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As the summer weather rolls in and the rain subsides, many contractors are finding that work has picked up. Now that you are making new bookings and starting on long awaited projects, it is imperative that the building supplies you require arrive when you expect them. However, with the majority of construction supplies coming from China, shipping delays at the Suez Canal could cause delays in your projects. In this blog we will look at what issues are currently facing supply chains in the construction sector, and what we at Edge are doing to ensure you always have the high-quality, low maintenance products you need, when you need them.
International Conflict and Shipping Delays
The Suez Canal is a key point for maritime shipping companies. As the shortest route between Asia and Europe, it typically sees 15% of all global maritime traffic.
Following the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Suez Canal has become a site for political protest. Houthi rebels, originating in Yemen, have been carrying out various attacks on ships travelling through the Suez Canal to protest attacks against Gaza. While not all the boats travelling through the canal will be using Israeli ports or trading directly with Israel, the canal’s proximity to Yemen and Israel means that these disruptions are significantly affecting global trade.
To avoid the Suez Canal, some shipping companies are now diverting their freights to pass the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This diversion means that vessels are now travelling the entire circumference of Africa before reaching Europe, adding an additional 6,000 nautical miles and 10-14 days of sea travel to their journey. The consequences of these delays are manifold:
- Extended shipping times: Containers are taking roughly two weeks longer to reach their destinations.
- Increased Costs: Additional fuel costs to make the longer journey past the Cape of Good Hope and the threat to ships in the Suez has raised shipping container costs.
- Operational Strain: Companies may place larger orders to mitigate further delays, increasing the amount of product arriving with each shipment. International strike action at some docks is further exacerbating the transportation challenges facing local couriers.
How Edge Ensure Reliability
At Edge, we strive to be your trusted building product supplier, regardless of global disruptions. Here’s how we maintain our commitment to reliability:
- Prioritizing UK and European Suppliers
We prioritize sourcing from UK and European suppliers who produce high-quality, low-maintenance building products. This proximity ensures a timely and reliable delivery from our suppliers allowing us to maintain high stock levels for our customers. Did you know that we stock 5m lengths of aluminium trims in matt black, anthracite grey and white, for instance? Additionally, choosing national suppliers allow us to incorporate sustainability into our business practices by reducing the carbon footprint of our supply chain.
- Maintaining Transparency
Customer service is at the heart of our what we do, which includes being honest about potential delays. We believe in transparent communication, so you’ll never receive false promises from us. By informing you of any supply issues upfront, we can help you plan your projects without unexpected disruptions.
- Collaborating on Solutions
If supply chain issues arise, we work closely with you to find alternative solutions. This might involve suggesting different brands, sizes of products. We also offer a trim spraying service to ensure that we can provide products in the exact RAL colour you require. Our knowledgeable customer service team is dedicated to helping you find exactly what you need, even if specific items are temporarily unavailable. We offer product samples, brochures, and site visits from our Sales Reps to ensure you’re confident in your choices.
Manager’s Insight
“We have always prioritised local sourcing and we’re proud that from the outset Edge Building Products has sourced the vast majority of it’s range from UK based suppliers. We believe that the benefits in sustainability, contribution to the local economy and the increased reliability will mean that this remains our strategy for many years to come.”
Kieran Napthine, Managing Director.
Final Thoughts
Navigating global shipping challenges requires proactive strategies and a commitment to customer satisfaction. At Edge, we are dedicated to ensuring reliable deliveries by sourcing locally, maintaining transparency, and collaborating with our customers to find the best solutions. With these measures, we aim to support your projects and keep your build schedule running smoothly, despite global disruptions.
Have you got a big product coming up, or are you planning on buying in bulk? Get in touch by calling 0345 021 3333 or by emailing [email protected] and we will ensure that your building supplies arrive on site when you need then.
Sources:
IMF, Red Sea Attacks Disrupt Global Trade, March 7 2024, https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2024/03/07/Red-Sea-Attacks-Disrupt-Global-Trade
New York Times, “It’s All Happening Again”, Supply Chain Under Strain, June 24 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/business/global-shipping-rates.html