Construction Transportation Logistics FAQs

The logistics of construction transportation are a linchpin for any modular construction project’s success, key to ensuring that everything arrives safely and on time. In this article, we’ll cover some key considerations and best practices for transporting modules. Read on to learn the answers to some frequently asked questions about strategies for optimizing your construction transportation.

What is the scope of prefabricated construction materials?

The scope of prefab logistics is vast and diverse, but much of it is extremely large. Due to their size, construction materials are typically transported using various trailers. At Stream Modular, we focus on prefab transportation models, whose materials include:

• Modules. These are often used in the multifamily apartment industry and the hotel industry. They are transported as large fully-built housing units.
• Pods. These are usually built for small spaces like bathrooms or kitchens,used in projects such as hospitals, data centers, and student housing. They are typically transported on a step deck trailer with multiple pods per delivery.
• Panels. These usually require just-in-time delivery to avoid storage and over-handling. They are transported using specialized methods to maintain their integrity.

How are these prefabricated construction materials transported?

Transporting construction materials involves a strategic dance between efficiency, safety, and precision. Standard transportation methods include various types of trailers.

No matter the method, there are many things to consider when it comes to construction transportation. These include properly measuring the modules’ dimensions before beginning the journey or ensuring your modules are optimally wrapped for protection during transport and storage. Safeguarding materials from damage during transportation is critical, so you should also take into account bracing and blocking, weatherproofing, and straps as necessary.

Once the materials reach the construction site, you must also factor in on-site transportation needs. For heavy and oversized materials, cranes and hoists will be pivotal in lifting and placing the project’s components.

What about over-dimensional regulations?

To ensure safety on roads and highways, states have adopted different regulations for construction transportation. The regulations for oversized construction materials include required safety equipment, warning signs, banners and flags, lights, permits, and escort vehicles. Each state has its own regulations that you should familiarize yourself with, as the rules differ slightly across each state.

What is the importance of route planning in construction transportation?

Transporting construction materials, whether within your state or interstate, also requires careful consideration and planning of your shipment’s route. These transports are usually over-dimensional and subject to regulations, as previously mentioned. Not only that, a route needs to consider narrow roads, bridges, or tunnels that aren’t designed for oversized loads. Limited access points, weight restrictions, or a lack of appropriate loading and unloading facilities can cause delays in construction and increased costs for a project. 

The route from the staging yard to the build site also needs to be optimized in preparation for the modules’ arrival. It’s important to identify the best route and potential obstacles between these two points for your particular mode of transport. You or your logistics partner should consider variables in transit time, such as traffic, curfew hours, and other constraints, as part of the planning process.

How is loading/unloading materials handled in storage yards?

Construction transportation often includes using a storage yard. In these cases, mods, pods, and panels are shipped from the factory to a storage yard, where they are held before being moved to the build site. Successful projects using storage yards need a Plan Delivery Sequence to ensure the modules are in the right place at the right time and to prevent the cranes from being idle. 

If using a storage yard, you’ll also need to consider the best cribbing solutions for your project. 

Partner with professionals

Modular construction freight can be difficult to transport, as it is often oversized and requires strict adherence to a host of regulations. Successful construction transportation is made easier with the help of a professional modular construction partner. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to make your modular construction build as seamless as possible, reach out to our team. We are obsessed with modular construction and want to streamline the logistics process for our partners.

Read more: 

• Perfecting Modular Construction Plans
• What You Need to Know About State Oversize Permits for Over-Dimensional, Wide, and Heavy Haul Trucking
• Volumetric Construction: Overcoming Transportation Challenges

Stream Modular is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in modular construction. We help modular manufacturers and builders transport mods, pods, and panels so they arrive on time and safely to the build site.