This labour shortage extends throughout the supply chain, with the US trucking companies reportedly in need of another 60,000 drivers to meet client demand, according to the American Trucking Association.

These troubling numbers were recorded even before the outbreak of COVID-19 led to a new labour challenge: according to CNBC, despite construction jobs being considered “essential” by the federal government, many contractors report that employees and subcontractors are hesitant to work on construction sites in close contact with others while the novel Coronavirus remains a health concern.

While technology can’t create labour out of thin air – and while automated machines and other tech-fuelled labour solutions are still years away from becoming fully viable – the good news is that construction companies and the freight lines who serve them are finding new ways to solve these labour issues through creative applications of existing and emerging technology.

What do you do when you can’t get your full team together in one place? Use collaboration tools to maximise each contributor’s productivity from a distance.

Resourceful project managers are increasingly relying on 3D modelling software, group planning tools, videoconferencing and AR walkthroughs to keep projects moving despite the labour shortage and the requirements of social isolation in the current COVID-19 era. From project planning and HR management to supply chain scheduling and mandatory inspections, technology is connecting people where they are, rather than requiring them to all be in the same place to get the next job done.

With the staffing of large work groups a challenge even before the COVID-19 outbreak, some builders have begun compartmentalising the fabrication process. They use smaller teams or machines to design, craft and assemble smaller components – including the use of 3D printing technology – and then ship those components to the central site where they can be reassembled and installed by specialists. Like telework, this reduces the need to have everyone in one place. It also increases the demand for reliable project planning and transportation management systems that empower teams to keep track of all their moving pieces while making sure everyone is on the same page.

Closing the skilled labour gap depends not just on attracting more labour, but also on increasing applicants’ skills. Online and distance training programs can help potential construction and freight employees learn more about these industries, study for required tests and certifications, and practice job skills in simulations. Digital training programmes can also help professionals learn new languages, which makes working with and managing multilingual workers much easier and more rewarding.

With fewer long-haul and delivery drivers available than the freight industry needs, smart shippers are making better use of the existing space in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. A partially full truck still has the space to accommodate many smaller shipments, packages and parcels, which means, transportation management companies are prioritising the tracking and accurate logging of all that excess space so they can make it available to all potential shippers.

All together, these technology-driven opportunities mean construction and freight companies have more access to space, drivers and labour than they may realise; they just need to know where to look.

Written by Tim Carey, Target Freight Management 

Target Freight Management, Inc, is an industry leader in Less-Than-Truckload and Full Truckload transportation management systems, empowering customers to ship with confidence. TFM has developed a full range of logistics solutions, from time-saving back-office applications to their patented FIDA technology, which maximises carrier space and efficiency while protecting TFM customers from unexpected overages and fees.