The Importance of Tracking Third-Party Haulers and How to Do It Right

Managing third-party haulers can feel like trying to keep a moving target in sight. When your construction projects rely on outside trucks to deliver materials, there’s always a risk of delays, miscommunication, and costly downtime. Without proper tracking, you’re often left in the dark about where those trucks are, when they’ll show up, or if they’re running late.

That’s why tracking third-party haulers is more important than ever. It’s not just about knowing where your materials are—it’s about keeping your projects on schedule, maintaining accountability, and reducing wasted time on the job. The good news? You don’t need complicated GPS hardware to get it done. With modern tools like Trux’s phone-based tracking system, keeping tabs on third-party haulers has never been easier.

Click a topic below to jump to the relevant section:

Why Tracking Third-Party Haulers is Critical

The Challenges of Tracking Third-Party Haulers

How Trux Simplifies Tracking with a Phone-Based System

Benefits of Using Trux for Tracking Third-Party Haulers

Conclusion

Why Tracking Third-Party Haulers is Critical

When you’re managing a construction project, every minute counts. Keeping your crew productive depends on materials arriving on time. But when you rely on third-party haulers, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. Without proper tracking, you’re left waiting and wondering, and that can lead to bigger problems down the line.

1. Improve Efficiency and Accountability
Knowing where your haulers are in real-time lets you keep the job moving. You can coordinate deliveries better, keep your crew working, and make sure everyone is accountable. When haulers are tracked, it helps everyone stay on schedule and follow the most efficient routes, which keeps everything running smoothly.

2. Prevent Delays and Cost Overruns
Nothing eats into a project budget faster than unexpected downtime. If materials don’t arrive when they’re supposed to, your crew stands around waiting, and you end up paying for lost time. Tracking haulers means you can manage delivery windows and avoid delays, which saves you money and keeps your project on schedule.

3. Enhance Jobsite Safety
A steady flow of trucks coming in and out of your site can cause chaos if you’re not keeping track. Knowing where each truck is allows you to stay informed and reduce the risk of accidents. You can also ensure that only authorized haulers are working on your site, improving overall security and safety.

The Challenges of Tracking Third-Party Haulers 

Tracking third-party haulers comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike your own fleet, you don’t have direct control over these trucks, which makes it harder to monitor their movements and ensure timely deliveries. But these challenges are common and solvable.

1. Lack of Ownership Over the Trucks
Because these trucks aren’t part of your company’s fleet, you can’t simply install tracking devices or GPS units. You’re reliant on external drivers to provide updates or track their movements, making it harder to know exactly where your trucks are and when they’ll arrive.

2. Reliance on Hauler Communication
Most traditional methods of tracking third-party haulers depend on regular phone calls or texts from drivers. This can lead to gaps in information, missed updates, or delays in getting the real-time data you need. In the worst cases, it’s guesswork, which adds stress to your operations.

3. Limited Visibility into Operations
Without real-time tracking, you're always a step behind. You won’t know if a hauler is delayed until it’s too late, or worse, you might not know if a hauler even picked up the materials. This lack of visibility makes it hard to manage deliveries and predict potential issues before they affect the job site.

How Trux Simplifies Tracking with a Phone-Based System

Trux understands the unique challenges of tracking third-party haulers and offers a solution that doesn’t require expensive hardware or complicated setups. Instead, Trux’s phone-based tracking system uses technology that’s already in everyone’s pocket, making it easier for both contractors and haulers to stay on the same page.

1. No Hardware Installation Needed
One of the biggest advantages of Trux’s system is that it works without requiring any special equipment. You don’t need to invest in costly GPS units or worry about installation. Instead, haulers simply use their phones to provide real-time location updates through the Trux app, giving you instant visibility without the hassle.

2. Real-Time Tracking Across All Haulers
With Trux, you get real-time updates on every truck, whether it’s part of your fleet or a third-party hauler. You can see exactly where each truck is, when it’s expected to arrive, and if there are any delays. This eliminates the guesswork and helps you plan your projects more effectively.

3. In-App Communication for Better Coordination
Trux’s platform also streamlines communication by allowing direct messaging within the app. No more chasing down haulers with phone calls or texts. With in-app messaging, you can instantly share updates, instructions, or changes, keeping everyone aligned and ensuring that your materials get where they need to be, on time.

Benefits of Using Trux for Tracking Third-Party Haulers

The benefits of tracking third-party haulers with Trux go beyond just knowing where your trucks are. It can transform how you manage projects, reduce stress, and improve overall project efficiency.

1. Better Project Planning
When you can see exactly where your haulers are in real-time, it’s easier to plan around delivery times and avoid unnecessary downtime. Knowing when materials will arrive allows you to keep your crew working without interruptions, improving productivity and keeping the project moving.

2. Reduced Stress and Increased Accountability
With real-time visibility, you no longer have to rely on guesswork or constant phone calls to know where your haulers are. This reduces the stress of managing deliveries and makes it easier to hold third-party haulers accountable for staying on schedule. You get peace of mind knowing everyone is where they need to be.

3. Streamlined Operations
Managing multiple haulers on a single platform simplifies the entire process. Trux’s app helps you coordinate projects, communicate efficiently, and stay on top of all your trucks in one place. It’s a smoother, more organized way to keep your operations running efficiently, without the usual back-and-forth.

Conclusion

Tracking third-party haulers doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tools in place, you can ensure your materials arrive on time, your projects stay on schedule, and your job sites run safely and efficiently. Trux’s phone-based tracking system offers a simple, effective solution that gives you real-time visibility and helps you keep everyone accountable, without the need for expensive equipment.

By using Trux, you gain more control over your operations, reduce costly delays, and improve communication across the board. It’s a practical way to keep your projects moving smoothly, even when you’re working with outside haulers.

Ready to simplify your hauling operations? Get in touch today to learn how Trux can help you track your third-party haulers with ease.