Shipping Construction Materials

In nearly every major city across America, the construction industry is in overtime to keep up with new housing demands. And construction logistics is a real issue when meeting that demand. If, for example, supplies come in late, construction is delayed, which could mean plumbing, power, and permit are delayed; project completion is postponed, and profits are decreased. The supply chain can be complex, but it’s fascinating, too. Just consider all that goes into something we often take for granted: our homes. There’s just so much to be considered when it comes to residential construction. From foundational materials like concrete forms, rebar, and tubing, to interior finishes like drywall, flooring, cabinets, and shelving…it all needs to get to the job site somehow. Let’s look at a few areas where a third-party logistics company, like FreightCenter, can help.

Types Of Construction Materials To Ship

Structure

Whether for townhomes, condominiums, or single-family houses, many materials go into the structure of a home. Softwood lumber has traditionally been used in house framing—studs, headers, roof trusses, floor joists, etc.—and newer materials like engineered wood or even steel bars and connectors are making an appearance in new residential construction. These load-bearing materials support the building vertically, while large sheets of plywood reinforce the side-to-side structure of the home. Other supply considerations for the framing stage include stairwells, windows, and roofing. Structural materials are often long, heavy, and awkward and sometimes require special shipping considerations. Seek the guidance of your friendly logistics professional when arranging to ship with your suppliers.

Natural Stone Slabs

Granite, quartz, marble countertops, and tile are timeless, beautiful, and durable. Do you know what else they are? Heavy. Difficult to transport. An investment: That’s what. Now, multiply your gorgeous, temperamental investment over X units or houses, and you’ve got yourself a logistical challenge. Skilled carriers know how to load, secure, and ship stone slabs to ensure they won’t crack, break, or get scratched. Protect your investment from the get-go: Leave the shipping to FreightCenter. The professionalism and expertise of our carriers are guaranteed.

Masonry

What’s your pleasure? Red brick or native stone? Wood siding or stucco? Residential facades vary by region; sometimes, local materials are used, and sometimes they must be shipped across state or national lines. But whether finishing out a residential exterior or building stone walls or walkways, GCs need expert masons. Masonry professionals build everything from block foundation walls to fireplaces. They install stone and brick veneer, glass blocks, and granite. And they must get those heavy bulk materials to their job sites safely and intact. Although the weather doesn’t affect masonry materials unless improperly stored or protected, materials should be kept high, dry, and covered—including during transport. Make sure your supplier has proper procedures in place for shipping, or better yet, let FreightCenter do it for you.

Plumbing

If you live in an average single-family home, maybe you’re thinking small scale: one home equals one or two toilets, tubs and showers, and three or four sinks, including the kitchen. Now, consider that most new neighborhoods are built as master-planned communities, through maybe a handful of national builders at a time, with a limited selection of floor plans and exterior and interior choices. Gatherings are planned in bulk, if you will because building that way is more efficient and effective. And suddenly, you’re not buying just a few standardized toilets and tubs at a time; you’re buying thousands of fixtures for hundreds of homes. And, of course, the same concept applies to apartment and condominium complexes. Enter your trusty third-party logistics company. If you’re a plumbing subcontractor with a lot on the plate, FreightCenter can ensure the best shipping options for the best price, and we’re happy to work with you or directly with your supplier. If you’re keeping count, that’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Appliances

Finally, let’s look at the finishing touches and conveniences of a brand-new home: appliances. Imagine the hundreds of washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in every new build community. In the case of rental apartments, that’s a lot of uniform items arriving from the same manufacturer in close succession. The logistics of that operation alone are mind-boggling, but building managers can’t rent out units—and property owners don’t make money—until the details are complete. Make sure your order arrives not only on time but undamaged. FreightCenter has relationships with hundreds of vetted carriers and can ensure your delivery will arrive as expected. We’ll get you up and running in no time.

Landscaping

One of the most appealing aspects of modern residential communities is their amenities. Master-planned neighborhoods and new apartment or condominium complexes frequently offer recreational options like parks, swimming pools, community centers, and hike and bike trails. And, of course, the landscaping is pretty attractive, too. Landscape architects and designers make outdoor living functional; more new build projects offer communal green space where people can enjoy the natural landscape or gather at the clubhouse for barbecues with their neighbors. Landscape contractors are responsible for ordering and installing bulky, awkward, and climate-sensitive items like sod, plants, and trees, all of which require special shipping considerations (think temperature control) to arrive undamaged. Landscape contractors are also responsible for patio and retaining wall materials, gazeboes, water features…all those little touches that add to significant results. Whether for single- or attached-home communities, let FreightCenter arrange the best methods and prices for delivering such specialized cargo to your site.

Building the Construction Supply Chain

Construction crews can build only as quickly as they receive materials. It makes sense for logistics professionals to help manage the supply chain for new residential projects. An experienced third-party logistics company like FreightCenter can work with general contractors and subcontractors to ensure materials are bundled and shipped in a way that makes sense, efficiently and economically.