The delivery crew at NW Safe has seen and done it all — from moving thousand-pound safes into the tight spaces to swapping road trip snacks and tunes on long drives. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, the team shares their favorite memories, toughest installs, funniest pranks, and tips for making deliveries go smoothly.
You’ll hear about wild delivery locations (like bathrooms and castles), thoughtful and strange customer tips (think elk meat and meat slicers), and the gear that helps them get the job done. Most of all, you’ll get a feel for the strong teamwork, shared laughs, and real connections that make their days more than just heavy lifting.
ASK A QUESTION
Have a question about safes, vault doors, the state of the industry, or even our favorite local burger spot? Sign up for updates about the next Safe Space podcast and get an exclusive link to submit a question.
Episode 14 Discussion Questions
7:31: Who's the most likely to do something funny or dumb and make the rest of the team laugh?
10:05 What's something customers do that makes your job way harder than it needs to be?
15:37: What advice would you give to a customer preparing for a big delivery?
17:19: What's your go to work boot?
19:53: What's your go to lunch spot or gas station snack on the road?
22:52: How much should people tip? When is it deserved and when is it not?
24:55: What's the strangest tip that you've gotten? It doesn't have to be cash. Strangest.
28:01: What is your favorite part of the day when you're out on deliveries?
32:31: Is there a tool or trick you always keep in the truck that most people wouldn't expect?
39:33: How do you guys keep morale up on those long or brutal delivery days?
41:28: Have you ever had a say no to a delivery because it was too sketchy or unsafe?
44:50: What is the wildest delivery location you've ever had to get a safe into?
48:00: If you could upgrade one piece of gear or part of the truck setup, what would it be and why?
51:53: Who has the worst taste in music in the truck? And you have to be honest.
53:40: What is the biggest unspoken rule amongst the delivery crew?
55:43: What's the biggest or heaviest safe you've ever moved and what made it memorable?
Episode 14 Discussion Question Synopsises
4:07: What's the weirdest thing you've seen inside someone's garage or house while delivering a safe?
During a team conversation about unusual safe deliveries, the group shared a few standout stories. One team member recalled delivering a safe to a man who proudly had a full Civil War-style cannon in his living room. He treated it like a centerpiece, showing it off like others would show off a car.
Another delivery was to a clean but cluttered home that had signs of hoarding — not dirty, but extremely organized. The homeowner had even kept the original packaging from a previous safe, neatly stacked in case he needed it again.
Others mentioned how taxidermy stands out during deliveries. Some homes are filled with mounted animals from hunting trips — everything from deer to African big game. These displays often spark friendly conversations and help build connections with the customers.
The group also talked about how different people are when it comes to showing their firearms. Some lay everything out and want to chat, while others stay very private. No matter the approach, the team respects each person's comfort level. Overall, the stories gave insight into the variety of homes they visit and the interesting people they meet along the way.
Which Gun Sae Should I Put In My Garage?
From fire ratings to moisture protection, get a full review of how to choose the best gun safe to protect your valuables and firearms in a gun safe installed in your garage.
7:31: Who's the most likely to do something funny or dumb and make the rest of the team laugh?
The team shared a funny story about playing harmless pranks on each other. One time, someone glued a Pringle using child-safe purple glue and put it back in the snack pack. The prank worked—Wyatt ate the chip without noticing anything strange.
Another prank involved hiding cricket noise makers in someone’s house, which took days to find. They all laughed about how it drove people crazy. Even though they joke around, they make sure it’s all in good fun and never mean-spirited. It’s clear they enjoy working together and keeping things light.
10:05 What's something customers do that makes your job way harder than it needs to be?
The team shared what it's like when customers try to direct their safe installations. While most people mean well and want to help, it can sometimes make the job harder. The crew usually has a solid game plan, and outside suggestions—especially on easier installs—can slow things down. Some customers prepare by placing mats or asking questions, which is thoughtful, but the installers already have their own safe and proven methods. For example, they use special shims to keep safes off the concrete to prevent moisture issues.
Sometimes customers even want to help move the safe, but that can be dangerous. The team moves slowly and carefully to avoid accidents, and it's safest if customers just watch. They’ll only ask for help if it's truly safe and necessary—like holding a door or standing at the top of stairs.
