We get 1/2 or 3/4 semi loads of bagged shavings. We have been happiest with Brightside and Guardian. We have a tractor big enough to offload the 2,000 pound pallets.
I use a long, straight, board on edge to drag and level the material. I then wet it thoroughly and use a hand tamper to compact it. It usually takes 2 or 3 drag, wet, compact cycles to get it...