Project logistics refers to specialized freight moves that are oversized, heavy-lift or hazardous. Moving over dimensional, overweight or toxic cargo is a complex job that involves heavy shipping equipment and moving project materials to work sites, facilities and construction stations whether on- or off-highway.
Over dimensional freight is any item that exceeds one or more of the standard legal size criteria for the state. While these measures vary, the general guideline for parameters is 53’ long 8’6” wide, 13’ 6” tall on the trailer. Shipments that exceed these parameters are considered over dimensional and requires a permit before being moved.
A Helpful Guide to Over Dimensional Flatbed Shipments
To haul project cargo economically and efficiently, there must be attended to every detail, constant communication and collaboration throughout the entire supply chain process.
Common Examples of Project Cargo
- Military supplies and equipment
- Machinery, steel, pumps
- Manufacturing equipment
- Mining equipment
- Windmills
An Inbound Logistics article says that project logistics yields a significant time of planning for billion-dollar projects, and there aren’t any shortcuts. Each project move introduces new challenges and generates inventive designs. Finding a 3PL that can handle such a multifaceted shipping project is critical. Shippers rely on 3PLs to handle the specifics of the cargo, route, and mode, plus understand its needs for budgeting, planning, handling, execution, and delivery.
Planning the transport of oversized, overweight, and hazardous cargo takes knowledge, experience, and confidence. 3PL experts understand the government regulations, handling strategies and the overall situation, which is key to success.
When it comes to shipping project cargo, transportation and logistics demands are distinctive to each situation. At PLS, we are able to determine the best routes, equipment, and timeline for your cargo. Our team is familiar with shipping oversized, specialized shipments. For one client, PLS moved equipment weighing more than 252,000 pounds. The trailer used to move the equipment had 72 tires and two additional tractors that pulled and pushed the equipment.
Shippers with project cargo can overcome transportation hurdles and reduce freight spend with automated transportation management. Partnering with a 3PL and using a TMS helps shippers maintain on-time delivery, improve service and avoid disruptions, gain new carrier partners, consolidate invoice and improve dock controls, among other benefits. Continue reading how this PLS client reduced freight spends through automation.
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