Most value is lost between the rack and the truck. A valve that arrives with a bent stem is a valve that has to be re-priced.
Who arranges what
In a normal purchase, we arrange collection and transport. You provide access, a loading point and any site-specific paperwork. If your site requires a preferred carrier or a gate booking, tell us at the start and we will work within it.
For very large or awkward items we will discuss lifting arrangements in advance: crane, forklift, or a hiab-equipped truck. That conversation is cheaper than discovering the problem on the day.
Packing principles
Valves travel well when they are blocked and braced so they cannot move. Face-to-face stacking damages flange faces, which is the single most common transit defect. Put timber between flanges, or stand valves upright on their bases.
Actuated assemblies should travel upright where possible, with the actuator supported rather than cantilevered off the yoke. If that is not possible, remove nothing: brace it instead.
Crating
Crating is worth it for stainless, alloy, cryogenic and instrument-level equipment, and for anything going by export. For general carbon steel valves, a pallet with banding and corner protection is usually sufficient.
If you already have crates, use them. Original crates with the original packing are a strong signal that the equipment inside is new and undamaged.
Protecting the parts that matter
Cap the end connections. Plug the ports. Tape the positioner cover shut. Remove nothing that identifies the valve, and tape any loose tag to the body rather than putting it in an envelope.
For cryogenic valves, keep them dry and upright. Moisture in an extended bonnet is the classic transit and storage failure.
Documentation in transit
Put a packing list in the crate and a copy with the driver. If the lot is being split across several loads, number the crates and reference the numbers in the list.
Photograph the loaded trailer before it leaves. It takes a minute and settles most subsequent questions.
Questions sellers ask
Do you arrange transport?
Yes, in most cases. Tell us about site access restrictions at the start.
Who pays for freight?
That is part of the commercial discussion and is usually reflected in the offer.
What if we only have a small lot?
Small lots travel on a pallet by LTL. It is not a problem, it is just a different cost.