpet on-site, it should be onto a carpet cart if it is to be cut somewhere else on-site.  Most rolls of carpet can be unloaded by one person pushing or pulling the roll out until they can put their shoulder under it and pulling off quickly.  When doing this, make sure you move out from under the carpet before the back end comes off of the vehicle.  For larger rolls a person may pull or push from inside or on the vehicle, while one or two people pull from the other side.  When two people are pulling they should lock arms under the carpet and pull as the person in the truck pushes. And to prevent injury, letting go before the back end of the roll hits the ground.  For the largest of rolls, the carpet can be pulled off with tow straps using another vehicle or unloaded with a lift.  Carpet can then be carried by hand, pushed on a dolly, or moved around with a lift.

It is important to ensure proper scheduling for delivery, pick-ups and labor force.  If a situation occurs where you have hourly laborers on the job and no materials, it is required by law that you pay those employees for their time.  In the construction business most delays become very costly.   Whenever possible materials should be picked up in advance.  Employees can either meet at a gathering point and travel to the site together or find their own way depending on the job.  Dependable and skillful workers are needed to successfully complete a carpet installation job.  Scheduling is key in determining the outcome of a job.  Its like the old adage says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of protection”.

Getting the materials and labor to the site is essential.  Although difficulties will sometimes arise, good planning will help prevent a lot of common problems.  It is necessary to have the materials, supplies and labor there when you need them for the work to begin and end on time.   Good employees and properly executed logistics of delivery and transportation will save time, money and aggravation on any job.