Being present during delivery is also important. If the customer disappears, it can cause delays. The crew doesn’t want to wander through homes looking for someone. With a tight schedule of multiple installs each day, delays hurt the next customer’s appointment. Most people are great, but when customers are prepared and stay nearby, the process runs much more smoothly for everyone.
15:37: What advice would you give to a customer preparing for a big delivery?
The team recommends that customers know where they want their safe placed before installers arrive. While they’re happy to give advice—especially if someone has a few locations in mind—it’s best to have a spot ready to go. This saves time and helps the job go smoothly.
Sometimes, customers haven’t cleared space or haven’t thought about where the safe should go. That can slow things down. The team is glad to offer suggestions, like placing a hunter’s safe in the garage to avoid waking up the family. Just try to be prepared and avoid areas like water heaters or tight corners.
Curbside vs. Full-Service Safe Delivery & Installation
The brass meets the brawn when it comes to maneuvering and installing a thousand+ pound steel box. Without the right skills and tools, it’s highly likely you’re going to find yourself scratching your head — whether you’re a big strapping man or a wife and mom.
17:19: What's your go to work boot?
The team talked about their work boots and why choosing the right pair matters. They all have different favorite brands, but agree on a few key things: the boots must be strong, offer ankle support, and have good tread.
Steel or composite toes are a must for safety, and lighter boots are better in summer to prevent sweaty feet. When moving safes, especially over uneven ground or in bad weather, ankle support and traction are essential to prevent slips or injuries.
They also discussed why they can’t take their boots off inside customers’ homes. While they understand wanting to keep things clean, the boots protect their feet and help them stay stable when moving a 1,000-pound safe.
Booties are too slippery to be safe. The team always tries to be respectful by wiping their boots and laying down rugs. Most customers understand once it’s explained—and they’re glad their home stays damage-free.
19:53: What's your go to lunch spot or gas station snack on the road?
The team shared their favorite gas station stops and go-to meals while out on deliveries. They often don’t have time to sit down and eat, so quick, quality food matters. One new favorite is a gas station in Yelm with tasty calzones and wraps made from real ingredients. They all agreed—if you're going to spend $9 at a gas station, it better be good!
Mullinax Market on the Peninsula and Jackson’s chain stations also made the list. Mullinax is known for a hot case with rotating fresh options, while Jackson’s is praised for friendly staff, clean bathrooms, and solid food. Another top pick is the Chevron near Bear Arms by Lake Wilderness, which serves real bacon and breakfast made fresh.
Clean bathrooms are important too. Some places like 7-Eleven don’t offer them, while smaller grocery-style spots might—if you ask nicely. Dressing neatly in branded workwear helps get access and shows respect.
One team member also shared that he’s eaten a homemade ham and cheese sandwich almost every day for six years. It may be simple, but it's what makes him happy. For this group, great food, reliable bathrooms, and a little consistency make long workdays better.
22:52: How much should people tip? When is it deserved and when is it not?
The team explained that they never expect tips, but they really appreciate them. Moving and installing a heavy safe is hard work, and even though the safe and delivery are expensive, a small tip—like $20—can mean a lot. They compared it to tipping at a restaurant or for a pizza delivery, where tipping is expected for much less work. While joking about calzones and expensive lunches, they made it clear that thoughtful gestures like water, snacks, or a kind thank-you go a long way. They’re paid fairly, but when customers show appreciation, especially after a tough job, it truly makes a difference.
24:55: What's the strangest tip that you've gotten? It doesn't have to be cash. Strangest.
The team shared some of the most unique and surprising tips they've received while delivering safes. One person was gifted a meat slicer, which they thought was really cool. Back around 2013, ammo—especially .22 rounds—was hard to find, and customers would tip with it. Some even let the team pick out boxes from a stash of ammo. That kind of tip has become rare over time, though. These days, if someone gets tipped, it’s usually snacks like pepperoni sticks, wild game meat like elk burger, or even bananas and apples.
