Loading of a Van

Owned by Aleeshya Broome, created
Last updated: Jul 10, 2024
5 min read

Table of Contents
01. Starting Your Day

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This page will explain the best practices for loading a van using both the cart and hand method. It will also explain loading cabinets, drawers, specialty items, hardware, and accessories. By following these steps, all materials are expected to be organized and secured in the van, ready to be transported safely.

 

Page Contents

Skill Requirements
Process Steps
Loading the Van (Cart Method)
Loading the Van (Hand Method)
Loading Drawers, Glass, Specialty Items
Loading Accessories
Related Training Materials
Next Steps
Certification
Tips from the Field
Terms & Definitions

Types of Installation: Off-the-Floor, Floor-Based, Virtuoso, Wall Bed, Paxton, Martha Stewart

Installer Level Required: Jr. Apprentice Installer

Products Required: TFL Material, Accessories, Special Order

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Process Steps

  1. Locate the job in the staging area, and communicate with the individual responsible for loading (if applicable).

  2. Review the job’s folder, elevation drawing(s), BOM, and an overview of the parts being installed.

  3. As a brief overview, inspect the job prior to loading.  Ensure you can see all elements required for the installation.

  • This can include, but is not limited to, pole, rail, drawer boxes, shelves, accessories, doors, PPE, blankets, tools, ladder, saw horses, repair kit, hardware, extra material, extra specialty hardware, business cards.

  • If you notice anything is missing, gather any parts identified.

  1. If it is not yet already, ensure the van is in an appropriate loading spot.

Partitions should not be prepped prior to arriving at the job site.

 

Loading the Van (Cart/Sled Method)

  1. The individual responsible for operating the forklift will load the job cart/sled into the van.

Example of Job Cart/Sled

Loading the Van (Hand Method)

  1. Use the last-in, first-out methodology.

  2. Load items from left-to-right across the floor of the van.

  • Load partitions and long items on the left, and continue with shorter items to the right.

  1. If stacking items is necessary, lay a blanket or protective material down before stacking each row.

The hand-loading method should be used if the cart/sled method is not possible, or for any materials that do not fit in a job cart/sled.

Loading Drawers, Glass, Specialty Items

  1. Load drawer boxes.

  • Ensure there is enough space in the van based on the number of drawers on the job. 

    • Drawers should be loaded flat (see table below for definition), with a blanket between the drawer and any material below.

Drawers in a Job Cart/Sled

Create a flat surface by laying similar size material together.  Lay a blanket on top of the cart/sled and lay the drawers flat on top of the blanket.

Drawers Hand-Loaded

Create a flat area in the van and place a blanket down.  Load the drawer boxes flat in the area.

Drawer Box Loading Definitions

Drawer Boxes loaded in a job cart/sled

 

If the installation is a multi-day install, bring drawer boxes separately on Day 2+, as needed.

  1. Secure materials, preferably using ratchet straps.  Ensure they are not moving or rubbing together during transit. Use a staging blanket or runner to protect the material from rubbing against the ratchet strap.

  2. Load glass materials.

  • Assess the vehicle and ensure there is enough room for safe transport.

  • If there is not, a second vehicle may be needed.

  • Place glass between TFL parts from the job.  This can be in the job cart/sled, or directly in the van.  This will help protect the glass from breaking.

    • If the glass is a larger size (ie. Countertop or panel), consider a second vehicle or ensure it is loaded in a location where it can not fall or have anything fall against it.

  • Secure the glass and ensure it will not move or have anything fall against it.

Loading Accessories, Hardware, Tools

  1. Double check accessories and make sure you have the correct amount and type of each accessory.

  2. Load accessories in a box or location where they will not be lost or damaged during transport.

  3. Keep accessories separated by space.

  4. Load hardware box and tools.

  1. Perform the introductory call to the customer to advise you are on the way and your estimated time of arrival.

  2. Prepare to leave for the installation.  If multiple vans are going to the jobsite, coordinate any stops along the way, parking upon arrival, etc.

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Related Training Materials

Arrival Expectations
Van Stocking
CC360: A Day in the Life of a Jr. Apprentice
PPE Matrix

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Next Steps: Arrival at the Jobsite

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Tips from the Field
Tips submitted by fellow installers and leaders in the field. These optional tips are intended to make this process simpler.

Click here to submit your own tip from the field.

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Terms & Definitions

BOM

Bill of Materials; the parts list for the job

Elevation

The CAD Design Plan created by the Design Consultant with the client.

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Questions? Please e-mail Aleeshya Broome (albroome@calclosets.com)