In the construction materials supply chain, delivery accuracy is non-negotiable. Contractors depend on reliable drop-offs to keep job sites moving and schedules intact. That’s why GPS tracking has become an essential tool—not just for internal fleets but for third-party logistics providers (3PLs) as well.
However, not all 3PLs are equipped—or willing—to leverage GPS tracking the way distributors and contractors need. If your goal is to improve delivery precision, reduce missed time windows, and provide better visibility to your customers, you need to take a strategic approach to partnering with 3PLs.
Here’s how to work with 3PLs more effectively to improve delivery accuracy using GPS tracking, from system integration to execution on the ground.
- Set GPS Tracking as a Non-Negotiable Requirement
Why it matters:
Not all 3PLs offer GPS visibility by default, and some rely on manual status updates that are prone to delays or errors.
How to improve:
Include real-time GPS tracking as part of your service level agreement (SLA)
Specify required data points: location updates, ETA estimates, geofencing, and delivery confirmations
Require hardware or app compatibility with your preferred TMS or ERP
Outcome: Your 3PL partners are aligned on the expectation that GPS is not optional—it’s operational.
- Integrate Tracking Data with Your Systems
Why it matters:
You can’t improve accuracy if your GPS data lives in separate systems—or worse, in the 3PL’s platform only.
How to integrate:
Use APIs to connect the 3PL’s GPS feed with your ERP, dispatch system, or customer portal
Ensure location updates are synced in real time with order statuses
Automate alerts based on geofences, delays, or route deviations
Result: Full visibility across your delivery network—regardless of who’s behind the wheel.
- Standardize Delivery Tracking and Proof of Drop-Off Procedures
Why it matters:
A GPS ping isn’t enough. You also need confirmation that the correct materials were delivered, at the right location, at the right time.
What to establish:
Require GPS-tagged PODs (proof of delivery) with time stamps, photos, and signatures
Standardize documentation whether the delivery is handled internally or by a 3PL
Use mobile tools that sync PODs automatically to your order system
Benefit: You eliminate ambiguity and maintain accuracy even when outsourcing deliveries.
- Train 3PL Drivers on Construction Job Site Protocols
Why it matters:
Even with GPS tracking, drivers unfamiliar with construction sites can still miss drop zones, enter the wrong gates, or deliver outside approved hours.
What to do:
Provide delivery site notes in dispatch orders, including gate codes, staging areas, and site contact details
Partner with 3PLs that are willing to train drivers on construction-specific delivery expectations
Monitor delivery exceptions and share feedback with 3PLs for driver coaching
Outcome: Drivers make accurate, efficient deliveries—with GPS confirming every step.
- Use GPS to Provide Real-Time Updates to Contractors
Why it matters:
Job site crews need to plan equipment, labor, and safety protocols around delivery windows.
How to support them:
Use GPS to send real-time ETA updates via SMS or email
Offer a live delivery tracker for high-priority or multi-truck shipments
Share GPS-linked PODs once the drop is complete
Result: Fewer missed deliveries, less downtime at job sites, and happier contractors.
- Audit 3PL GPS Performance with Delivery KPIs
Why it matters:
You need to measure how well your 3PLs are meeting GPS tracking and delivery accuracy expectations.
Key KPIs to track:
On-time delivery rate
GPS update frequency and accuracy
Percentage of deliveries with complete GPS + POD documentation
Missed or incorrect delivery incidents
Use your insights: Share scorecards with 3PLs during performance reviews and adjust partnerships as needed.
- Establish Contingency Plans Based on Live GPS Data
Why it matters:
When delays happen, GPS data allows you to respond in real time, not after the fact.
What to implement:
Set alert thresholds for late arrivals or off-route vehicles
Enable dispatchers to reroute trucks or notify customers immediately
Work with 3PLs on alternative drop-off procedures when sites are inaccessible
Advantage: Delivery accuracy isn’t just about arrival—it’s about adjusting quickly when things go wrong.
Final Thoughts
Partnering with 3PLs doesn’t mean giving up control over delivery performance. When GPS tracking is built into your 3PL strategy—from onboarding to integration—you can maintain the same level of accuracy, visibility, and accountability that your internal fleet provides.
In a competitive construction supply market, where job site delays are costly and precision is everything, GPS tracking with 3PLs isn’t just about technology—it’s about delivering trust.
