Staying Ahead of Supply Chain Disruptions in Construction Material Delivery

Key Takeaways

Digital tools are transforming construction material delivery, enabling guided ordering, route optimization, and real-time delivery tracking.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping eliminate costly second deliveries by improving order accuracy and forecasting.
Distributors who invest in fleet management software for construction are better positioned to absorb rising costs, stay competitive, and offer high-value services to contractors.

For building supply distributors, supply chain disruptions aren’t just inconvenient—they’re costly. From labor shortages and rising material costs to growing customer expectations, there's growing pressure to deliver construction materials faster, more accurately, and with fewer resources.

A recent HBS Dealer feature highlights insights from Cyndi Brandt, VP of Fleet Solutions at Descartes, on how top distributors are tackling these challenges by modernizing their operations and embracing digital transformation in construction material delivery.

Why Construction Material Delivery Needs a New Approach

Traditional delivery methods no longer meet the demands of today’s job sites. Incomplete or inaccurate deliveries result in second runs that drive up costs and delay construction timelines. To stay competitive, distributors are investing in advanced fleet management software for construction to streamline operations, reduce waste, and ensure on-time, accurate deliveries.

These solutions go beyond basic vehicle tracking. Advanced platforms optimize routes, offer real-time delivery visibility, and provide guided driver workflows. When paired with AI-powered ordering and forecasting tools, they help ensure contractors receive everything they need in a single, accurate delivery—eliminating costly delays and rework.

Managing Complexity with Smarter Technology

The construction supply chain is becoming increasingly complex. Trends like prefabrication and just-in-time delivery require tighter coordination, more efficient routing, and greater flexibility—challenges that paper-based systems or disconnected tools can’t handle.

That’s where integrated supply chain management for construction makes a difference. Distributors using modern systems can better manage materials, streamline communication between warehouses and job sites, and respond quickly to changes in demand or availability.

Staying Competitive Amid Tariffs and Supply Chain Disruption

Tariffs, sourcing challenges, and market consolidation continue to pressure margins across the construction materials industry. To stay competitive, distributors are proactively modernizing—investing in fleet management software for construction delivery and automation to reduce operational costs, boost efficiency, and absorb rising prices without sacrificing service or profitability.

Advanced tools also enable high-value offerings like split deliveries, material kitting, and jobsite inventory tracking—differentiators that strengthen contractor relationships and drive long-term growth.

Conclusion

To stay resilient in today’s volatile market, building supply distributors must move beyond legacy systems and manual processes. By embracing modern tools such as AI-powered forecasting, route optimization, and advanced fleet management, they can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver greater value to their customers—transforming construction material delivery into a strategic advantage.

Read the full article on HBS Dealer to explore the full list of trends and strategies.

Cyndi Brandt

VP, Fleet Solutions

Cyndi Brandt, VP of Fleet Solutions at Descartes, drives go-to-market strategy for routing, mobile, and telematics solutions. With 23 years in transportation technology, she specializes in last-mile operations, dispatch, tracking, telematics, and data analytics, offering deep expertise in both last-mile and over-the-road logistics.

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