Shipping Building Material

What Shippers Need to Know

Construction progress relies heavily on the timely delivery of materials, as they can only build as swiftly as their available materials. Delegating logistics management to professionals like TLI enables them to focus on their construction project.

An award-winning, third-party logistics firm such as Translogistics (TLI) can collaborate with both general contractors and subcontractors to ensure the efficient and cost-effective transportation of construction materials. Various freight methods are employed, including flatbed trucks, open-top trailers, curtain side trailers, double drop trailers, and shipping containers. Flatbed trucks are preferred for transporting large or heavy items, whereas shipping containers are better suited for smaller, delicate materials. Additionally, our services encompass hot shot and gooseneck trailers for direct delivery to job sites.

Construction Industry Shipping Perspective

In growing cities across America, the construction industry is facing significant challenges to meet the growing demand for new housing. The intricacies of construction logistics become apparent in this context.

For instance, delays in the delivery of supplies can cascade into delays in construction activities, impacting essential elements such as plumbing, power, and permits. Consequently, project timelines are extended, leading to decreased profits. The supply chain involved in construction is intricate but also engrossing.

Consider the myriad components required for the construction of homes, a process often taken for granted. From foundational materials like concrete forms, rebar, and tubing to interior finishes such as drywall, flooring, cabinets, and shelving, every element must be transported to the job site efficiently and effectively.

Construction Materials to Ship

Masonry

Preferences vary: from red brick to native stone, or wood siding to stucco. Residential exteriors display regional diversity, sourcing materials locally or across broader geographies.

In the realm of construction, skilled masons are indispensable to general contractors (GCs). Their expertise spans from erecting block foundation walls to crafting fireplaces.

These professionals adeptly handle the installation of stone and brick veneers, glass blocks, and granite. Transporting these bulky materials safely to job sites is paramount. While masonry materials are generally resilient, proper storage and protection, including during transit, are imperative to uphold their integrity.

Stone Slabs

The first shipment, I ever booked in operations at TLI, over 14 years ago, was routing granite countertops within the LTL environment. Granite, quartz, marble countertops, and tiles are not only timeless, beautiful, and durable but also notably heavy and challenging to transport. They represent a significant investment.

When multiplied across multiple units or houses, managing the transportation of these exquisite yet delicate materials becomes a logistical feat. Skilled carriers possess the expertise to properly load, secure, and ship stone slabs, ensuring they arrive intact without cracks, breaks, or scratches.

Ensure the protection of your valuable investment from the outset by entrusting the shipping process to TLI. Our carriers are renowned for their professionalism and expertise, guaranteeing the safe delivery of your natural stone slabs.

Structure

For townhomes, condominiums, or single-family houses, various materials contribute to the structure. Traditionally, softwood lumber has been the go-to choice for house framing, encompassing studs, headers, roof trusses, and floor joists.

Innovations in construction materials have introduced options like engineered wood and steel bars and connectors into new residential construction projects. These materials provide sturdy support vertically, while large plywood sheets bolster the side-to-side structure of the home. Additional considerations during the framing stage include stairwells, windows, and roofing components. Given that structural materials are often lengthy, heavy, and cumbersome, they may necessitate special shipping arrangements. When planning to ship construction materials from suppliers, it's wise to consult with TLI's logistics professionals for guidance on navigating the process efficiently.

Plumbing

If you reside in an average single-family home, your considerations might lean towards a smaller scale: envisioning one or two toilets, tubs, and showers, along with three or four sinks, encompassing the kitchen.

However, broaden your perspective to the broader context of new neighborhoods, typically developed as master-planned communities by a handful of national builders simultaneously, offering a limited array of floor plans and interior and exterior choices. This approach allows for bulk planning and construction, enhancing efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Suddenly, the procurement of fixtures transcends the acquisition of a few standardized items; it entails purchasing thousands of fixtures destined for hundreds of homes. This principle equally applies to commercial real-estate and apartment and condominium complexes.

Landscaping

A hallmark of contemporary residential communities lies in their array of amenities. From meticulously planned neighborhoods to newly developed apartment or condominium complexes, these spaces often boast recreational facilities such as parks, pools, community hubs, and nature trails. Adding to their allure is the carefully crafted landscaping. Landscape architects and designers play a pivotal role in creating outdoor environments that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Many modern projects emphasize communal green spaces, fostering opportunities for residents to connect with nature or gather for communal events.

Contractors oversee the procurement and installation of various elements, including bulky and climate-sensitive items like sod, plants, and trees. Specialized shipping methods, such as reefer equipment for temperature-controlled plants and flatbeds for transporting large plants and trees, are employed to ensure safe and intact delivery to the designated sites.

Appliances

Consider the final touches and modern conveniences of a newly constructed home: appliances. Visualize the multitude of washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers required for every newly developed community. With rental properties, a substantial number of identical items sourced from the same manufacturer are delivered in rapid succession.

Managing the logistics of this magnitude of a project is made easy when partnered with TLI. However, until these details are meticulously attended to, building managers cannot lease out units, and property owners cannot generate revenue. Ensure the seamless arrival of your order, free from damage. With our extensive network of trusted carriers, Translogistics Inc. (TLI) provides prompt and reliable delivery. In the rare event of cargo damage, rest assured that TLI will handle the freight claim process on your behalf. We'll have you operational in no time.