Knowledge Base: Other Considerations

Lead Times & Schedule – Lead times for a typical truss job is 2-4 weeks. However, this can be influenced by a number of factors such as:

• Truss design
• Engineering and shop drawing requirements
• Customer approval process and timeframe
• Material species, size and procurement time
• Overall project scope of work
• Shop load and schedule at the time of order placement

Jobs requiring stamped engineering drawings typically require at least one week of lead time after order placement and before any material can be ordered. Lead times for larger projects, or jobs having unusual design and/or material requirements, can extend up to 6-8 weeks. It is helpful to understand the customer’s schedule requirement as early as possible. SWC utilizes a computer-based project scheduling system and can usually provide an accurate lead time estimate at the time of order placement. Job priority is established by the sequence in which orders are received.

Delivery – Shipping is available for any job produced by SWC. Some smaller jobs local to the Houston area will be handled using a company truck or trailer. Jobs elsewhere in the state of Texas and out of state, or requiring oversize provisions are handled by a third party trucking company we utilize for all of our work. Most trusses are delivered stacked horizontally on a trailer, fully assembled and ready for installation. Delivery dates and times can usually be coordinated to meet customer requirements. Oversized loads are normally restricted to certain routes and travel in daylight hours.

Customers are required to have personnel and equipment adequate for handling the trusses ready at the job site for offloading. Failure to have correct equipment or personnel at the job site for unloading can result in cosmetic or structural damage to Heavy Timber Trusses. Please consult with SWC for guidance regarding handling procedures if necessary.