The usage of technology and delivery services is becoming the norm in the construction delivery service industry. Logistics Management reports “The pandemic sent shockwaves to the supply chain, forcing retailers to look at how they track and stock inventory. New technology aimed at tracking inventory and planning the logistics for distribution also played a major role in changing consumer expectations regarding delivery times.”
The need for construction deliveries, services, and goods is unparalleled. And with so many construction materials needing specific equipment to ensure safe transportation, loading, and unloading, deliveries can become complex very quickly. On top of that, trying to fulfill demand while maintaining customer expectations creates a difficult balancing act within logistics departments.
The only way for many construction companies to successfully address all of these items is to rely on an API. Matching customers with drivers. automatically placing delivery orders, and completing payments has never been easier thanks to API platforms that specialize in procurment.
Issues With Management of Material Transportation
Construction is a massively growing market, estimated to reach $14.4 trillion by 2030, reports Digital Builder. On site construction deliveries should always be handled by a delivery expert familiar with safe and efficient transportation logistics and managing construction delivery methods, goods, and equipment. These skilled drivers are trained to haul specialty cargo such as oversized, bulky, heavy, liquid, gravel, gas, and possibly hazardous materials. To guarantee safety and regulations, trucks delivering building materials must adhere to capacity, weight, and vehicle size regulations.
Experts in a construction material delivery service are crucial. Unfortunately, construction material delivery sites commonly deal with the loss of materials during transport. An easy-to-use delivery service app is therefore essential to reducing the loss of materials during construction deliveries.
Benefits of APIs for Material Shipping and Transportation
It’s becoming more apparent that using APIs for delivering construction materials isn’t only for the biggest players. As the last mile delivery market continues to grow, relying on digital systems and the latest technology is now becoming a requirement to keep pace within the construction industry. When a company is finally able to setup procurement through an API, they unlock numerous benefits such as:
- Real-time tracking – APIs allow real-time tracking and monitoring of shipping statuses, creating visibility from pick up to delivery. With the click of a button you can see your order history, monitor the order, and track where your cargo is on a real-time tracking GPS map.
- Quick and easy communication – Communication with clients is simple with technology. Maintain on demand conversations with clients with a reliable platform. Notify customers instantly with order notifications, driver updates, delivery updates, invoices, and courier service updates.
- Updated ETAs and delay updates – ETAs and delays constantly change during pick up and construction delivery methods. Keeping clients informed of changes has always been a challenge in the past. With technology integrations, this process has never been more simple. Clients can log in to their accounts and see status updates and changes.
- Find drivers for rush orders – With access to multiple carriers and drivers, the ability to fulfill rush orders has never been more straightforward. This technology allows retailers and individuals to connect with and dispatch local drivers that are insured, licensed, and fully vetted. These drivers can then meet the demands of local rush orders and deliveries.
- Peace of mind dealing with vetted drivers – Customers may rest easy knowing that their driver has gone through a thorough background check. Felonies, violent charges, or DUIs are automatic disqualifications for delivery drivers. This rigorous vetting process allows for a safe, worry-free pickup and delivery.
- Accurate delivery notifications – Tracking the progress of your order through an app or API enables you to have accurate and timely construction material delivery app notifications. With the technology capabilities of API, the margin of error is minimal. Stay up to date on delivery status using digitized systems.
- Reliable shipping by skilled drivers – Safety guidelines and requirements are in place for delivery drivers handling job site delivery and orders. All drivers have passed a driving and criminal record to ensure the safe and reliable shipping of cargo to its final destination.
- Coordination for delivery and pickups – With access to thousands of local drivers, construction deliveries and pickup coordination has never been easier, even last minute. An order is placed through an app and integrated APIs, a driver is found, and cargo is monitored and tracked until delivery. Scheduling a pickup or construction deliveries ahead of time is also an option.
- Self-service options – In a time of instant gratification, customers want answers and problems solved quickly. Having access to a FAQ page or a chatbot can provide self-service options for customers. This also provides a contactless avenue for clients to obtain answers to their questions. Even more impressive, today’s customers want self-service technology. According to a 2019 survey in RetailDive, 73% of customers want self-service technology for order lookup, exploring their options, and more immersive experiences.
- Better overall on time in full success rate – These technology integrations create a quicker and more accurate success rate in pickups and deliveries by centralizing all data and information through API and digital systems.
- High customer service and satisfaction – Customers are the core to success in any business, and their satisfaction is always the end goal. Satisfied customers stick around. They also refer others when they have had great experiences, which provides more business and profit. It is like Uber for trucks and a customized option for materials management.
How an API Works to Improve Functionality and End Results
A precise logistics plan is required for construction delivery methods to ensure that cargo arrives on schedule, accurately, and at the correct location. Any errors or oversights will result in the loss of time, money, and customer satisfaction. Construction material delivery apps decrease error risk and improve functionality by getting real-time quotes and creating, managing, and tracking shipments. The right logistics service plan will make all the difference, whether it is a peer-to-peer delivery or a business-to-business delivery.
Below are valuable tips to improve overall functionality and results:
Determine What Materials You Need Delivered
Determining what materials need to be delivered will allow the proper driver to be assigned to your construction deliveries. One construction delivery method may require a box truck, while another just needs a courier. Each good has specific handling requirements from coal, lumber, silver, gas, or liquids. Job site deliveries require specialized equipment and instruments to ensure the safe transportation, loading, and unloading of cargo through local delivery services.
Use the API to Find the Driver for Your Load
Thanks to a network of thousands of carriers and drivers, using the API to find a driver has never been easier. API technology allows businesses and individuals to connect with and dispatch insured, licensed, and thoroughly verified local drivers. Utilizing third-party logistics services is as simple as opening an app, finding a driver, and scheduling a time. Meanwhile, poor planning and hiccups are usually the result of bad data, accounting for up to 14% of all construction rework, says Digital Builder.
Let the Skilled Drivers Load Your Materials
Skilled drivers are familiar with construction delivery methods and supplies, are insured, and have safety equipment to complete their jobs. Drivers are thorough while loading and unloading deliveries, paying particular attention to handling. It is also easier to access reliable drivers and capacity with on demand pickup truck rental options.
Monitor and Communicate Digitally
Thanks to APIs and technology, real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments and the status of construction deliveries is possible. This technology digitizes and simplifies the business from beginning to end. Track, monitor, and communicate all within one system. Further, 79% of contractors use software to capture data and manage information, including the delivery of construction materials. Tracking cargo and monitoring its ETA is simple with a real-time tracking GPS map. Clients can take advantage of the connected systems and see status changes, updates, and invoices. With technology, communicating with clients about retail delivery is straightforward.
Stay on Track with Your Construction Timelines
Every time you have to overcome missing materials is another minute that delays your project. The usage of APIs and technology is key to procurement. On demand delivery guarantees that general contractors and construction experts on a project do not waste time waiting for resources. Construction project delivery methods enable you to focus more on construction and less on the time constraints of administrative tasks such as tracking down missing materials.
Partner With GoShare and Discover an Easier Way to Procure Delivery Services for All Your Material Handling and Shipping Needs
APIs make locating consumers and drivers for construction delivery services more accessible than ever. Using applications, dashboards, and online services that work together via an API to bring them together enhances efficiency and helps overcome capacity and driver shortages. Hire an expert to optimize the transportation of goods to your site quickly and safely. Book now with GoShare for all of your material handling and shipping needs.