Modular Construction Logistics: Unveiling Unspoken Needs

What you think you need versus what you actually need in modular construction logistics

As the modular construction industry continues to evolve thanks to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, more unspoken needs in this field rise to the surface. Amidst the latest technologies and materials, modular construction projects require more than just a basic understanding of logistics to succeed. In fact, the things you might think you need versus the things you actually need are often different. 

In this article, we’ll cover some examples of these unspoken needs. Plus, we’ll discuss how Stream Modular has helped our partners succeed thanks to our deep level of understanding of the modular industry.

Modular construction logistics’ unspoken needs 

Modular construction logistics management oversees everything from site-specific logistics to transportation efficiency, from staging yards to digital integration. Many industry players navigate the complexities of basic modular construction logistics with finesse. However, in our deep exploration of the industry, we have learned that often, the things manufacturers anticipate needing don’t encompass everything they truly need to succeed. That’s why addressing unspoken needs has been our focus in the last year at Stream Modular. 

Here are two recent examples of unspoken needs that we unearthed over the past few months. 

Professional staging yard management

Traditionally finding staging yards for modular construction projects has been the responsibility of a general contractor or factory. The work can be annoying and includes a wide variety of tasks, such as:

• An excessive amount of research and searching
• Negotiating leases and contracts
• Adequately insuring the property
• Coordinating security
• Planning the module layout to consider sequencing
• Arranging cribbing, material handling equipment, and lighting

After seeing the struggles in this work, Steam Modular asked our partners if it would be helpful if we took on the task of figuring out the logistics for staging yard management. After hearing a resounding “yes,” we knew we had uncovered a huge unspoken need for the industry. 

In October of 2023, we professionally managed our first staging yard, with several more planned in 2024. Our experience allows us to understand that each construction site is unique. They present distinct challenges that can significantly impact the efficiency of the project. With a focus on a tailored approach based on site characteristics, local regulations, and infrastructure, our goal is to mitigate delays or cost overruns and to ensure a seamless operation, from transportation to managing staging yards.

Factory yard trailers

Factory yard trailers play a crucial role in modular construction logistics, facilitating the transportation of completed modules from the end of the factory line to temporary storage in a yard. While these trailers are of significant importance to any project, every factory seems to have its own unique methods for moving modules. Some use good solutions, such as a Combilift straddle carrier. Others are limited by space or size and have to use a combination of column lifts, mod carriers, and forklifts, which isn’t as solid of an option.

During the past several years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with over three dozen factories and consistently see obstacles and inefficiencies in these methods used to move modules around. Most unfortunate is that the methods are slow and pose a meaningful risk of module damage. With this in mind, we designed a trailer specific to this use case.

The trailer we’ve designed has a wide variety of benefits, including:

1. It can be pulled with a variety of vehicles (tractors, forklifts, trucks, etc.).
2. It uses hydraulic power to lift and lower a deck for easy loading/unloading.
3. It is a vehicle perfectly sized for the specific operations of the factory.

Ultimately, this trailer will cut the required handling time down by a third to a quarter of the time while assuring much safer handling.  We just launched this concept in the winter of 2023 and have three trailers leased to factories, with many more coming this year.

Modular construction logistics projects are unique

As a modular construction logistics partner, it’s our job to be the experts who develop solutions to help you get your job done better. When we come across an unspoken need, we invest in solutions to create services to address them.

At Stream Modular, we take into account not only what you think you need but also the nuanced requirements that make up unspoken needs. If you are ready to embark on a modular construction project, connect with professionals experienced in solving the unique puzzle each project represents. 

Read more: 

• Perfecting Modular Construction Plans
• Shrink-Wrapping Modules for Transport: Best Practices with Wrap Dynamics
• Stream Modular: 2023 Year in Review

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.