Like all freight forwarding services, construction logistics involves many different procedures to ensure builders have the materials they need and that projects keep ticking smoothly. Logistics in construction is an effective solution for transporting supplies and getting them to the right location, on time.
The practice covers a whole list of operations which are key to the management of construction sites, movement of goods and keeping supply chains clear so that jobs can be executed efficiently from start to finish. All of the practices undertaken in construction logistics are also crucially important for controlling site projects, protecting materials and ensuring stock levels are maintained.
If you’re focusing on new ways to streamline your supply chains, we’ve got you covered! In this article we’re going to be providing a clear breakdown on the most common types of construction logistics activities to give you some useful ideas when deciding how to manage your next project.
Planning and Risk Assessment
The first stage of construction logistics focuses on planning and risk assessment. This process is usually undertaken by the developers, planners and construction contractors as they are responsible for building the project framework.
It also aims to address potential problems or events that could impact the project being delivered. Creating a clear construction logistics plan includes coordinating the goods and activities required across the project. This is a vital practice in ensuring logistics are carried out within the relevant legislation safety standards. It can also be used to model, visualise and optimise inventory management.
Sourcing Materials and Supplies
After the initial planning is complete, the sourcing of materials and supplies needs to be arranged so that the full project works can be carried out. This means checking which stock is available and the nearest location it can be collected from in order to transport it onsite swiftly.
It mostly involves finding the right suppliers and manufacturers to be contracted as part of the building project. Once the goods have been sourced, the next stage is procurement. This is the purchase of goods or services which are needed to finish the construction design.
Project Scheduling
The project scheduling process involves creating a timeline of when and where the materials will be needed during the project rollout. It is also an opportunity for managing the times of which activities will be required by the project teams.
This is important for maximising efficiency of operations and ensuring the job is completed within budget. By setting clear logistics targets, this has a positive impact on the overall cost and level of productivity.
Collection and Handling of Goods
This part of construction logistics is the process of getting all materials sourced by the contractor and delivered to site. All building products are safely collected from freight stations and then directly transported to their construction site, so that jobs can be finished on time. The service usually allows businesses to keep track of consignments during transit which gives peace of mind that your goods won’t miss a project.
Construction logistics is also a vital practice in making sure raw materials are handled and packaged in-between operations to reduce the risk of anything getting damaged during shipment. No matter if your goods are arriving via rail, road or ship, construction freight is fully protected throughout delivery as specialist vehicle fleets are used for loading and unloading consignments to and from site. Making it more flexible to transport heavy bulk or oversized supplies to your project. Logistics in construction also covers the lifting for all types of materials, right from pick up to delivery.
Full Warehousing
Construction logistics offers full warehousing for hauliers and freight forwarders to store their goods prior to distribution. This means businesses can safely store products and raw materials in-between delivery windows to improve the lead times on projects.
What’s more, if your items arrive too late, they can be kept in storage and then redistributed at another convenient time. This means no matter when they are required, warehouse facilities will ensure your goods are ready on-hand so that it doesn’t impact your workflow. Allocating warehouse storage for construction works is also a useful way of clearing sites of any excess materials and removes the need for onsite storage space.
Material Distribution
Another part of the logistics process involves sorting and packing each item to ensure the right materials get to the right location on time. All consignments are carefully arranged with the appropriate packaging so that they are secured for movement.
By sorting and assembling items prior to distribution, it helps to keep supplies safe and maintain stock levels. It is also another method for inventory management, keeping control of supply quality and tracking resources.
When the inventory of materials has been fully prepared, they are then loaded onto a suitable vehicle for delivery. Whether you require a small or bulk load transported, all types of construction freight is shipped quickly and on a ‘just in time’ basis so that your site is not overloaded.
Waste Management
To keep sites clear, construction logistics offers facilities for removing any waste that gets left behind. From collecting recyclables, providing waste disposal units to separating the waste into groups before it is gathered.
This helps to maximise space, reduce environmental impacts and makes it easier for the workforce to move around in-between jobs. All waste items are safely disposed to ensure the project location is fully clean, tidy and free of any obstacles. So there is less risk of your supplies getting damaged and will save your business on costs to replace them.
If you’d like to know more about our construction logistics works, speak with the Forest Freight team today and we will advise you on your next project.
