Transport and Logistics: A Structural Challenge in the Construction Sector

Transport and Logistics: A Structural Challenge in the Construction Sector

More Information Learn more about the Q-platform: qonnected-logistics.com/q-platformLearn more about optimizing your Equipment Logistics: qonnected-logistics.com/q-sl 

Learn more about outsourcing your Equipment Service: qonnected-logistics.com/logistic-outsourcing

In our daily practice, we speak with many contractors, both large and small. A recurring theme in these conversations is the lack of insight into the logistics costs of construction projects. While most companies have a good overall understanding of their cost structure, the specific costs of moving construction equipment and transporting building materials often remain largely invisible. This lack of detail makes it difficult to effectively steer for efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability.

Logistics within construction broadly breaks down into three domains:

• Moving construction equipment – such as cranes, machines, and tools.

• Transporting building materials – like timber, concrete, insulation, and steel.

• Transporting personnel – where shuttle services are increasingly being required in tenders.

Each of these domains has its own challenges and financial impact, which are often underestimated.

Building Materials: The Hidden Costs of “Delivered Free to Site”

Many contractors assume that transporting building materials does not cost them anything because these materials are delivered “free to site” (franco huis). However, the idea that delivery is free is a misconception. In reality, the transport costs are embedded in the material costs, often with a markup by the supplier. These costs are not transparent and make it difficult to evaluate alternative logistics strategies.

Making the actual costs visible, excluding transport, can provide valuable insights. When contractors gain more control over this part of the chain, opportunities arise to organize the logistics themselves or outsource it at lower costs. The result: sharper purchasing prices and a more manageable logistics chain.

Construction Equipment: Logistics Bottlenecks and Inefficiencies

While the transport of materials often goes unnoticed, there is usually more focus on moving owned construction equipment. In reality, this process is frequently cumbersome and inefficient. Construction sites in urban areas are often small and hard to access. Municipal regulations can further complicate the situation, with requirements such as:

• Deliveries within specific time slots (e.g., before 8:00 AM).

• Access restricted to zero-emission vehicles.

• Mandatory deployment of traffic controllers and permits.

In addition, we see equipment regularly being transported back from construction sites to central storage facilities. These transport movements, sometimes multiple times per month, are time-consuming and lead to unnecessary costs. Besides the direct financial impact, environmental concerns are playing an increasingly important role. Reducing CO₂ emissions has become a serious task within the sector.

Strategic Solutions: From Insight to Optimization

Improving construction logistics starts with insight. By mapping out the current situation, bottlenecks and inefficiencies can be identified. Based on this, several strategies are possible to optimize the logistics process:

1. Transparency in Material Costs. Contractors can ask suppliers to specify material costs excluding transport. This creates the opportunity to organise transport separately and manage it more effectively. In some cases, this can lead to lower total costs and greater control over delivery times and locations.The Q-platform from Qonnected Logistics offers this feature free of charge and already works with the largest suppliers in the Netherlands. You only need to inquire.

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3. Regional Storage Facilities. Using decentralised storage locations – Q-Bouwhubs – can play a key role in reducing transport movements. By storing construction equipment near the site:

   • Travel time for equipment transport is significantly reduced.

   • Urban accessibility challenges can be better addressed.

   • Equipment can be deployed more efficiently, reducing idle time.A network of Q-Bouwhubs, strategically spread across the Netherlands, can help contractors achieve these benefits.

     
     

4. Digital Equipment Planning. An integrated digital planning tool like the Q-platform enables contractors to better coordinate their equipment flows. This leads to fewer unplanned transport movements, lower costs, and higher utilization rates for equipment.The Q-platform even offers the possibility to rent out equipment to fellow contractors during “idle days” without sharing the planning details. This further optimizes equipment utilization.

   
   

5. Outsourcing Logistics Processes. For companies that do not consider logistics a core activity, outsourcing (parts of) Equipment Logistics and material flows to a logistics service provider can be a logical next step. This reduces internal complexity and allows contractors to fully focus on their core process: building.You retain ownership of your equipment but significantly lower logistics costs.

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Outsourcing the Equipment Service: A Strategic Choice

A step further is the complete outsourcing of the Equipment Service. In this model, a contractor sells their equipment to a logistics partner and rents it back only when needed. This offers several advantages:

• Reduction of fixed costs – no expenses for storage, maintenance, or personnel.

• Flexibility – access to a wide range of equipment without investment risks.

• Efficiency – just-in-time delivery and removal of equipment at the construction site.

• Sustainability – fewer transport movements and optimal equipment utilisation.

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Although this model requires careful consideration, it can contribute to a leaner and more agile organization in the long term.

Conclusion: Logistics as a Strategic Focus

Logistics is not a side issue in construction. It directly impacts costs, lead times, planning, and project sustainability. By gaining insight into actual logistics costs and strategically considering solutions such as regional Q-Bouwhubs, digital planning, and outsourcing, contractors can achieve substantial savings while increasing their operational flexibility.