Our 4 Top Tips for Planning Your Bog Mat Supply and Avoiding Delays 

Project success depends on reliable, cost-effective ground protection. At GJ Mats, we recommend arranging your bog mat supply as early as possible. While we’re well practised at dispatching large consignments at short notice, securing your mats in advance takes the pressure off your team, avoids costly delays, and keeps your project running smoothly.  

Here’s what to consider when organising matting solutions for your next job. 

1. Plan Lead Times Early

At GJ Mats, we offer next-day delivery across the UK and rapid worldwide shipping – but not every supplier will have that capability. Certain mats, like Ekki crane mats, may require more complex handling and transportation logistics, especially when ordered in bulk. 

Whenever possible, contact your supplier in good time, even if your schedule isn’t already set in stone. Early conversations make it easier to line up the right mats, quotes, and logistics without last-minute stress. Emergencies and sudden changes will always crop up, but early planning ensures ground protection is at the bottom of the list of potential setbacks. 

2. Understand your delivery and collection options

The delivery and collection options your supplier can offer matter, especially if you’re working on complex, remote or restricted sites. When planning, consider: 

  • How will the mats be unloaded? You may need HIAB delivery with a crane off–loader, or perhaps you have the capability on–site to unload from a flatbed truck. 
  • What happens after the project? If you’re hiring mats, you need to be confident that your supplier can ensure consignments are loaded and removed from the job site promptly. 
  • Would it be easier to handle transport yourself? If you have suitable vehicles, it might be more efficient to collect mats directly from the depot or timber mill. Look for a supplier that offers flexible options. 

Building delivery and collection into your project plan from the outset is the most reliable approach. There’s always flexibility to adapt if things change on site, but having the basics covered early avoids last-minute complications. 

3. Plan for volume and stock availability

Nothing scuppers your best laid plans like not having enough bog mats or suddenly finding that the exact spec you need is out of stock. Adequate ground coverage is rarely as simple as multiplying square metres. Factors like traffic intensity, turning zones, and ground variability all influence how many mats a project requires. 

Key considerations include: 

  • Access routes and platforms – not just total area, but also junctions, and transition points. 
  • Plant and equipment – heavier plant may require thicker mats or extra reinforcement in specific zones. 
  • Ground conditions – changing weather, uneven ground, ecologically sensitive sites, or softer terrain can increase demand beyond the baseline estimate.

By addressing potential variables early, you can ensure you have the right thicknesses, adequate stock availability, and reduce the risk of falling short if conditions shift. 

4. Combine hire and purchase where it makes sense

There’s a lot of value in taking a hybrid approach to buying or hiring bog mats. Many customers invest in a core set of bog or crane mats for regular operations, then hire additional or specialist mats to scale up for larger or one-off projects. 

Planning this balance in advance gives you more certainty over costs. It also avoids the hassle of storing excess stock between jobs, keeping investment more closely in line with demand across projects. 

Hardwood mats are made from tropical and European hardwood species such as Ekki or oak. They offer high level strength and durability, making them ideal for demanding construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects. 

Speak to our GJ Mats experts before your project starts

Every project is different, but one thing is true across the board – poor ground protection planning has the potential to put a major spanner in the works.  

At GJ Mats, we’ve spent two decades supplying timber bog mats and crane mats to leading companies in the civil engineering, construction, utilities, energy, infrastructure, and renewable sectors. From delivery scheduling to mat thickness, we’ll help you plan it right the first time. 

Contact GJ Mats today for a no-obligation quote.