Rigid Frame buildings are pre-engineered steel structures known for their strength and versatility. With an expansive clear-span design, they efficiently span from 20 to over 250 feet with adjustable eave height and width, ensuring 100% usable interior space without interior columns. This makes them ideal for warehouses, industrial facilities, agricultural and commercial applications.
Since these buildings are custom-manufactured and shipped in large sections, understanding the delivery and unloading process is essential for a smooth setup. This guide outlines what to expect when your Norsteel Rigid Frame building arrives, how different orders may be shipped, and how to prepare for a hassle-free delivery.
How Is the Delivery Scheduled
At Norsteel, we know that delivery day is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you are unsure what to expect. That is why our team reaches out several times before your building ships to keep you informed and help you prepare.
If you have a specific delivery date in mind, we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, delivery scheduling depends on factory production, carrier availability, and site accessibility. We encourage flexibility and recommend sharing any special requirements with us as early as possible.
How Your Building is Shipped
Your Rigid Frame building will arrive on a flatbed trailer. Due to the size and weight of the components, deliveries require a large, open site with space for the truck to maneuver. Here is what you need to know:
- Truck size: Flatbed trailers are 53 feet long and require ample space for entry, unloading, and exit.
- Weight clearance: Shipments can weigh up to 46,000 pounds, requiring a stable and level unloading area. Depending on the size of the building, several trucks may be used to deliver one order.
- Height clearance: Ensure there are no low-hanging power lines, branches, or overhead obstacles—trailers require a minimum clearance of 13 feet.
- Access requirements: The truck must have a clear entrance and exit point or enough space to turn around. If your site has narrow roads or soft ground, contact us in advance, and we will help you find a solution.
What to Expect When Your Building Arrives
Since Rigid Frame buildings are highly customizable, the way your order is loaded onto the truck depends on:
- The size of your building (larger buildings may require multiple trucks)
- The type of wall and roof panels you ordered (e.g., standard cladding, insulated metal panels (IMP), or standing seam roof (SSR))
- Any additional materials included in your order
However, for a typical Rigid Frame delivery, here is the standard loading configuration:
- Primary structural components – The largest iron columns and rafters are placed at the bottom of the truck.
- Roof and wall panels – These are stacked on top, secured in large bundles.
- Secondary framing materials – Cee and Zee channels are stacked separately for easy unloading.
- Hardware and fasteners – Screws, trim, plates, nuts, and bolts are packaged separately in a hardware box, sometimes this box is 22’ long, 3’ high, 4’ wide and can weigh up to 4,000 lbs.
Depending on the size and complexity of your building, some projects may require multiple shipments. Our team will provide details about your specific delivery before shipping day.
Unloading Your Rigid Frame Building
What Equipment Do You Need?
Unlike Norsteel’s EasyBuild system, which can be manually offloaded in some cases, Rigid Frame buildings require heavy-duty equipment for unloading.
- Forklift or telehandler – You will need a forklift that extends at least 12 feet to unload large components.
- A clear and stable unloading area – Ensure your site is level, dry, and free of debris before delivery.
- Manpower – The truck driver does not assist with unloading. You will need a team ready to offload within the allotted two-hour window.
Step-by-Step Unloading Process
1. Inspect the shipment before unloading – Before cutting any bands, take photos of the loaded truck and compare the contents to your packing list.
2. Unload in layers – The building components will be stacked in sections.
- Start with the roof and wall panels.
- Move on to the secondary framing components (Cee and Zee channels).
- Finally, unload the heavy structural components (iron columns and rafters).
3. Handle the hardware box carefully – The hardware box is heavy, so use appropriate lifting equipment.
4. Take inventory immediately – Check that all components match your packing list. It is quite rare, but if you notice any discrepancies or damaged components, take photos and contact Norsteel as soon as possible so we can assist you promptly.
Site Challenges and Considerations
- Poor Site Conditions & Weather Impact – Muddy, uneven, or soft ground can make unloading dangerous and difficult, especially in wet or snowy conditions. Heavy equipment like forklifts and telehandlers may struggle to operate in these environments, leading to potential delays. To avoid this, ensure your site is dry, stable, and level before delivery. If rain or snow is expected, consider adding gravel or temporary ground reinforcement to provide better traction and support for heavy machinery.
- Ensuring Site Accessibility – Deliveries arrive on large flatbed trailer (53’ long), so it is essential to have clear access for entry, unloading, and exit. If your site has tight spaces, overhead obstructions, or challenging terrain, plan ahead by clearing pathways or designating an alternative unloading area. If access limitations exist, notify Norsteel in advance so we can help identify the best approach.
- Preparing the Right Equipment – Unloading a Rigid Frame building requires heavy lifting equipment, as many components are too large to handle manually. A forklift or telehandler with at least a 12’ lift capacity is typically needed, especially for taller loads. If this equipment is not readily available on-site, arranging a rental in advance will help ensure a smooth and efficient unloading process.
Storage Instructions: Keeping Your Building Components in Top Condition
If your building will not be assembled immediately, proper storage is essential to protect materials from weather and moisture. Follow these best practices:
- Elevate the materials – Use wooden blocking between layers to prevent direct contact with the ground.
- Allow air circulation – Place gaps between stacked components to reduce condensation buildup.
- Cover materials with a tarp – Protect against rain and snow, but leave ventilation space at the bottom to prevent trapped moisture.
- Store insulation properly – If insulation is included in your order, keep it dry by storing it in a covered area.
Our factories are as efficient as our buildings, but we do not have warehouse space. Once a building is done manufacturing, it is shipped as soon as it is ready. If you are not assembling immediately, having a storage plan in place is essential.
Need Assistance? We're Here to Help
At Norsteel, we are committed to ensuring that your building delivery is smooth and stress-free. If you have any questions about delivery, unloading, or site preparation, do not hesitate to reach out.
For any inquiries, contact us at customerservice@norsteel.com.
A well-prepared delivery sets the foundation for a smooth build. Let us help you get there!
