What Is Project Cargo?

When you hear the term "project cargo," what usually comes to mind is the act of hauling large or heavy pieces of equipment. However, this term can best be described as the relocation of complex cargo that can't be shipped in regular containers.

Project cargo is intended not just for large or oversized objects, but also for those of high value. Therefore, the process may sometimes take multiple shipments (although a single shipment is also possible) and usually involves the use of cranes, trucks, planes, and ships. An example of project logistics is moving a wind turbine to a power plant.

Due to the specific timeframe usually needed in project cargo, as well as its complex nature, detailed planning is essential. Therefore, taking the time to organize and plan an exact project cargo is beneficial to the process.

Definition

The term "project cargo" differs slightly from another term in the freight industry, "breakbulk shipping." The term "breaking bulk" refers to the process of loading and unloading goods into and out of a ship's hold. In contrast, "project cargo" refers to the actual shifting of the goods.

In general, project cargo is used when:

• There are special requirements for the cargo itself;
• The cargo must arrive at a destination within a specific timeframe; and
• The cargo cannot fit inside standard containers.

It may also refer to a combination of methods to carry the objects shipped, such as breakbulk, air freight, containers, and trucking.

The execution of project cargo forwarding involves many parties from beginning to end, including the participation of entire air charters, ocean charters, specialized vehicles, packing services, customs, and other parties. It may even take years to organize. Hence, the word "project" is in the name.

Types of Cargo

What do you usually shift via project cargo? Here are the common cargoes typically transported:

• Wind turbines
• Solar panels
• Large machinery
• Heavy construction equipment
• Trucks
• Buses
• Cranes
• Aircraft

As you can imagine, complicated cargo operations will require careful coordination between the client, the shipper, the carrier, and other parties involved in the transport.

Planning

The reason why it's necessary to plan project cargo carefully is to minimize time, cost, and risk. In the logistics industry, many factors may influence a shipment, from the weather to current affairs.

That's why every shipper must anticipate unpredictable events and devise a contingency plan.

There are many factors to consider with project cargo during the planning stage. Some of them are:

• Customs compliance
• Paperwork
• Duties
• Exemptions
• Authorizations

A good project cargo planner will help you identify all the necessary documents and approvals required for your shipment. This includes creating a solid budgeting plan, routing options, and contingency plans.

It's ideal to have everything in place before starting the actual project cargo.

Designing

During your planning, you should also consider the design of the project cargo. Two methods of designing project cargo are doing it yourself or hiring a professional designer.

Either way, the object's dimensions are crucial to designing project cargo. Determining the height, width, and length, as well as density and volume, will help you choose the most suitable mode of transport.

Equally important is the weight, because it will determine whether you have the option of using a specialized carrier or standard containerized shipping.

Last but not least, you'll have to choose a mode of transport. How much room you need for the object matters. For example, moving a windmill would probably involve a crane. Yet, if you're only relocating, a truck might be more suitable.

Shifting Project Cargo

The relocating stage of project cargo needs to be as comprehensive as the planning stage. It's vital to know how the load is shifted, based on transit times and other factors, so there's space for little adjustments. Maintaining liability and transparency also form a cohesive part of this stage.

The types of hauling used for project cargo are the key to this stage. Other than that, you must factor in other variables. For instance, it's helpful to look out for the weather conditions and geopolitical issues that might arise, as they may affect how your goods are received at the destination.

By sea

If you move an object by ship, you'll need to ensure that the vessel has enough space for the cargo.

Moving project cargo by sea on a ship is the preferred choice. There are different types of vessels for carrying the shipment. What you need to do is to ensure the appropriate vessel has enough space for your cargo.

• Submersible ships are fitting for heavy loads and provide stability on an open deck.
• Multipurpose vessels are ideal for containers, high-capacity cranes, and any cargo.
• Barges are suitable for smaller objects.

By air

It is also possible to relocate by air freight. Again, as with ships, there are airplanes crafted for carrying project cargo. In addition, helicopters are usually available, as well as smaller airplanes with easy access to remote landing sights.

