Yes, accounting for the time required to move materials from a delivery truck onto the site (or into a container) is crucial for accurate construction estimates. Here's a breakdown of how to approach calculating that time

Why It's Important
Accurate Labor Costs

This task eats into billable labor hours. Ignoring it underbids the job and reduces profit.

Scheduling

Knowing how long it takes to offload and stage materials helps you schedule deliveries and labor effectively, minimizing delays.

Equipment Considerations

The method of moving materials (wheelbarrows, forklifts, etc.) impacts the equipment rental costs.

Site Congestion

If material handling is slow, it causes congestion and can delay other trades.

Safety

Adequate planning and time allocation contribute to a safer work environment during material handling.

Methods for Calculating Material Handling Time

Here's a combined approach, breaking down the factors and steps involved:1. Identify the Materials



List all materials

Create a detailed list of all materials being delivered (lumber, drywall, concrete blocks, fixtures, etc.). Be specific in terms of quantity and dimensions (e.g., number of sheets, length of lumber, weight of each unit).

Material Characteristics

Note the weight, size, fragility, and packaging of each material type. Heavy, bulky, or fragile items will take longer to move.2.

Define Delivery and Staging Locations



Delivery Point

Where will the delivery truck be located? Consider distance from the road, any obstacles (trees, soft ground), and how accessible the location is for large trucks.

Staging Area

Where will the materials be placed on-site? Is it a designated storage container, a cleared area, or will they be directly brought to the point of use? The distance between the delivery point and the staging area is critical. Is the staging area indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, potential for weather delays must be considered.

Elevation Changes

Are there any elevation changes (stairs, ramps, slopes) between the delivery point and staging area?3.

Determine the Handling Method



Manual Labor

How much can be carried by one person? How many people are needed for heavier or larger items?

Equipment

What equipment will be used? (Forklift, telehandler, wheelbarrow, dolly, crane, etc.). Factor in equipment rental costs if applicable. Forklifts require adequate turning radius.

Consider access

Is there sufficient space for the chosen equipment to maneuver safely?4.

Estimate Time Per Unit/Load



Manual Handling

Estimate the time it takes one person to pick up, move, and place one unit of each material. This requires experience and observation. Consider rest periods, especially for heavy lifting.

Equipment Handling

Estimate the time it takes to load, transport, and unload a full load of materials using the chosen equipment. Include time for equipment setup, travel to and from the delivery point, and any necessary breaks.

Consider Obstacles

Factor in potential obstacles along the path: uneven terrain, congested areas, stairs, doors, etc.5.

Calculate Total Handling Time



Multiply

Multiply the time per unit/load by the total number of units/loads.

Add Contingency

Add a contingency factor (5-15%) to account for unexpected delays, problems with the delivery, or equipment malfunctions.

Formula

`Total Handling Time = (Time per unit/load Number of Units/Loads) (1 + Contingency Factor)`6.

Convert to Labor Hours & Costs



Divide by Laborers

Divide the total handling time by the number of laborers assigned to the task to determine the total labor hours.

Multiply by Labor Rate

Multiply the total labor hours by the fully burdened labor rate (including wages, taxes, insurance, and benefits) to calculate the labor cost.

Example Scenario

Let's say you're receiving a delivery of 100 sheets of drywall.1. Materials

100 sheets of 4x8 drywall, weighing 60 lbs each.2.

Delivery

Truck will park on the street, 50 feet from the building entrance. Staging: Drywall needs to be stacked inside the building, 20 feet from the entrance.3.

Method

Two laborers will use a drywall cart to move stacks of 5 sheets at a time.4.

Time

Loading/Unloading Cart (5 sheets): 5 minutes per load (2.5 min each labor). Moving Cart (70 feet round trip): 2 minutes per load Stacking Drywall: 3 minutes per load (1.5 min each labor) Total Time Per Load: 10 minutes Number of Loads: 100 sheets / 5 sheets/load = 20 loads Total Handling Time: 20 loads 10 min/load = 200 minutes = 3.33 hours5.

Labor Cost

3.33 hours 2 laborers $50/hour = $333

Tips and Considerations



Historical Data

Keep records of actual material handling times on past projects. This provides valuable data for future estimates.

Vendor Coordination

Communicate clearly with vendors regarding delivery requirements (e.g., delivery time, liftgate requirements, palletized vs. loose materials).

Site Access

Ensure clear and unobstructed access to the site for delivery trucks. Coordinate with local authorities for street closures or parking permits if needed.

Communication

Clear communication with the delivery driver and the on-site team is critical to ensure a smooth and efficient delivery.

Safety

Prioritize safety by providing proper training, equipment, and supervision for material handling tasks. Enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

Document

Include your material handling estimates in your overall project schedule and budget.

Where to Incorporate It in Your Estimate



Separate Line Item

The most common approach is to create a separate line item in your estimate specifically for "Material Handling" or "Delivery & Staging."

Incorporated into Labor

You can also add the material handling time directly to the labor hours associated with the specific task that uses the materials (e.g., adding material handling time to the "Drywall Installation" labor estimate). However, this can make it harder to track material handling costs separately.*

Subcontractor Responsibility: If a subcontractor is responsible for material delivery and handling, ensure that their bid includes these costs.By carefully considering these factors and using a systematic approach, you can accurately estimate material handling time and ensure that your construction projects are completed on time and within budget. Remember to continuously refine your estimating process based on your experience and historical data. Flag for review