HOW YOU CAN STREAMLINE THE TRANSPORTATION PROCESS

Advice From Our Minister of Transport

With those expansive windows, finding the perfect spot to place your DROP Structure is just as important as purchasing the right model.

Though we can’t tell you where to place your DROP structure on your property, we can offer guidance through the process of finding and creating the perfect landing pad – because there’s a little more to it than you might think.

To help you find that perfect spot, we’ve spoken with Luke, our Minister of Transportation.

Meet the Minister of Transportation himself

Every client who buys a DROP Structure has a conversation with Luke at some stage in the process. 

Through a combination of phone calls, photos, Google Maps and hard-earned experience, Luke guides each client through the process of finding a home for their DROP Structure on their property, and plans the best route to get it there.

“Basically, I help clients get their DROP Structure in place with minimal fuss,” Luke said.

While he makes it sound simple, his experience and problem-solving has helped to streamline the process of shipping and placing units, allowing clients to land their structure precisely where they desire easily.

Ensuring delivery goes smoothly

Half of the magic of a DROP Structure comes after construction. Watching a crane lift a structure high above a house to place it just perfectly in its new environment never gets old. It is a magical moment for us, and our clients. 

To get there takes a lot of planning, on both our side, and the clients’.

Creating that magic moment starts when the unit is wrapped in special plastic to protect it for its long journey ahead so it’s delivered clean and ready to go. It’s then craned onto one of our trailers, where our driver takes over. They will follow a pre-planned route to avoid low bridges or other potential obstacles. 

“Drop Structures aren’t small,” Luke said, “So sometimes we have to take a winding route – but in the end we’ll get it there.”

Depending on how far a client is from our headquarters in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, that drive could take anywhere from a day to a week of travelling time.

From here, it’s up to the client to hire a crane and get it placed on a prepared foundation.

Constructing the correct foundation

Depending on the structure the client chooses, their foundation can be as simple as concrete blocks, or as complex as screw piles.

Early on in the sales process, we talk each client through the process, so they understand what’s expected.

Whatever foundation a client chooses, there are two important considerations, according to Luke.

“So, A, it has to be the right size so it can be properly anchored down,” he said. “And B, it needs to be done before the frost is in, or after the frost is out of the ground.”

The right size

While some of our clients do place smaller units on patio blocks (which only need to be level), many are looking for something more secure. In fact, in places like Florida, every DROP Structure has to be anchored down properly due to hurricane regulations.

Wherever you live, we recommend working with a local contractor to create a permanent base for your DROP Structure – one that is level and features anchor points built to spec.

The right time

It’s also important to remember that while we can deliver a DROP Structure year-round, your contractor will not necessarily be able to construct a foundation after frost is in the ground.

If you live in a state or province where winter frosts can become an issue, we recommend getting your foundation in early, even if your unit isn’t arriving until late in winter. 

There’s nothing worse than putting off the delivery of your unit until spring because you don’t have a proper foundation.

Ensuring proper access

But, before you start pouring that foundation, you’re going to want to make sure we can deliver your unit where you’re thinking. 

While we deliver DROP Structures to any publicly maintained road by truck,the last few metres is done by crane.

This helps us place units in some pretty tight places (some that might even seem impossible), but it can also create issues you wouldn’t otherwise think of.

“We’ve craned units over fences, trees and houses, but, where most people run into problems is with a lack of overhead clearance,” Luke said.

So, the first thing we always ask clients to do is to look up for any obstructions that may make it impossible for a crane to move within reach – or fully extend its boom when in position.

Getting a bird’s eye view

We try to help as much as possible when it comes to ensuring access. To help us identify any potential problems, we like as much information as possible. So, we start with Google Maps to get a general lay of the land.

Then, we ask for help from our clients.

“It really helps to get photos and videos of the place, and the potential access road so we can get a good view of the place,” Luke said.

If any obstructions are identified, Luke, the crane operator, and your contractor can help find a way around the obstacle to make sure you can place your DROP Structure where you want.

Hiring the right crane company

Working with a variety of clients across North America, we’ve found the best option for a crane is usually the smallest company that still has the right size of crane.

“Large crane companies usually aren’t interested in a small, one-time job,” Luke said. “So, they usually quote really high.”

Of course, the right crane depends on which model you’ve chosen. Once again, here you can rely on Luke’s experience and Google Maps to get you through. We recommend starting by searching for crane operators in your area, then crossing off the big companies that focus on commercial work. Once you’ve done that, Luke can help you find the crane that’s right for you. 

“Except for the simplest jobs, I always talk to the crane operator ahead of time, and get them to check the area out to ensure they can do the job,” he said.

Delivering you the perfect space 

When all that prep work is done, you can sit back and relax knowing that you’ve done your due diligence and that your DROP Structure delivery will go as smoothly as possible.

P.S. – Honestly, helicopters are another option. So, if you’ve got a crazy idea (whether it’s putting one on a mountain or a skyscraper) we are ready to start calling helicopter operators to see what’s up.

Seriously, You. Us. Helicopter. Just imagine.