They’ve also been given things like whiskey, beer, and even gold or silver coins, usually from collectors who enjoy sharing their favorite items. One memorable moment was getting a brand-new chest freezer—possibly more of a giveaway than a tip, but still appreciated. One guy even gave Canadian dollars, explaining it was all he had on hand.
While they never expect tips, the team loves when customers go out of their way to show appreciation, whether it’s with food, drinks, or something more unusual. These gestures make the job more memorable and show how thankful customers are for a job well done.
28:01: What is your favorite part of the day when you're out on deliveries?
The team at NW Safe talked about what they enjoy most about their job. For many, it’s the chance to connect with customers. Whether it’s chatting about hunting, kids’ sports, or hobbies spotted around the house, they enjoy making real connections. They take pride in being friendly and curious—not just dropping off a safe and leaving. It helps create a better experience and builds trust.
They also talked about the satisfaction that comes with pulling off a tough delivery—like moving a heavy safe down tight stairs or into a tricky space. These challenging jobs require teamwork, planning, and sometimes even extra crew members. When it all comes together smoothly, it feels great, especially when the customer is surprised by how easy the team made it look.
Not every day is hard—some garage installs are simple and offer a nice break. But the variety keeps things interesting. The team enjoys both the challenges and the relationships they build along the way. Whether it’s a calm day or a tough one, they always work together to get the job done right and leave customers feeling impressed and appreciated.
Clean and professional Gun Safe Delivery Service
Our clean and professional gun safe delivery crew arrives in an inconspicuous truck. They review the space where you would like the safe installed and the terrain to get there. And then they efficiently move your safe and bolt it into place.
32:31: Is there a tool or trick you always keep in the truck that most people wouldn't expect?
The NW Safe team shared how they use special tools and careful planning to complete tricky safe deliveries. Customers are often amazed by gear like stair climbers, slick sticks, and magnetic levels—but the team says it’s often the smallest tools that get the biggest reaction. One of the most impressive and least understood tools is the landing extension. It allows them to move very heavy safes when there isn’t enough space at the top of a staircase to tip the dolly back.
The landing extension creates a temporary platform over the stairs, letting the team safely balance and lower the safe onto the stair climber. It’s not for the faint of heart—the person at the bottom holds thousands of pounds at neck level, often sweating from both the heat and the stress. Communication and experience are key. Every move must be planned to prevent mistakes, which could be dangerous.
They stressed that most of the job isn’t about brute strength—it’s about physics, planning, and teamwork. Having pictures of the delivery space ahead of time helps a lot. Even an inch of extra space can make all the difference in how the job is done and how long it takes to complete.
39:33: How do you guys keep morale up on those long or brutal delivery days?
The NW Safe team shared how they stay connected and have fun, even on long delivery days. They enjoy talking in the truck, laughing about past deliveries, planning trivia nights, and listening to podcasts like Joe Rogan. Since most of them are friends outside of work, spending 12-hour days together feels more like 8. That strong bond makes tough days easier.
They also explained how safety comes first, especially on difficult installs. There have been times when they’ve had to say “no” to a delivery because the setup was unsafe or missing key details—like steep driveways or tight stairwells. Sometimes, they’ll reschedule with extra crew or bring special equipment like dollies or landing extensions. Going upstairs with a safe is hard, but going downstairs is even harder and riskier. They help customers think ahead—especially if they ever want to remove the safe or sell the house.
To avoid surprises, they recommend sending in photos or using cardboard cutouts to check if a safe can fit. They’re happy to help with measurements to plan smart installs. At the end of the day, their goal is to be safe, smart, and respectful while delivering a great customer experience.
41:28: Have you ever had a say no to a delivery because it was too sketchy or unsafe?
The NW Safe team explained that sometimes they have to say no to a delivery when the job is unsafe or the customer didn’t share enough details. One delivery involved a 4,500-pound safe and a long, steep driveway the team hadn’t been warned about. They realized it couldn’t be done safely without bringing in extra equipment or crew.
They also talked about how going up stairs is tough, but bringing a safe back down can be even harder and more expensive. That’s why they help customers think about long-term plans before placing a safe upstairs or in tight spaces. To check if a safe will fit, they suggest using a cardboard cutout in the shape of the safe’s footprint. This helps avoid surprises and broken walls or floors. The team’s goal is to plan ahead and work safely, using years of experience to find smart, respectful solutions for each home.
