Delivery & Logistics Policy
Standards for secure and efficient movement of equipment and materials into, within, and out of GridColo facilities.
The Delivery & Logistics Policy establishes the standards and procedures for the secure, safe, and efficient movement of equipment, materials, and supplies into, within, and out of GridColo facilities. The loading dock and staging areas are critical interfaces between the outside world and the controlled data hall environment. Without strict discipline, deliveries can introduce contaminants, create safety hazards, or disrupt operations. The objective of this policy is to ensure that every delivery is properly authorized, scheduled, inspected, and executed in a manner that protects the facility, its occupants, and its customers' equipment.
This policy applies to all deliveries, shipments, pickups, and logistics activities involving customers, vendors, contractors, and their designated carriers. It covers access to loading docks, staging rooms, freight elevators, corridors, and pathways into data halls or cages. It applies at all Security Levels (1–4), subject to additional landlord rules where GridColo is a tenant.
All deliveries and logistics activities must be coordinated with GridColo in advance. No shipment may be received, staged, or moved into the facility without prior notification and approval. Dock access is controlled and monitored at all times. Delivery personnel must present identification, register at the security desk, and comply with facility rules. Customers and vendors are responsible for ensuring their carriers are briefed on these requirements and for providing labor to move, uncrate, and install their equipment, unless otherwise contracted with GridColo.
Dock time is limited and must be scheduled through the GridColo operations desk or customer portal. Customers must provide at least 48 hours' notice for standard deliveries and more for large shipments, oversize equipment, or coordinated installs. Scheduled times will be confirmed in writing and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Unscheduled arrivals may be turned away or delayed until dock space is available.
- • Standard deliveries: 48 hours minimum
- • Large shipments: Additional lead time required
- • Oversize equipment: Special coordination needed
- • Coordinated installs: Extended planning required
Drivers and delivery personnel must present valid government-issued photo identification at check-in. They will be issued temporary visitor credentials (Solid Yellow) and must remain under escort while inside the facility. Drivers are permitted only in designated dock and staging areas unless escorted by an authorized customer or GridColo representative.
Temporary visitor credentials for drivers and delivery personnel with restricted access to dock and staging areas only.
Dock and staging areas are controlled zones. Smoking, vaping, eating, and drinking are prohibited. Engines must be turned off during unloading. Pallets, crates, and packaging materials must be contained and removed promptly. Aisles, fire lanes, and emergency exits must remain clear at all times. Deliveries must not block other tenants' shipments or access.
Prohibited Activities
- • Smoking and vaping
- • Eating and drinking
- • Leaving engines running
- • Blocking fire lanes
Required Actions
- • Turn off engines during unloading
- • Contain packaging materials
- • Keep aisles clear
- • Remove debris promptly
Freight elevators, where provided, must be reserved in advance for large moves. Loads must be secured on carts, dollies, or lifts rated for the weight being transported. Passenger elevators are not to be used for equipment unless specifically authorized. Equipment must not be dragged across floors or containment thresholds; protective guards or floor coverings must be used where required.
All equipment must be uncrated and unpacked in staging areas before entering the data hall. Cardboard, wood, foam, and shrink-wrap are prohibited in data halls and must be removed before equipment is rolled into the controlled environment. Customers are responsible for arranging removal of packaging waste or using designated GridColo receptacles. Abandoned materials may be removed at the customer's expense.
- • Cardboard packaging
- • Wood crates and pallets
- • Foam padding materials
- • Shrink-wrap and plastic films
Deliveries are a primary source of dust and debris. Customers and vendors must take steps to minimize contamination by wiping down equipment, controlling packaging dust, and using anti-static covers where appropriate. Equipment that is visibly dirty, oily, or contaminated may be refused entry until cleaned. Work boots, clothing, and tools must also be free of excessive dirt before entering controlled spaces.
Oversized or heavy equipment requires special coordination with GridColo. Customers must disclose equipment dimensions, weights, and special handling requirements in advance. GridColo may require protective flooring, additional staff, or off-hours scheduling to ensure safe movement. If equipment exceeds structural load limits for raised floors, alternative accommodations must be arranged.
Hazardous materials may not be delivered or stored without prior approval under the Environmental & Hazardous Materials Policy. Carriers must declare any hazardous substances at the time of scheduling and present appropriate documentation at delivery. Unauthorized hazardous materials will be refused and removed from site.
All deliveries are subject to inspection by GridColo security personnel. This may include visual checks of packaging, verification of contents against manifests, and screening for prohibited items. GridColo reserves the right to open, inspect, and refuse shipments if security or safety concerns arise. Customers are encouraged to be present during inspection of their shipments.
Customers are responsible for arranging labor to move, uncrate, and install their shipments. Drivers and third-party carriers are not permitted to remain unattended in data halls or cages. GridColo does not provide material-handling labor unless specifically contracted. Lifts, pallet jacks, and other handling equipment must be operated by trained personnel only.
GridColo staging areas are not intended for long-term storage. Equipment may be held temporarily pending installation, but only with GridColo's approval and only for the agreed-upon timeframe. Equipment left beyond the approved window may be relocated or removed at the customer's expense. Storage in aisles, corridors, or unapproved spaces is prohibited.
Outbound shipments of decommissioned equipment must be scheduled in the same manner as inbound deliveries. Equipment must be properly packaged, labeled, and staged at the dock. Customers are responsible for ensuring that carriers comply with all site rules. Packaging debris from decommissioning must be removed promptly.
Any accidents, damage to equipment, or injuries occurring during deliveries must be reported immediately to GridColo Operations. Customers are responsible for ensuring their carriers comply with reporting requirements. Damage claims against GridColo must be submitted in writing with documentation; GridColo is not liable for damage caused by customer carriers, vendors, or improper handling.
Customers
- • Schedule deliveries
- • Brief carriers
- • Provide labor
- • Ensure compliance
Carriers
- • Present identification
- • Follow escort rules
- • Handle shipments safely
- • Comply with site rules
GridColo
- • Control dock access
- • Coordinate schedules
- • Inspect deliveries
- • Enforce standards
Deliveries that arrive unscheduled, involve prohibited items, or fail to comply with safety rules may be refused. Violations of this policy may result in charges for remediation, removal of personnel from site, suspension of dock access, or termination of colocation privileges. Repeated or serious violations may also lead to contractual penalties or involvement of law enforcement.
- • Delivery refusal
- • Remediation charges
- • Personnel removal from site
- • Suspension of dock access
- • Termination of colocation privileges
- • Contractual penalties
- • Law enforcement involvement
This policy is effective upon publication and remains in force until replaced. GridColo may amend this policy at any time to reflect evolving best practices, facility requirements, or regulatory changes. Customers will be notified of material updates through the customer portal and official notices.