You are receiving a truss package and need it ready for the framing crew. Plan truss storage on site before dispatch confirms the truck. With the manufacturer and installer, agree where to unload and how to support and handle the trusses. Name who receives the documents and damage reports.
Use the instructions supplied for the actual package. SBCA’s handling guide covers unloading, storage, lifting, erection, and protection from jobsite damage. Use the steps below to plan delivery. Get rigging and bracing details from the package instructions and responsible contractor.
Choose the drop location before delivery
Walk the site with the superintendent and installation lead. Mark the proposed storage area on a site sketch. Send it to the supplier and ask whether the delivery equipment can reach and unload there.
Check the entrance, turning area, overhead conditions, terrain, and space needed by other trades. Resolve questions about utilities, access, or excavations. Ask the delivery contractor to review the route instead of relying on a photograph of the street frontage.
Where possible, store the trusses near where the crew will install them. SBCA’s long-span handling discussion explains how unnecessary movement can expose trusses to lateral bending. That article addresses long spans, but its warning supports an early conversation about handling on any project.
Assign a person to receive the driver. Give that person the site sketch, supplier contact, and authority to pause unloading if conditions differ. Have the receiver check that the marked spot is still suitable.
Choose the support arrangement with the manufacturer
Ask for the storage instructions that apply to the delivered trusses and bundle arrangement. Confirm whether the package will be stored horizontally or vertically. Get the support and restraint instructions for that storage position.
Have the manufacturer identify how to keep the components supported, clear of damaging ground contact, and protected from weather. Prepare the designated supports before unloading. Avoid improvising a pile of offcuts after the truck reaches the site.
Use this receiving worksheet:
Scroll to read all columns.
| Item | What to settle before the truck arrives |
|---|---|
| Storage orientation | Manufacturer’s direction for the actual bundle and truss types |
| Supports | Type, location, bearing condition, and alignment required by the instructions |
| Stability | Restraint needed to keep stored components from moving or toppling |
| Weather protection | Covering arrangement and checks after weather changes |
| Traffic | Separation from vehicles, deliveries, and other site activities |
| Identification | Access to truss marks without unsafe handling |
Ask the manufacturer how to support the trusses. Ask again if the proposed site arrangement cannot follow the instructions. Do not change a support detail based on this checklist.
Receive the package against the current documents
Before unloading begins, confirm the job identification and shipment information. Match the package to the current project revision. Ask the supplier to explain any substitution, partial shipment, or later delivery.
Record what arrived and what remains outstanding. Photograph the bundle condition from a safe location. Note visible damage and the affected truss marks. Do not climb or enter an unstable stack to complete the paperwork.
The component labels, design drawings, and placement information should match. SBCA’s drawing-reading resources cover those identification and design topics. If the delivery and documents disagree, contact the manufacturer before sorting the trusses.
A useful delivery record includes the receiver, date, package reference, missing items, visible concerns, and supplier response. Separate “received” from “accepted for installation.” Ask the supplier how its delivery acknowledgment handles exceptions.
Put the jobsite package into the crew’s hands
Ask for the applicable jobsite package before delivery day. SBCA supplies roof, floor, and other jobsite packages, so confirm that the information matches the components. Keep the current project-specific drawings beside the general installation guidance.
Arrange one short handoff with the superintendent and framing lead. Identify where the documents are stored and how revisions reach the crew. If the package uses electronic access, check it at the site before relying on it.
SBCA also provides Component Warning Notice tools, including tags that stay with the components. Leave warning information available. Ask the manufacturer about missing or unreadable labels rather than removing them for convenience.
For the responsibilities behind these documents, see how roof trusses are designed. Name who will answer each open question before the crew starts setting trusses.
Keep handling and bracing in the installation plan
Confirm the lifting equipment, operator responsibilities, approved handling method, and installation sequence with the responsible contractor. Ask who reviews the plan for the actual truss size and site conditions. Do not use an article to choose pick points or decide how many components to lift together.
SBCA’s BCSI guide provides handling, restraint, and bracing guidance. Identify the applicable instructions before erection. Have the installation contractor explain how the first set and subsequent work will remain stable.
Assign each part of the work:
- Preparing the storage area and receiving the delivery.
- Maintaining stored-package supports and protection.
- Moving components from storage to the installation area.
- Lifting and setting the trusses.
- Installing temporary restraint and bracing.
- Installing the required permanent restraint and bracing.
Name the responsible party for each assignment. Do not assume that the truck driver, crane provider, and framing contractor share one scope. Record who does what in the delivery plan.
Inspect after a delay or site change
If installation slips, revisit the stored package. Check whether supports have moved, protection has changed, identification remains readable, or site traffic now conflicts with the storage area. Request the manufacturer’s direction when the condition no longer matches the plan.
After severe weather or a disturbed bundle, have the responsible contractor assess safe access before anyone approaches. Send photographs and a description to the manufacturer. Ask whether further evaluation is needed before lifting or installation.
SBCA identifies mishandling and poor storage as risks to component performance. No visible damage does not mean an engineer has accepted the truss. Use the damaged truss process when a concern appears.
Protect the next trade handoff
Before releasing the roof area, ask the framing lead to confirm the required installation checks. Keep the specified truss spacing and current placement information available. Route discrepancies to the design team.
Tell the roofing and rough-in trades who handles questions about loads, openings, or proposed alterations. Do not let the stored-package plan become the last time anyone checks the documents. Carry the manufacturer’s contact through the framing and rough-in stages.
Before closing the delivery record, resolve missing items and damage concerns. Record where the final documents are kept. If a repair remains open, show its status in the schedule. Release only the work the responsible parties have cleared.
If a different crew takes over, repeat the document handoff. Identify the current installation lead, the manufacturer contact, and any unresolved damage or missing-item report. Walk the storage area together before moving components.
Have the incoming lead check access to the current package. Do not assume the previous crew passed it along.
Where Cercha fits
Cercha Messages can help you establish contact with a framing crew or supplier. Trade and location search helps you identify relevant people for the project. Confirm the delivery plan and technical instructions directly with the contracted parties.