Shipping & Unloading

FormEffects panels are specially packed in fully enclosed wooden crates to prevent damage during shipping. Depending on the size of the order, the material is shipped either LTL freight or through a dedicated freight carrier to the project site. Transit times vary by location and type of receiving facility. Liftgate deliveries may be available but the use of a forklift or other offloading equipment would be recommend and should be operated by qualified personnel.

Once unloaded, the crates should be promptly moved indoors and the panels removed from the crates. Panels are loaded into the crates in a vertical orientation. As a precaution, crates shall be dismantled in the following order:

1. The ceiling portion of the crate should be removed first to inspect the direction the panels are placed in the crate.
2. One side wall of the crate that is perpendicular to the direction of the panels should be removed next.
3. If the panels are packed tightly it may be necessary to remove one parallel side wall. When removing this wall, take precaution to ensure the panels are not shifting and beginning to tilt out with the wall removal. It is ideal to have the crate tilted against the direction you are unloading so the panels do not have the momentum to fall out of the crate.
4. Begin unloading the panels from the crate by lifting the panel off the floor and away the remaining crate walls. This task should be done by at least two individuals. Avoid sliding the panels on the crate floor as it may cause chipping of the bottom edge. Panels should always be handled in a vertical orientation, never flat.

The panels should be stored indoors in a dry, moisture-controlled environment. The storage area shall be large enough to allow adequate space to safely handle the panels. The panels should be stored on its edge in storage racks installed to level ground. Non-marking and non-staining material should be used as protection where the concrete tile is in contact with the storage rack. It is best to leave the panels individually spaced.