Hi All,
I am thinking of purchasing a few jobsite cargo trailers for my project manager/lead carpenters. This is basically an attempt at lessening the amount of trips spent(40 in 15 work days to Home Despot for four PM’s). I am thinking of allowing each PM to design his storage space in a portable Haulmark trailer. At the beginning of each job, I will offer them enough time to assess the need for and stock up on the intangible items that so often are overlooked. Also, I feel that providing a place for the lesser used tool items on-site will be a benefit. Our company loses an excessive amount of actual dollars and when you factor in the cost of opportunity, we lose two PM’s salaries per year on labor alone. This doesn’t include the cost of materials. Does anyone think that a trailer may help? Or maybe there is a management piece that is missing. Any ideas?
We are based in an area where the job market is stronger than a finger wagging. This means that valuable men may walk if they feel that their individual management style is in question. I am open to any idea.
Replies
My trailers are set up exactlly the same.
When I have to shift crews around once in a while everyone still knows where things are. Trailers are "cleaned" friday afternoon and order called in to restock.
There will always be something missing on a job. I have a laborer that "floats" around and does everyones running. He cost less than a PM, which saves money.
The guys call him directly when they don't have time to wait for delivery.
Hope this helps
I hope Chuck Norris never potato sacks me!!!!
bstcrpntr --- I hope to grow into this name.
How do you get your PM's to have the forwrd thinking that is necessary to have what they need ahead of time. I can't macro manage all of our jobs, but I often revise schedules and materials ordering on a"Well I guess I can call this guy and that basis". Our guys are excellent lead carpenters with remarkable carpentry skills, but I'd like to have some input as to how I can help them be prepared for the next two weeks at the very least. This is where I feel my need to incorporate trailers as an onsite supply house.
What do you normally stock in your trailers and what type of storage arrangement do your PM's utilize? We don't yet have it inour business plan to have a runner, but considering the losses we've earned, we would probably benefit from one. Any additional thoughts?
I do have a "progress meeting", some jobs once a week. PM has schedule from day one of job, his job is to keep schedule and advise me of changes.
I have done forward thinking for him to some extent, he just has to keep up to it.
Trailer has to be thought from footings up in my opinion.
I do not have enough 16's for the whole house on the trailer, but the box better never get empty. List on onside of side door for things that need ordered. You see it getting low, write it down.
I will give this more thought tomorrow because I am not saying what I am thinking.
laterI hope Chuck Norris never potato sacks me!!!!
bstcrpntr --- I hope to grow into this name.
I appreciate your help!