Benefits of Modular Buildings in the Transportation Industry
You’re working on your latest infrastructure project, and you’re feeling the pressure of making important deadlines so the building is ready in time. Except, you just got a call saying your project delivery is delayed and the price of materials is starting to increase.
More and more, this is becoming a common scenario in the transportation industry. And without a new solution, these issues will continue to occur. This is where we introduce the benefits of modular buildings. After reading this blog, you’ll understand how modular construction benefits the transportation industry, so you can feel confident in using it with your next project.
Major Issues in the Transportation Industry
As we review the top three major issues in the transportation industry, you’ll notice they all go hand-in-hand with each other. They become a domino effect that only helps each other grow in size. The transportation industry isn’t the only industry that’s facing these issues. It’s likely that even if you’re in a different industry, you can relate to the frustrations below.
Outdated Infrastructure
According to the 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, America’s current grade is a C-. This encompasses our railways, roads, aviation, bridges, and ports. This report highlights that over 40% of roads are in poor or mediocre condition. And that’s just one of the many channels of the transportation industry.
When first thinking about infrastructure in the transportation industry, you think about roads, railways, and ports. However, aviation and airports are also important parts. Ensuring that terminals, baggage claims, and airport waiting areas are all updated means you’re providing a better flying experience for travelers.
Advancements in technology are only enhancing this issue because infrastructures aren’t able to advance at the same speed. The industry needs to have an infrastructure that’s innovative and adaptable.
The United States' budget for infrastructure is a fraction of what China and India put aside to improve infrastructure. However, the U.S. Congress recently passed an infrastructure bill that will help fund more improvement projects.
When these different channels of transportation are insufficient and outdated, it causes a domino effect of delays and closures. Projects across the country are affected by longer delivery times, and supply chain delays, which is another major problem in the transportation industry.
Supply Chain Delays
When highways and roads account for 72% of transported goods, you need these channels to be in top condition. And according to our Infrastructure Report Card, the roads were graded a D. So the transportation industry, and lots of other industries, are susceptible to longer routes and delays in delivery.
Since the pandemic, almost every industry has been suffering from supply chain delays. We’re sure you’ve experienced it even in your daily life, as you’re waiting for your package to arrive. These frustrations are only enlarged in the transportation industry.
American industries are also noticing that there isn’t enough commercial real estate for production. More and more organizations are looking to manufacture and produce their products in the United States, but don’t have the capacity to do so. (This is where your modular structure comes into play, but we’ll get to that later in the blog.)
Another reason for supply chain delays is that there simply aren’t enough workers to fulfill demand. In order to achieve a smooth, efficient, and successful delivery, the industry needs more drivers and workers. This shortage will not only cause delays but it’s likely to also increase your project cost.
The demand for industrial space and workers isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, it’s expected to keep increasing into 2026. Although retail and e-commerce sales are what’s driving the demand, other factors like manufacturing, storage, construction materials, and medical industries are looking for industrial space as well.
Increasing Project Costs
As stated previously, all of these issues create a domino effect for each other. So, when your project experiences delays, you’re likely to also experience increased project costs. Transportation costs are continuing to rise and become a major part of your project budget. Even if you’re not directly involved in the transportation industry, we bet you’re still feeling the effects of these increases.
Labor shortages are also a contributing factor to rising costs, the industry is having to pay people overtime so they can fulfill the demand. The transportation industry is seeing this a lot in truck drivers and warehouse workers.
So, what happens when multiple aspects of your infrastructure project need to be delivered at different times, or from different companies? It’s probable the pieces will be delayed or backed because there isn’t someone to bring you your materials. And once again, these delays cut into your project budget.
In recent years, we’ve seen prices of delivery, trucking, ocean shipping, and warehousing costs rise. Even domestic shipping rates have increased by 23% since 2020. So, what does that mean for your project?
If the transportation industry doesn’t start looking at new approaches to its latest projects, we’re all going to start feeling the effects of it.
Modular Solving Your Issues
Although modular can not completely eradicate the transportation issues mentioned above, incorporating prefab structures into your project can help alleviate some of the common bumps along the way.
The benefits of modular buildings can be shown within your shipping ports, airports, infrastructure improvement projects, and more.
Reuse Structures
Incorporating used modular structures into your facilities can help with labor and supply shortages because the building is already intact for you. You won’t have to worry about being material delays or not having enough workers to complete your project.
Additionally, pulling from an already existing fleet of modular structures allows you to use the money you would’ve spent on a new construction project in other areas of your business. And your used modular building will last as long as you need it to, whether it’s a swing space or more permanent accommodation.
At BOXX, we have a collection of used modular buildings for transportation services that can be ready to go wherever you need them. You also have the option to lease the structure rather than buy it outright. This is a good solution if you’re unsure of how long you’ll need the space, or know it will be used simply as a quick turnaround, swing space.
Quickened Construction Timelines
Since more companies are looking to bring production back to the United States, they need to find a quick turnaround solution for warehousing and administrative offices. Modular construction is completed up to 50% quicker than traditional construction methods because of its assembly line process in a controlled environment.
So, what does a quick turnaround time mean for your next project? If you could have warehouse space up and running in a matter of weeks or months, your production could start sooner, and you could be receiving a faster return on your investment.
Made in a Controlled Environment
Another benefit of modular buildings is the fact that they’re made in a controlled environment. This benefit goes hand-in-hand with a quicker timeline. The controlled, factory setting allows for more supervision at each step so there is less chance of making a mistake and having to backtrack.
On top of that, a controlled environment means you’re not having to deal with weather delays that ultimately set your timeline back. In traditional construction, you must worry about ground temperature, high winds, heavy rain, and thick fog. This is practically eliminated within the modular construction industry.
Customized Designs
When you first think about modular buildings, you may think these are standard, mass produces structures that all look the same. At BOXX Modular, this is not the case. We have the ability to completely customize your layout and structure so it can blend seamlessly into your organization.
If you begin the process of modular construction early on, you can customize the exterior and interior finishes in order to blend the structure with the rest of your organization. There is even the possibility of stacking modular buildings so you can have more space.
Ready to Use Upon Delivery
An important benefit of modular buildings is they’re ready upon delivery, which helps eliminate multiple issues for the transportation industry. Rather than suffering and experiencing delays because of supply chain hold-ups, your modular transport is fully functional when it arrives on site.
In addition, you can include interior furnishings and add-ons so the space is truly ready when it arrives. These add-ons are dependent on the type of space you’re looking for and can include a variety of different tables, chairs, and office accessories.
Modular construction can benefit the transportation industry by eliminating some of the common issues they experience. When companies utilize prefab structures, your project can go beyond your expectations.
The benefits of modular buildings can help you boom in the transportation industry. Speak with our experts so you can find new solutions.
Ready to solve your space needs?
Modular buildings are the way to go. Request a quote or contact us today to get the conversation started. We’d love to talk to you about how modular can meet — and exceed — your needs.
