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We are all familiar with how standard-size shipments are transported, but not many people are aware of the possibilities of transporting heavy or oversized items across large distances.
In principle, oversized and heavy shipments can be transported by sea, land or even air. However, since they cannot fit into standard pallets, containers or trucks, you will need to work with a logistics provider who specializes in the transport of large, heavy, complex or high-value items and equipment. In the logistics industry, these shipments are often referred to as “project cargo”.
Detailed planning is crucial to ensure the success of oversized, out-of-gauge or heavy transports. If you take the time to plan every detail of the process, you can save significant amounts of time and money and reduce the risk of unexpected obstacles along the way.
The first step is to determine the exact dimensions of the shipment. Seemingly small deviations can cause big problems. The shipment dimensions will determine the transport route, since tunnels, bridges, overpasses, toll booths, etc. can be an obstacle or even damage the cargo. The dimensions must also be considered in packaging and securing the cargo, so that it is well-protected and does not move around during transport.
Finally, each special transport requires a permit from the competent authorities and may require specific customs procedures, which is another reason to start planning as early as possible. A competent logistics provider will arrange all these processes for you, select the ideal route for fast and safe transport, and make sure the shipment is properly packaged and secured in order to prevent any damage to your goods.
After the preliminary work is finished, transport can begin. The first part of the transport is usually done by road using special vehicles: low-floor trailers with several axles and special tractors. The goods are loaded using special equipment like open-top and flat-rack containers, which are also used for further shipping by sea freight. In case of very urgent shipments, airfreight is also an option.
Would you like to find out more? Our experienced Project Cargo team will be glad to answer your questions and find the right solution for even the most challenging transports.
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics