Removable gooseneck, tanktainer, double drop, jeep dolly – believe it or not, these obscure pieces of logistics equipment are critical to the success of many oversize and bulk shipments. The world of specialized transportation with its jargon and unique equipment availabilities can seem formidable to shippers looking to move bulk and oversized freight.
Shippers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to find the right equipment for their freight. Shaker Logistics takes a consultative approach to over-dimensional, overweight, and bulk freight project management to ensure our customers never get overwhelmed by the process. We sat down with a few Shaker team members to discuss how a third-party logistics provider can help oversize shippers secure the equipment they need.
Bulk Tankers with Pete Heffern, Bulk Liquid & Gas Logistics Manager
When it comes to bulk shipments, tankers are the primary equipment used to move large quantities of liquids and gases. But tankers aren’t one-size-fits-all; they are specially designed to be food or chemical grade, and carriers moving these tankers sometimes need hazmat certifications to get the job done legally and safely. Most of this equipment is used for dedicated service, and the tanker market experiences tightness in summer months when shippers tend to move more product. These hallmarks of tanker logistics can present challenges for bulk shippers. For example, a bulk chemical shipper looking for emergency coverage is limited to whatever bulk chemical carriers have the right tanks, the proper permits, and are not running dedicated service at that time.
“It’s really difficult to find these pieces of equipment without working with a dedicated option. If you’re having troubles with a carrier, talking to a third-party logistics provider can allow you to expand your network and provide viable options for tanker shipments,” Pete said.
As with any market, it can be difficult to secure dedicated service. To combat this, Shaker’s team builds up dedicated lanes for our customers, so they have coverage for their regularly scheduled lanes and access to go-to carriers in an emergency. A tailored approach, determined by our experts working closely with the shipper to assess their needs, is the best way to ensure that the carrier who shows up can always get the job done.
“Our goal is to enlighten shippers who’ve moved their bulk freight one way for the last decade. They only have one perspective and access to one carrier. We want to open their eyes to more efficient, cost-effective tanker options.”
Oversize with Austin Celii, Customer Success Manager
Oversize freight is a broad term encompassing anything that is too wide, tall, long, or heavy to be hauled with regular equipment, or without permits or escorts. Shaker has nearly 30 years of experience hauling oversize freight for our customers; we’ve moved a tugboat, an airplane turbine and a wind turbine, hydrogen storage vessels, stationary power units, and more. Each project required a custom solution with specialized equipment, intense attention to detail, and a high level of communication from our team.
“For oversize logistics to be successful, we need to take a close look and adapt solutions to the customer. For instance, a vertical tank loaded onto a flatbed might be considered over height, which requires permits to move. If we put that same tank on a double drop trailer, it rides low enough to meet height restrictions and won’t require a permit,” Austin said. “These are the things that save our customer the time and money, and we handle it all for them.”
Shippers with oversized freight contend with size regulations on the road, but challenges with larger freight often occur before the product even makes it on the truck. Many facilities don’t have the equipment, space, or personnel to maintain and operate heavy-duty forklifts and pallet jacks required to load oversized freight. In these cases, Shaker’s team can arrange equipment rentals or hire local crane operators to rig the freight and safely get it onto the truck. Renting equipment and person power comes with expenses, but to avoid damaging valuable freight, it’s always worth the cost.
Tips for Oversize Shippers
Many of Shaker’s customers require bulk and oversize shippers across diverse industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, hydrogen, and construction. Our team has built up an arsenal of knowledge and experience to serve them with inventive solutions. Here are a few tips for oversize shippers:
Know just how oversized your freight is.
Knowing the proper dimensions and weight of your freight can save you money. An extra inch can lead to thousands of dollars in permits and potential shipping delays while you wait for the carrier to obtain those permits. If in doubt, send a photo to your logistics partner so their experts can analyze and confirm the equipment and permits you need.
Patience and flexibility are key.
It can take longer to find reputable carrier options with the proper specialized equipment because there are fewer of them in the market. Once equipment is secured, the real test of success is when the freight gets loaded onto the truck. Slight variations in equipment weight and condition can cause items to be unexpectedly overweight. When this happens, Shaker’s experts act quickly and send backup transportation to make the delivery safe and on time.
Choose a trustworthy logistics provider.
The world of specialized transportation equipment for oversize and bulk freight can be difficult to navigate alone. A quality logistics provider can be the difference between a successful shipment and costly damages.
“We act as consultants, not just a booking agent for equipment,” said Pete. “With all the nuances of oversize logistics, having a trusted and experienced team like Shaker working with you allows you to rethink your approach to shipping. We always enjoy a challenge.”