Riad Daloussi Shares 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Equipment Logistics

 

Riad Daloussi is a Canadian entrepreneur working in both the machinery and real estate industries. Riad Daloussi supplies farm and construction equipment across North America and helps international brands enter the Canadian and U.S. markets. With years of experience in shipping, supply chains, and development, he understands how small mistakes in logistics can lead to big delays and losses. Riad Daloussi shares five common mistakes to avoid in equipment logistics, along with simple, practical ways to prevent them through better planning, coordination, and delivery management.

1. Not Planning Early Enough

One of the most frequent mistakes is leaving logistics to the last minute. Many companies assume that booking transport a few days before the deadline will be enough. But equipment logistics is more complex than moving boxes. You may need permits, escorts for oversized loads, or extra time to coordinate loading and unloading.

When planning happens too late, you’re left rushing, and that’s when delays and extra costs show up. Instead, start planning as soon as you know the machine needs to move. Build in buffer time for unexpected issues and confirm dates with all parties involved. Early planning gives you more control, fewer surprises, and smoother delivery.

2. Poor Equipment Handling During Loading and Transport

Heavy equipment may look strong, but it’s not. Poor handling during loading, unloading, or transport is a leading cause of damage. Machines that are not properly secured can shift during transit, leading to mechanical issues, broken parts, or safety risks.

Handling should always be done by trained teams using the right tools, cranes, tie-downs, and protective covers. It’s also important to follow weight distribution guidelines, especially for long-haul trucking or sea freight. A single misstep can cause thousands in repair costs or delay an entire project. Taking extra care during handling protects both the machine and your reputation.

3. Weak Communication Between Partners

In logistics, many different people are involved- suppliers, freight companies, customs agents, site managers, and receivers. If everyone is not fully informed or in sync, the whole operation can fall apart. A missed email or unshared update can cause delays, confusion, or lost shipments.

Good logistics require good communication. All key parties should have access to delivery schedules, tracking info, and contact details. Confirm loading times, share updates as things move, and make sure someone is always available to handle unexpected issues. When everyone is in the loop, the job flows faster and cleaner.

4. No Backup Plan for Delays or Storage Needs

Even with great planning, things don’t always go as scheduled. Maybe the job site isn’t ready. Maybe bad weather causes delays. If your equipment arrives too early, or gets held up somewhere, you need a safe place to store it. Not planning for this can lead to machinery sitting outside, unprotected, or taking up space at the wrong location.

A good logistics plan includes temporary storage options. Whether it’s a nearby yard, warehouse, or covered staging area, having a plan B avoids last-minute stress. It also ensures your equipment stays in good condition and ready to go when the time is right.

5. Ignoring Last-Mile Delivery Challenges

The final stretch of equipment delivery, known as the last mile, is often the most challenging part of the entire logistics process. Even when machines arrive safely at the local port or warehouse, reaching the actual job site can be difficult.

Narrow roads, unstable ground, lack of unloading equipment, or absence of on-site personnel can cause unexpected delays and safety risks. Without proper planning, these final delivery issues can stall projects and lead to extra costs. Coordinating site readiness, access, and unloading support in advance ensures a smooth, timely delivery and avoids complications at the most critical stage.

Conclusion

Equipment logistics isn’t just about booking a truck. It’s about managing the full journey, from start to finish, with the right mindset and preparation. Rushing through steps, assuming details will sort themselves out, or leaving things to chance can lead to big setbacks.

By avoiding these five mistakes, not planning early, poor handling, weak communication, no storage backup, and ignoring last-mile issues, you improve your logistics flow, protect your equipment, and keep your projects running smoothly.