How to optimize Houston logistics for same-day construction delivery

The construction demand in Houston is bustling and only continues to grow. The city is seeing more investment in the energy sector, retail construction, and market growth, stemming from and as a result of a population boom. 

With that boom comes the need to streamline construction logistics. Businesses need to keep project timelines tight to meet demand, which means staying agile and facilitating last-minute deliveries when needed. Here’s how construction businesses can optimize logistics to better support same-day deliveries. 

The problems Houston distributors face

Delivery logistics in the Houston area are often rigid, so when businesses aim to streamline their operations for smoother delivery, problems arise. Here are some of the main challenges Houston suppliers, distributors, and construction companies face. 

• Errors causing last-minute orders: Construction sites are volatile, and it’s not uncommon for managers to misorder supplies, for equipment to break down, or for other emergencies to disrupt pre-planned routes. 
• Site complexity: Job sites are constantly shifting and changing. Addresses are unclear, entry points change, and other shifting access points can cause miscommunication and failed deliveries. 
• Vehicle capacity: Vehicle space is seldom optimized, with large materials like lumber being mixed in with smaller hardware components. This can result in inefficiencies or failure to complete the entire delivery. 
• Limited loading docks: Some sites lack adequate loading and unloading docks, creating congestion in the receiving area. 
• Misplaced deliveries: Same-day shipments can be delivered to the wrong location on a busy site, which can stall project progress and slow timelines. 
• Lack of order status visibility: Once a shipment is on its way, the sender and the receiver have no live tracking information, which means frequent calls to dispatchers disrupt project progress.

How to better facilitate same-day construction material delivery in Houston: 7 ways

1. Establish strong communication with distributors and suppliers

Maintaining strong communication with distributors is integral to proper delivery management. Construction project managers should check in routinely with supplies to confirm order quantities, delivery dates and times, and other details that impact project timelines. 

Effective communication might mean sharing a project schedule that highlights key delivery windows. Suppliers and distributors can utilize this shared information to better plan their routes and prioritize the right deliveries at the right time. Construction managers should also establish a main point of contact for delivery, so the distributor and courier service know who to reach out to if needed. 

2. Plan deliveries based on the current project phase

Most well-planned construction projects are executed in phases. This timeline breakdown prevents job site congestion and ensures proper material delivery when workers and contractors need it. Project phases can be more intricate on a day-to-day basis or as simple as highlighting foundation work, envelope construction, framing, wiring, and finishing. 

A good master schedule will break down every phase on a day-by-day level. This will allow a team to map out when they need their lumber delivery, when to expect the foundation pours, and when to schedule their HVAC equipment installation. 

Once a master schedule is planned in detail, workers on site will be better prepared to receive it if same-day delivery is needed. 

3. Leverage hotshot deliveries

Hotshot deliveries are those that go directly from point A to point B, without making multiple stops in between. Often leveraged as next-day or same-day deliveries, hotshots are becoming integral to meet the increasing construction demand. 

Businesses use hotshots when they under-order materials, when parts arrive damaged, when equipment breaks down, or when production runs off-schedule. No construction project runs perfectly on schedule or as planned, and that’s where hotshots come in. Shipping and receiving materials quickly streamlines work and keeps projects on time. Hotshots are an important part of making that happen. 

4. Keep your site organized

An organized job site is an agile job site. When the site has designated areas for various material types, properly marked loading zones, and a schedule everyone can access, it improves managing deliveries of all types and reduces handling costs. 

Consider creating dedicated pathways for specific delivery vehicles and establishing protocols for handling and storing materials. Couriers should receive clear instructions about following proper procedure, and this preparation in advance will have drivers in and out while reducing rehandling confusion down the road. 

5. Consolidate orders when possible

When businesses consolidate orders, be they scheduled or same-day rush deliveries, it reduces transportation costs and minimizes congestion on site. Project managers should assess material requirements across all project phases and identify opportunities for consolidation. 

This works well for the items that teams need across multiple phases, like electrical components, plumbing, fasteners, and other basic hardware. Just keep in mind that you will need adequate storage to hold materials in advance of their needed phase. This requires delicate balancing between the convenience of reduced deliveries and the increased work to manage the inventory. 

6. Use flexible 3PL logistics tooling like Curri

Many conventional construction couriers offer nothing but rigid routing with inflexible timelines. Services like FedEx and UPS typically take days at their fastest, and local service providers are also limited in terms of availability, route types, and turnaround times. 

But by using a flexible third-party logistics (3PL) provider, businesses can choose their delivery and vehicle type, and can often access a larger network of drivers. Distance, in this case, isn’t a blocker for quick deliveries. A great 3PL service provider is professional, reliable, and versatile in its offerings, from dedicated routes to hotshots. Here’s how they compare to conventional courier services. 

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7. Plan to be agile in the event of delays 

When primary suppliers and couriers cause delays, it’s important to consider a backup option. Create lists of backup suppliers and trusted last-minute couriers. This will keep issues at bay and will help businesses create or maintain relationships with more vendors. 

Effective contingency planning also means accounting for buffer time in project phases to accommodate potential material delays. Project managers should use historical data to determine which materials and suppliers might be most at risk of disrupting project timelines, and plan for backup options for those suppliers, especially. This means minor issues and delays don’t snowball into complete disruptions or project stalling. 

Stay ready for any type of delivery with Curri

Curri is a comprehensive logistics platform that helps businesses streamline every part of their supply chain. Users can book anything from hotshots to LTLs to dedicated route service, while accessing our nationwide fleet of drivers. 

The best part? Getting started is as simple as creating an account and making your first booking. Curri is fast, professional, reliable, and cost-effective. Perfect for the hustle of the construction industry in Houston. Book a demo with the team today to learn more.