Construction and engineering projects bear many challenges. One of them is certainly transport logistics. Especially for companies that tend to do on overseas construction projects. But even when they are concentrated on domestic jobs, this remains one of the biggest issues for them: how to transport construction material? Which solutions to use to transport large machinery and gear? By what method to transport workers? How to get through Saudi customs clearance? Are you looking for the best transport logistics tips for construction and engineering? This article should shed some light and help you to organize in the most efficient manner.
Thorough planning is the first of the transport logistics tips for construction and engineering
When you are preparing for a construction and engineering project the first thing to do is to make a plan. This plan should clarify which gear, construction material and the number of workers you need to move to the construction site. Of course, this differs from project to project. And only you and your associates can answer that question. After you develop a working plan, you can start looking for transport logistics tips for construction and engineering solutions. Maybe your company has all the necessary resources to organize this. On the other hand, you might need to use sea cargo Jeddah. Or other third-party transport solutions. Of course, this depends on your company’s capacity. But also on the location where the project will be conducted.
Overseas and domestic transport logistics challenges for construction and engineering
Of course, there is a big difference between domestic and overseas project logistics. Maybe you are working on a domestic job. Then, flatbed trucks or trains could be enough to transport your equipment and machinery to the site. Of, on the other hand, maybe you are working on an international project. In this case, challenges would be much different. Especially if it is an overseas assignment.
Carriage logistics challenges for domestic industrial projects
If you will be working on a domestic project, as mentioned above, flatbed trucks or trains are your transporting options. If you will be relying on your own resources, the task will be more difficult. Then when you are using a third-party logistics company. In this case, you will need to:
- Plan routes for your convoy.
- Notify authorities in a case you need empty roads.
- Think about timing and schedule.
- Prepare a way out in the case of trouble
This also requires strong communication skills and a high level of transparency. Especially, between your project managers, logistics managers, and people in charge of the transport of machinery and equipment. There are so many different challenges in this case. So one of the best transport logistics advice for construction and engineering you will hear is to work with an experienced logistics company. Let them do the entire math concerning transportation. And you concentrate on finishing your project.
Transportation challenges with international construction and engineering projects
Your first task concerning overseas construction project transport will be to find a reliable international logistics services. Ones that have experience with transferring construction machinery and equipment. Unfortunately, there aren’t many shipping companies that are specialized in that kind of work. And those that do are usually booked throughout the year. This means that you need to start planning and searching for a shipping company for many months in advance.
Deciding on means of transport with international construction projects
In cooperation with their experts, you will need to decide about the best means of transportation. Of course, airfreight is the fastest way of transport, but it is usually not convenient for large and heavy machinery. This leaves you with ocean freight as the only possible solution. However, cargo ships are slow. Sea cargo from Saudi Arabia to India, for example, will take around 10 days to arrive. But getting to a more distant destination could take even more. That is also a thing to bear in mind while planning your project.
Transference logistics for construction and engineering, and handling immense paperwork
If you are looking for transport logistics information for construction and engineering concerning international projects, one of the challenges will be immense paperwork. For this, you will need to think about import/export documents for construction materials and your machinery and equipment. However, you will also need to handle visas and working permits for your workers. This can sometimes represent the biggest challenge of all. That is why the general advice is to hire a good freight forwarding company to handle this for you.
How to avoid dealing with import/export paperwork and visas
One of the solutions that construction companies that work on overseas projects resort to is hiring a local workforce. Also, renting construction equipment. Or acquiring materials in the country where the project is conducted. Of course, this requires a local branch that will put this through. Maybe a reliable local partner. Or cooperation with local authorities. However, this idea has a financial side to it as well.
Make sure that you have control over your budget and expenses at all times
Planning your budget and controlling your expenses is one of the major transport logistics tips for construction and engineering. Maybe you are thinking about hiring a third-party logistics company. In this case, make sure that you compare quotes from at least a few sources. Or you are considering hiring a local workforce. Then make sure that you understand all the expenses. Working on large construction projects is a good way to create revenue. However, if you are not controlling your expenses, you could easily fall into debt. Or even fall out of the project. That is why planning your budget, and understanding your expenses is one of your most important tasks.
