City centre jobs are some of the most interesting work we do. Narrow streets, busy pavements, buses, cyclists and tall buildings all come together, and a HIAB lorry has to fit in around them. As autumn moves on and the run up to Christmas brings more people into town, planning city deliveries early becomes even more important.
Start with the street
The first thing we look at is the street itself. How wide is it? Is there a bus lane, a loading bay or a cycle lane? Are there bollards, trees, street lights or overhead cables near the set down point? Photos and a map pin help a lot, and we will often look at street view as part of the planning.
A HIAB lorry needs room for its stabiliser legs and a safe area around the lift. Knowing the street layout early lets us choose the right vehicle. In tight spots a compact rigid HIAB may suit, while longer loads may need an artic HIAB with careful positioning.
Permits and parking
Many city streets need a parking suspension, a road permit or a temporary traffic order before a lorry can stop and lift. These are usually arranged with the local council and can take time, so it pays to start early. If your main contractor or building manager handles this, tell us who to speak to, and we will share vehicle details so the paperwork matches.
Some city buildings also have their own delivery rules, such as booking a slot at a loading bay or signing in with security. Let us know about these when you email, and we will build them into the plan.
Timing and the public
In busy areas, timing makes a big difference. Early mornings or quieter parts of the day can mean less traffic and fewer people on the pavement. We agree the time with you in advance, and our crew sets out a clear lift area with barriers and keeps people safely away while the load is moving.
Our driver and slinger work together throughout, with the slinger watching the load and the public while the driver works the controls. Once the load is down, the area is cleared and the street goes back to normal. Our crew also leaves the pavement tidy, with any packaging or timber bearers taken away or stacked where you ask.
Plan your city delivery
Whether it is steel, slabs, plant or a cabin for a city site, the same rule applies: every lift is planned before the vehicle is booked. There is more about our HIAB delivery service and the work we do in Manchester and the North West.
If you have a city centre delivery coming up, email us with the address, photos of the street and a description of the load, or use our quote form, and we will plan it with you.