This means you must first check whether there are any restrictions on the aircraft used for relocation . Some destinations might not be equipped with proper takeoff and landing facilities, so include this in your planning if you choose this mode.

By land

Moving project cargo by land usually requires modular trucks or flatbeds. Designed to carry heavy loads, they can handle oversized freight or heavy objects. Some may have side panels, while others do not, so this is another thing to check.

A wide variety of cargo can be relocated by truck. Not just limited to vehicles or machinery, land transport may even be used to transport a mobile home for you.

Another land shifting option is the railway. Some countries may have the infrastructure for freight trains.

The Cost of Shifting

When it comes to project cargo, the costs vary greatly. Pricing depends on several factors: the weight and dimensions of the object, the mode of transport, and the route.

Pricing also varies from country to country. For example, in some countries, like Australia, the cost of importing goods is higher than exporting them.

There is a price disparity based on geographical locations. For example, transporting a large wind turbine across the Atlantic Ocean could cost between $50,000 and $100,000.

Meanwhile, relocating a refrigerator across the Pacific Ocean could cost less than $1,500.

In fact, project cargo costs can go up to $10 million.

Calculating the total cost of project cargo should be done during the budgeting part of the planning stage. Bear in mind that the cost of the cargo itself is usually separate from the cost of the planning, which can also run up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Case Study:

Let's take a look at how you can transport a wind turbine. Wind turbines are massive machines, weighing anything from 10 to 200 feet. They require specialist equipment and highly trained operators to transport safely.

In this simple case study, you would relocate a wind turbine with a 150 meter diameter from England to Scotland.

Step 1: Planning & preparation

The first step is to contact a project cargo manager and identify all potential issues that may arise during the project.

The experienced project cargo manager points out an environmental risk. They then carry out an environmental impact assessment, which takes 10 days to complete.

After getting the assessment results, it's time to complete the papers and permits. Collecting all the documents takes around 30 working days.

Once the papers are ready, it's time to choose the route. After conducting road surveys, the project cargo manager advises taking the A90 road because it's the most direct route. The projected time frame for this journey is 14 days.

Step 2: Transport

The route has now been decided. Now it's time to choose the right vehicle for the job.

A heavy-duty truck is suitable for the wind turbine. The project cargo manager hires a crane to lift the wind turbine to avoid problems.

The truck leaves with the wind turbine. The driver, driving at 50 mph as regulated by the local law, reports his progress so the object's position can be updated throughout the journey.

There are no unexpected events during transport, thanks to the extensive planning of the project. But the driver made one unscheduled transit to refuel, which added another day to the relocating stage.

Step 3: Arrival

After the wind turbine arrives at its destination, it's time to unload the machine. Next, the cargo forwarder must store the device in a warehouse, where its more complex pieces are assembled. The assembly takes another 10 days.

Now the turbine is ready for installation. The forwarder arranges for the delivery of the machine to the recipient, and it arrives safely.

Step 4: Summary

For this project, the cost of the cargo is £1,000,000. The planning stage costs £800,000.

The total amount of time needed to complete the entire project is 65 days, or approximately two months.

The final step in the process is to review the process and evaluate the project cargo manager or company that worked with you.

Analyzing a finished project's result will lead to future improvements.

Ship Your Heavy Equipment with Us

In the end, managing project cargo may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The key is establishing a transparent, solid plan in the beginning and working with a trusted partner to keep track of the process.

With the right partner, you know what you need to do to ensure that your heavy cargo arrives safely and on time. So whether you're shipping goods across the globe or within your city limits, you can rest assured knowing that you're doing everything possible to make sure that your cargo reaches its destination without incident.

We can be that partner for you. With years of experience in the industry, we have a variety of services to shift your heavy equipment at an affordable price.

We can relocate everything from your heavy equipment to your yacht. Our freight shipping service provides access to limitless shipping options without restrictions on weight or size.

For the best relocating services for your cargo, we are here for you. We strive to be a trusted partner for your oversized cargo needs. Contact us today for more information.