In the construction materials industry, no two deliveries look alike. One truck might carry everything from pallets of drywall and rebar to individual fixtures and boxed hardware. Managing this complexity across your distribution network—especially when dispatching from multiple warehouses or to multiple job sites—requires a high level of coordination.
When dispatch operations aren’t optimized for mixed-size material loads, it results in inefficient truck utilization, missed delivery windows, job site delays, and higher logistics costs. The good news? You can improve performance without a complete overhaul by refining how you plan, schedule, and execute dispatch operations across your network.
Here’s how to optimize dispatch for mixed-size loads and create a more flexible, scalable, and contractor-friendly supply chain.
- Centralize Dispatch Visibility Across Your Network
Why it matters:
Disparate systems and regional silos lead to miscommunication, duplicate routing, and underutilized trucks.
How to fix:
Implement a centralized Transportation Management System (TMS) or ERP dispatch module
Sync order, inventory, and route data across all warehouses and dispatch points
Use a single dashboard to monitor active, staged, and pending deliveries across the network
Result: Better load balancing, fewer missed pickups, and improved coordination.
- Use Load-Building Software to Combine Material Types Efficiently
Why it matters:
Dispatching large, awkward, and small materials together can lead to space waste or damage if not planned properly.
Smart load-building practices:
Factor in dimensions, weight, packaging type, and delivery sequence
Prioritize grouping by delivery zone and unloading requirements
Use AI-based load planners to suggest optimal combinations per truck type
Outcome: Reduced trips, improved space utilization, and lower handling risk.
- Match Loads to Vehicle Type and Capabilities
Why it matters:
Sending the wrong truck for a complex mixed-material delivery leads to safety risks, site access issues, or wasted capacity.
What to optimize:
Assign flatbeds, boom trucks, box trucks, or liftgates based on material needs
Train dispatchers to consider road access, load security, and offloading methods
Maintain digital vehicle profiles with weight limits and equipment specs
Benefit: Safer deliveries and fewer reschedules due to mismatched equipment.
- Digitize Staging and Load Verification Processes
Why it matters:
Improper staging causes delays, missing items, and loading inefficiencies.
What to implement:
Use barcode or RFID scanning during staging and loading
Stage materials based on delivery sequence (last in, first out)
Enable drivers and warehouse teams to digitally verify complete, accurate loads
Result: Faster truck turnaround times and fewer delivery errors.
- Incorporate Job Site Conditions Into Dispatch Planning
Why it matters:
Not all job sites can receive every type of material at any time.
Best practices:
Collect job site delivery constraints: time windows, access roads, staging areas
Input site-specific instructions into your dispatch system
Coordinate dispatch timing based on real-time site readiness
Outcome: Reduced failed deliveries, improved contractor communication, and smoother drops.
- Enable Dynamic Dispatch Scheduling
Why it matters:
Construction timelines change constantly. Static schedules often don’t reflect real-world site needs.
How to add flexibility:
Allow rescheduling and rerouting in real time based on job site updates or weather events
Use dispatch apps that sync changes instantly with drivers and customers
Give your logistics team the ability to adapt without starting over
Bonus: Avoid costly re-deliveries and better support active projects.
- Train Dispatch Teams on Mixed-Load Prioritization
Why it matters:
Dispatch decisions should consider material handling, job site sequencing, and delivery criticality.
What to train:
How to prioritize by contractor deadlines or project phase
Balancing urgent small loads with large scheduled deliveries
Communicating clearly with drivers and yard teams on mixed-load procedures
Pro tip: Incorporate mixed-load scenarios into regular dispatch team workshops.
- Track and Analyze Dispatch KPIs for Continuous Improvement
Why it matters:
You can’t optimize what you don’t measure.
Key KPIs to monitor:
Average vehicle utilization rate (by volume and weight)
On-time delivery percentage for multi-SKU orders
Number of trips per load type (single-SKU vs. mixed-load)
Load accuracy and delivery issue frequency
Use your findings to: Adjust routing rules, revisit vehicle assignments, and improve staging layouts.
Final Thoughts
Dispatching mixed-size material loads is one of the most complex functions in a construction supply network—but it’s also one of the most valuable places to find efficiency and improve service. With better tools, smarter processes, and cross-functional team training, you can optimize dispatch to deliver more, reduce waste, and create a better experience for your customers.
In regional and multi-warehouse distribution, the ability to reliably move mixed materials on time gives you a true competitive edge—especially in a market where every delivery counts.
