Safely Transporting Construction Materials

March 21, 2023

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How To Safely Transport Construction Materials

The American construction industry—and our country’s economy itself—would fail to function without a robust construction material transportation infrastructure. Trucks carry nearly all of the materials used in construction, delivering them to the right place at the right time. For this to happen the way it should, thousands of details need to be exactly right.

If you’re renting your construction transport vehicles and aren’t sure where to begin, read on. International Used Truck Center covers what you should know about meeting federal regulations, getting the right truck, and finding cost-effective solutions when transporting materials.

Construction Material Logistics: Making a Plan

A sound construction transport logistics plan is essential—you’ll need to account for every last detail so that every piece of equipment and all of the needed materials arrive on time:

  • Inbound products and machinery have to be available on time and in the order they are needed, or your crew could lose valuable work time.
  • You will also need to account for outbound materials; all worksites will have excess materials that need to be disposed of, as well as rented equipment that needs returning. Getting rented equipment back on time is crucial because late returns will incur a fee.
  • Good project planning involves an accurate estimate of the cost. Remember to factor in the cost of truck rental fees, operating costs, and fuel expenses when budgeting for construction material transportation.

Choosing the Right Type of Truck

The trucks you rent must be able to handle the materials you’re transporting, which may require special accommodations. Cement requires constant agitation that only a specialized truck can handle. Flatbed trucks can transport roofing materials, lumber, and drywall—but you will need to select a truck size and type that can safely handle the weight of your materials.

Weight, Capacities, and Truck Sizes

Federal, state, and local truck regulations exist to protect road surfaces and the safety of all drivers; a truck must not carry more weight than is designated as safe for its class and size. If your construction material transportation requires a specific type of truck, you will need drivers who have undergone specialized, industry-specific training.

Securing Materials and Protecting Workers

Securing construction materials for transport is a new challenge each and every time! The right solution must be based on the safe handling requirements of the products. Not only will you need to take care to load and unload materials in ways that do not cause damage, but you will need to account for the safety of the people doing the work. That may mean anything from providing back braces to having a forklift or telehandler equipment present at the load and off-load zones.

We Can Help With Safe Construction Material Transportation

The team at International Used Truck Center is standing by to answer your questions about effective construction transport logistics and planning! Reach out to us online or give us a call at 1-800-448-7825 to learn more.

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