Freight Surcharges, Labor Strikes, and Shipping Delays: A Candid Look at What’s Really Driving Costs
In today’s construction environment, few things disrupt timelines and budgets more than shipping delays, freight surcharges, and logistical bottlenecks. Over the past few years, these challenges have shifted from occasional setbacks to everyday obstacles for contractors, developers, and suppliers alike. At Continental Materials, we’ve made it a point not only to adapt to this reality — but to lead through it.
When freight costs spike, it’s easy to blame a single event — a port closure, a labor strike, a fuel hike. But the reality is more complex. It’s a mix of strained infrastructure, limited carrier capacity, global supply disruptions, and inflation in warehousing and labor markets. For example, the rising cost of diesel and the ongoing shortage of long-haul truck drivers have had a compounding effect, causing ripple delays that stretch from ports to job sites.
Labor strikes and work slowdowns at major coastal ports continue to cause problems — especially for imported building materials. Even short-term stoppages can create backlogs that last for weeks. For companies like Continental Materials — the largest importer of roofing nails in the U.S. — anticipating and responding quickly to these events is critical to maintaining reliable delivery for our customers.
What does this mean for contractors and distributors?
First, lead times are no longer as predictable as they once were. Even materials typically kept in domestic stock — like insulation, underlayments, and fasteners — can be affected if any part of the raw material supply chain is delayed. That’s why proactive ordering and strong supplier relationships are more important than ever.
Second, freight surcharges are now part of the pricing landscape. Rather than fighting the trend, we encourage customers to build a buffer into their material budgets. It’s also wise to consolidate shipments when possible to reduce per-unit shipping costs. At Continental Materials, we work closely with customers to optimize freight plans, bundle orders, and, where possible, leverage our network of distribution centers to shorten delivery distances.
Our national reach includes a strong presence in major markets like Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Georgia — and we continue to expand. By maintaining our own warehouse inventory and securing long-term partnerships with ocean and overland carriers, we’re able to offer more stability than many suppliers during periods of disruption.
We’ve also invested in internal forecasting systems to help customers prepare for the types of freight-related issues that used to catch them off guard. When we anticipate a rate increase or a port delay, we communicate early and clearly. It’s all part of our commitment to transparency — a value that has helped us build long-term trust in an industry where communication is often reactive instead of proactive.
In a market like this, the value of a supplier isn’t measured only by the quality of its products — it’s measured by how well that supplier supports you when things get unpredictable. Whether you’re ordering our SecureGrip® underlayment, insulation, adhesives, or fasteners, you’re not just buying materials. You’re buying reliability.
If you’re tired of material delays and unreliable shipping, give us a call. Let’s talk about how we can help you stay on schedule and protect your bottom line.
Visit us at https://www.continentalmaterials.com or call 1-800-247-6637 to get in touch with your local rep.