Shipping Building Materials for New Construction

Logistics operators are often involved in the shipping of building materials for different property types, be it attached-home and multi-family communities or single-family homes.

While the list of items to be moved is quite long, ranging from landscaping materials and appliances to plumbing and fixtures, there are some factors to consider, including transportation insurance coverage, permits required, equipment, and securing materials that can be used.Types of Building Materials That Can Be Shipped

European logistics operators transport a variety of building materials for single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and other properties. Landscaping materials that are often shipped to new construction sites include water and screening features, pools, retaining walls, patios, and plants and trees. Plumbing and fixtures that are commonly moved include pipes, tubes, toilets, and sinks. Builders also need natural stone slabs such as marble, quartz, and granite as well as masonry materials, ranging from walkways and walks to bricks for exteriors, stones, and concrete blocks. Finally, appliances are also moved to new construction sites, including dishwashers, dryers, washing machines, and other large household appliances.

Construction tools and machines are also shipped domestically and internationally, including equipment such as:

• Utility equipment
• Trench shoring equipment
• Roadwork equipment
• Power generation
• Landscaping and forest equipment
• Screening and crushing equipment
• Work tool attachments

Shipping Considerations

Some materials are heavy and long and require specialized transportation and special arrangements. This is the case with building materials that are used for the structure of homes, including floor joists, roof trusses, headers, and studs. The same is true for natural stone slabs as they are difficult to transport and usually heavy. Stone slabs must be secured firmly in place to prevent them from getting scratched, broken, or cracked. When it comes to masonry materials, they must be stored and transported covered and dry. Roofing materials are some of the bulkiest and biggest, and carriers often use tie-down methods for safe shipping. Roofing products are usually transported by tractors with semi-trailers or open deck vehicles. The choice of vehicle depends on the type of product and load size. The equipment used at off-loading and loading points is a major consideration. Roofing suppliers, for example, usually use trucks with booms and self-contained cranes that can unload products on top of buildings. Fixed construction cranes with telehandlers are also used at building sites to move materials at heights.

A variety of shipping techniques and materials are used to transport bulky goods, including crates and bins fitted with mesh steel and steel, aluminum, plastic, and wood pallets. Telehandlers and forklifts are also used at off-load and load sites as well as trailers and flat-deck trucks with hoisting capabilities. Finally, roll-off and roll-on containers can be used for loose and large items.

What Else to Consider

Permits may be required for heavy equipment and bulky items, especially when shipped overseas. Another factor is what the transportation insurance covers as in some cases, it is best to buy supplementary freight insurance.