The importance of Consolidation Centres in Construction Logistics

Oct 27, 2011 | Blog

Much of the improvement in Construction Logistics in the past decade has been down to the creation and usage of Consolidation Centres. On one level, a Consolidation Centre (CC) acts like a typical logistics hub, streamlining bulk deliveries into daily ‘Just-In-Time’ (JIT) deliveries for one or more construction sites – but when the full potential of a CC is enabled, supplies for multiple trade contractors can be consolidated into full loads, vastly reducing the number of part loaded vehicles travelling to a particular site.

Consolidation Centres are a win-win solution:
CCs provide a much more accessible delivery point for suppliers , improving efficiency throughout the supply chain.
controlling a smooth flow of materials to site on a JIT basis, high levels of site productivity are maintained.
B reducing the number of wasted journeys and part loaded vehicles to site, CCs prevent unnecessary site local traffic congestion and air pollutant emissions.

In order to be effective the location of a CC is obviously crucial – ideally within 10 miles or 30 minutes drive. Capabilities for good inbound and outbound traffic flows are also important so that the CC does in itself become a bottle-neck.

The use of Consolidation Centres is becoming increasingly popular, particularly for overly restricted sites, and finally the logical theory is backed by demonstrations of real value –producing both financial and environmental benefits.