44:50: What is the wildest delivery location you've ever had to get a safe into?
The NW Safe team shared some of the wildest places they’ve delivered safes. While most people don’t expect a safe in the bathroom, it does happen—and some customers want to be prepared for anything. They’ve also delivered safes to sheds, inside tall cabinets, and even stacked on top of each other, which can be tricky and heavy. One of the most memorable installs was at a castle in Arlington, where a 2,000-pound safe had to be lifted 6 feet above a fireplace.
They practiced the move ahead of time to make sure it would work. Other unusual spots include under stairwells, crawl spaces, and tight corners where doors barely open. Even when the placement doesn’t seem practical, the team finds a way to make it work safely. They use special tools and creative problem-solving to get safes into nearly any space, no matter how strange or difficult.
48:00: If you could upgrade one piece of gear or part of the truck setup, what would it be and why?
The NW Safe team talked about upgrades to their trucks and tools. They’re switching from Freightliner to Kenworth trucks, which should reduce the loud rattling noises. They already have top-tier tools, thanks to their supportive leadership. Everything is well-organized with full pack-out systems, so when they’re far from the shop—like in Oak Harbor or Blaine—they’re ready for anything.
They have a 6,600-pound liftgate and a scissor jack, which help with heavy loads. Still, steep driveways or muddy areas can be tough. Sometimes, they use an electric power jack, but in really steep situations, a winch system would help even more.
They joked about adding a helicopter rotor or getting carpool lane access to beat Seattle traffic. One annoyance is the lane assist system, which can be too sensitive, and a safety feature on Freightliner trucks that honks loudly if the door opens without the parking brake on. It’s embarrassing when that happens early in the morning at a customer’s home, but they’ve learned to laugh it off and keep improving their setups.
51:53: Who has the worst taste in music in the truck? And you have to be honest.
The NW Safe team shared their thoughts on music and podcasts during long drives and time in the truck. Most of the team has similar taste in music, so there usually aren't any big disagreements. Some prefer rock or older tunes, and others like to switch it up depending on who’s riding along.
They spend a lot of hours together, so changing from music to podcasts helps keep things fresh. Sometimes, they even ride in silence just to think. Wyatt likes music but doesn’t blast it too loud. Overall, no one complains about each other’s choices—they’re all pretty respectful and flexible.
53:40: What is the biggest unspoken rule amongst the delivery crew?
The NW Safe team shared some funny and helpful “unwritten rules” they follow on the road. One big one—don’t eat pickles near Kaylin, especially the bagged kind with a strong smell. Even though pickles can be great on a hot summer day, they aren’t welcome in the truck cab with the windows up!
Another rule: don’t fall asleep in the truck if you're the passenger. Even on long drives, you’re expected to stay awake and be a co-pilot. It’s okay to take a quick power nap if you’re really tired, but no getting too cozy or fully dozing off while on the clock. They also joked about the importance of keeping paperwork organized and ready for the next delivery. Overall, they try to keep things respectful and lighthearted, and most of their expectations come from just working closely together and being considerate teammates.
55:43: What's the biggest or heaviest safe you've ever moved and what made it memorable?
The NW Safe team shared stories about moving their heaviest safes, including one massive 8,600-pound TRTL-6x6 safe. They remembered trying to push it using their usual methods, but the weight was too much—even with extra guys. One team member suggested using steel pipe rollers, but their boss recommended using cheaper PVC pipes instead. It worked perfectly, and that made it a memorable lesson. They also recalled another tough delivery in extreme heat where a steep driveway made it nearly impossible to move a safe, even with a power jack.
Heavy commercial safes around 1,200–1,500 pounds are common for the team, but once in a while, they handle monsters that reach over 6,000 pounds. These jobs take planning, teamwork, and creativity. Some safes, like those in basements of old banks, are so large they’re never coming out without a crane.
The team wrapped up the chat with some lighthearted talk about Fourth of July plans and cheering on their kids in Little League.