The complete guide to Chicago construction delivery logistics: fleet, routes, and last-mile success

Getting construction supply delivery logistics right takes a lot of meticulous planning, especially in dense metropolitan areas like Chicago. There are many ways that the fleets, delivery types, and courier options could make or break your supply chain. Here’s what you need to know about every element of logistics planning, and how to optimize for success. 

What goes into Chicago construction delivery logistics?

For the average construction material supplier, warehouse workers and project managers must consider factors such as route planning, delivery types, and vehicle options. But Chicago, in particular, faces unique challenges in the construction industry around site access, traffic flow, and the more complex urban environment. Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• Permits and regulations: A company’s delivery logistics must meet Chicago’s regulations, which may impose parameters on material handling, delivery times, and vehicle types. 
• Job site access: Urban construction sites have limited space for storing supplies, which means deliveries must be precise and timely to prevent clutter and project delays. 
• Dense urban areas: Chicago’s streets are busy, which means there are minimal access points to job sites. This also means suppliers and drivers need to plan to avoid creating congestion in unloading zones carefully. 

Now that you have an understanding of what some of the considerations look like, let’s dive into the details. 

Logistics details: what you need to know

1. Fleets

When you’re looking to establish the fleet that works best for your business, there are a few Chicago-based options to consider. Fleet rental and leasing companies are one, and they specialize in renting vehicles for both short-term projects and long-term fleet needs. 

Dedicated fleet services are another option, offering a more well-rounded service, including driver management and vehicle maintenance. Specialized fleet companies work with a particular type of service or construction material, like heavy equipment. They’re a great option if your products require special handling. 

Good to know: Fleet rental and leasing requires a heavier lift by your internal team, and if you opt for specialized transportation, it may be more costly. 

2. Routing options

When it comes to route planning, construction manager (CM) services and direct collaboration with contractors are available for Chicago-based businesses. CM services involve hiring an individual who acts on behalf of the business owner to manage contracts, deliveries, and shipping schedules. Collaborating with contractors is another popular choice for those on larger projects, as it creates more avenues for communication and a unified strategy to execute on time. 

An increasingly popular option that offers the best of both worlds is to use a third-party logistics (3PL) platform. These companies provide a broader solution for managing fleets, scheduling hotshots, and using dedicated route service. It’s smarter centralized logistics management in a user-friendly desktop app. 

Good to know: While working directly with contractors opens up communication, the back-and-forth can still cause delays and increase the risk of miscommunication and human error. 

3. Delivery types 

There are many delivery types available to Chicago-based suppliers and distributors. Hotshot deliveries, straightforward point A to point B shipping, are becoming increasingly popular for those needing a flexible and fast delivery option. Scheduled and dedicated deliveries are a great way to automate and optimize routine deliveries for those with more consistent schedules. 

Some couriers offer more specialized services for handling heavy or large quantities of materials, such as steel, timber, and modular components. 

Good to know: Some couriers only offer one or two delivery types, whereas others, mainly 3PL couriers, can offer a range of options at a competitive price. 

4. Booking the right vehicle

There are many small and medium-sized delivery vehicle options available to Chicagoans, but the availability of larger vehicles is more limited for oversized loads. Many distributors opt to split their logistics by material size, but some couriers offer everything from sedans to semi-truck service. 

Vehicle options through reliable 3PL services include cars, cargo vans, flatbed trucks, gooseneck trailers, and more. Using 3PL service means streamlining services and having all delivery vehicles scheduled and routed through one app. 

Good to know: Working with companies that specialize in oversized delivery can be expensive, but 3PL courier services often provide the flexibility to deliver materials of any size. 

5. Modern vs traditional third-party couriers

All of the above logistics details may fluctuate in availability depending on the provider you go with. Many distributors and suppliers in construction opt for traditional couriers because that’s “the way it is,” and businesses are slow to change. But here are the roadblocks many experience with traditional couriers:

• There’s no visibility: Most couriers pick up an order, and the sender has no idea about the order status (or if it was delivered!) until they receive word from the customer. 
• Customer satisfaction is often an afterthought: Traditional couriers are laser-focused on completing their routes. Communication, proper handling, and precise drop-off are seldom a top priority. 
• They’re slow: Hotshot deliveries and rush shipments, if available, are often slow. When the fastest available turnaround time is 1-2 days, it frustrates suppliers and customers. 
• It’s expensive: Shipping costs from traditional couriers are more costly, especially if distributors need something rush-delivered. The cost is often passed on to the customer, and businesses struggle with retention and scaling as a result. 

With modern, app-based logistics platforms, virtually all of these issues are resolved. Users can access a wide range of delivery options, choose affordable same-day delivery, and track their delivery status from start to finish. Additionally, getting started is as easy as downloading the app and making your first booking. No steep learning curve or interrupting your current logistics processes. Just convenience and hassle-free delivery. 

Curri is the modern solution that helps you scale

Chicago construction material delivery is made easier with Curri. We are a complete logistics platform, helping users book any delivery type, any vehicle, with a delivery turnaround that always satisfies. It helps businesses grow, retain customers, and even win sales. 

Users access a nationwide fleet of drivers that not only serve the Chicago area, but also anywhere in the United States. Book a demo with our team today to learn more about how Curri can streamline operations and scale your business.