Managing a project involving shipping can be expensive. Here are 4 ways to reduce operational costs of trucking on projects.
Projects have deadlines and budgets that can pose a challenge for project managers. Perhaps this is why so many find that taking steps to cushion their bottom line can be very beneficial – especially should any roadblocks arise. How do they do it? Finding ways to reduce the operational costs of trucking is a great place to start.
As we discuss ways to do this, take some time to consider your own costs for trucking and transportation. Sure, from start to finish you need materials, tools, and equipment for the project, but does that mean you have to maintain hefty transportation or trucking costs? Not at all.
No matter how impossible it may seem, there are four ways that may help you to reduce the operational costs of trucking on projects.
1. Order All Your Materials at Once
Pack up that truck! Think of it this way, any empty space means wasted money. By ordering everything at once, you will only have to pay for one transport and delivery – and you can store it all until you need it.
To have a successful project, you have to have the materials for it delivered in a timely manner. While many choose to have delivery during different phases of the project, this can lead to multiple payments required for their transportation.
It is worth considering that when you purchase all the materials for your project before it commences, you will likely have to account for multiple pickup locations. By planning your route wisely, you can access all your stops in an efficient manner, utilize all the space in your truck, and save yourself on trucking expenses. As you work out the logistics, remember that just because a route is shorter doesn’t make it more economical – be sure to consider every angle.
2. Keep Your Trucking Options Open
It is easy to rely on a certain carrier when it comes to delivering your goods. You get in a routine. They know your expectations – and you know theirs. Developing business relationships and connections is important, but so is looking out for the financial health of your project. Money spent on trucking unnecessarily can be used in other areas – or to inflate the profits.
It is important to recognize that if you limit your options for truckers, then you can easily find yourself paying a higher rate. So, to cut your costs, keep your trucking options open and use only those that are most cost-effective for you. Increase your list of potential carriers so that you can be sure you are always getting the best rate and the most efficient run.
3. Monitor Your Drivers
If you have hired your own driver to handle runs between your storage or warehouse and your project site, you have to have a high level of trust. Is your driver taking the most direct route? How can you be sure that the driver and the truck are not running extra errands or sitting idling for long periods, increasing your fuel charges? Any of these things can take your normal trucking costs and escalate them.
To hold your drivers accountable, you could invest in asset tracking software that will allow you to monitor all the specifics of the trip in real-time. Or, of course, you can eliminate the need for drivers altogether by opting for on-site storage.
4. On-Site Storage
There are many pieces of machinery and equipment as well as materials that are necessary for completing projects. Having them conveniently located on-site can significantly reduce – or eliminate – trucking costs on projects.
Consider having to transport equipment to the job site every day. As we just discussed, not only would this be inconvenient and time-consuming it also involves transportation costs and puts the fate of your bottom line in the hands of a driver. Not to mention that you’d also have to invest in the truck itself that would transport these items to the job site every day and back to the secure off-site storage every night. The same holds true for your materials. Every time you are ready to move onto a new phase of the construction project, you will have to have a new delivery of materials from your storage to the job site.
Handling your project will be so much easier with on-site storage. You will have everything you need – when you need it. Your crew won’t have to wait, phases of your project won’t be halted due to lack of materials, and there will be no back and forth between a warehouse/storage location and your project site. Everything will be conveniently located.
Further, by investing in a temporary storage solution for your job site, you are already opening yourself up to saving money. And that, too, will benefit your bottom line. You get the size of space you need, nothing more or less, as well as space when and where you need it. It is customized to meet your needs which means you only have to pay for what is necessary.
Temporary onsite storage is secure, durable, and ready to handle any inclement weather that comes its way. Everything underneath the roof will be protected. This should bring you a sense of ease and comfort knowing that you have all the materials you necessary for your project – and they are all securely protected.
Increase Your Bottom Line
When you make smart choices about your operational costs of trucking – such as investing in on-site storage – you can significantly reduce your trucking costs. In fact, you may even be able to eliminate them altogether. What does this mean for your bottom line?
It increases.
In business and as a project manager, making smart choices can lead to a future of great success. Meeting the deadlines for the project as well as the budget that was set forth can be easy when you take the right steps to eliminate trucking costs on projects.
So, be sure to use all the space on your trucks by gathering up all your supplies in one sweep. Choose your truck carrier wisely to save the most money. And, invest in on-site storage so that you can conveniently access your materials as you need them for your project.
