We’re very much in the second half of 2022 already and have witnessed quite a few similarities and differences in the construction supply chain from previous years. 2020 and 2021 were two very intense and difficult years for supply chain management due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison, 2022 has shown growth in projects starting back up. However, so far, 2022 has had its own set of challenges regarding sourcing materials, skilled workers, and equipment.
Construction Materials Unavailable
Materials are required in every phase of construction. Without the materials needed, the industry gets stuck with unproductivity and losses. These said materials were once readily available for anyone at any time. The wait timing for materials has grown tremendously, which can cause a major backup in construction. Since the pandemic had projects on hold, they are now being taken care of and leaving shortages for others. Businesses should be mindful to order materials sooner, pay additional fees for faster shipping, and keep a monitor on the shipping. You want to avoid project schedules going haywire because of material procurement issues.
Labor Shortages in 2022
Not only are materials a tough bet to find, but labor is also an issue on the rise in 2022. This means even more delays for construction projects if there are not enough construction workers or drivers available. Contractors have the projects lined up but are having trouble finding employees to handle the workload. Some argue that the wages are not appealing to the youth of the United States. And the older skilled workers have retired in record-breaking numbers through the pandemic. Technology can be a way to bring in the younger generation so they can practice a trade. Technology can increase productivity on sites, and the youth has always had an interest in new innovations.
In addition, there has been a shortage of qualified drivers that you can rely on in the trucking industry. Construction requires on-time material delivery because of the time sensitivity of many parts of a project. However, there will be a shortage of drivers for now which can cause further delays in scheduling.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Several factors play into the state of the construction supply chain for 2022. This year has been a cause of uncertainty, which increased more uncertainty about a possible recession. Gas prices on the rise affect shipping freight across the country. From the Ukrainian situation to China’s slowdown, global supply chain disruptions also affect the supply chain. There was also the hold-up of shipments off the ports of our country that left so many waiting for personal packages and companies waiting for their materials. Therefore, supply chain problem mitigation requires patience and resilience. Potential solutions include establishing partnerships with local suppliers and not relying on foreign supplies.
At HTL Freight we take construction material shipping very seriously and want to ensure the success of you and all of our customers. To find out more, you can contact us. Additionally, if you want to get started today, you can click here and request a freight quote.
