Direct Answer
Submit shop drawings as PDFs via the project's CDE (Procore, BIM 360, or direct email per the contract) with a transmittal letter identifying the drawing numbers, revision level, and submittal purpose. Most contracts specify the format (PDF, print size), the routing (directly to engineer, or through GC), and the required number of copies. Always use a formal transmittal — never send drawings without one.
Full Explanation
A proper shop drawing submittal includes: (1) Transmittal cover letter or form identifying the project, contract, submitting party, drawings included (number, title, revision), and submittal purpose (for approval, for information, etc.). (2) PDF drawings organized in the agreed naming convention. (3) Submission via the agreed platform (CDE upload, email, or physical delivery). (4) Log the submission in your submittal log immediately. The engineer's review period begins when they receive the drawings, not when you submitted them — confirm receipt if you don't get an acknowledgment within 48 hours.
What This Means for Your Shop
Use a consistent file naming convention for all submittals: ProjectCode-DrawingNumber-RevisionLevel (e.g., ABC-S1-01-R0.pdf). This prevents confusion when multiple revisions are in circulation and makes the submittal log easy to manage.
Common Mistakes
Submitting drawings via email without a transmittal, then having no record of what was submitted when. A dispute about whether a drawing was submitted on a given date is unwinnable without a timestamped transmittal.
Recommended Process
Create a submittal transmittal template at project start. Use it for every submission. Log each transmittal in your submittal register with the date sent, the drawings included, and the date a response is due. File all transmittals in the project folder.