contents · transportation in general. many times, they are avoided to be used in the trade show...
TRANSCRIPT
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CONTENTS
Expedited Transportation
TYPES OF EQUIPMENT……………………………………………………………………..3-5
TIPS FOR PREVENTING THE UNEXPECTED FROM HAPPENING…………………….6-8
Trade Show Transportation
TYPES OF EQUIPMENT……………………………………………………………………9-11
TIPS FOR PREVENTING THE UNEXPECTED FROM HAPPENING………………….12-15
Equipment Size and Dimensions Guide
TRUCK SIZE/DIMENSIONS CHEAT SHEET…………………………………………….16-18
Cargo Security Equipment
TYPES OF CARGO SECURITY EQUIPMENT…………………………………………..19-22
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EXPEDITED TRANSPORTATION
As the time moves forward, every company and it’s entire industry strives to speed up their performances in order to keep customers happy. Transportation industry is no exception.As transportation industry has many of it’s segments, one of the most demanding and challenging one is expediting. That is why attention to details is crucial when it comes to time-critical shipments. Here are some tips and advices which, when followed, can reduce the risks of late pickups/deliveries and service failures in general along with equipment types that are most commonly used in expediting:
• TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
➔ 53’ VAN TRAILER
This is the most convenient equipment type for large shipments in expediting transportation. It is commonly used in situations where shipper is unsure of the exact dimensions and weight of the shipment, but has only a rough idea how much space it will take. Also, another fact is that 53’ dry vans are the most common trailer types on the road and have the best availability in general.Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind when utilizing a 53’ dry van:
Pros:
• Has the most space in comparing to other smaller equipment types• Has the biggest weight allowance• Has the best availability of team drivers
Cons:
• Usually the most expensive option• The slowest transit time in comparing to other smaller equipment types• Hardest one to approach pickup/delivery sites
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➔ STRAIGHT BOX TRUCK
When there is 26’ or less of space needed, using a straight box truck can be more convenient than 53’ trailer in many ways, but there are certain things to keep in mind before booking one, such as the inside dims of the box and at the door opening, if the truck is air-ride and maximum legal weight it can be loaded with. Here are some pros and cons for using a straight truck vs. 53’ van:
Pros:
• More affordable in most cases• More secure exclusivity • Can be equipped with a lift gate and a pallet jack if needed• In most cases has better transit time than 53’ van• Easier to approach to convention center pickup & delivery sites
Cons:
• Less available cargo space • Usually can take up to 8,000 lbs of freight• Some trucks are not dock-high
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➔ Cargo/Sprinter Van
Cargo/Sprinter vans are the smallest types of vehicles that can be used in the ground transportation in general. Many times, they are avoided to be used in the trade show transportation, due to their size and the fact that they are not dock-high, which makes the loading and unloading process more challenging.In cases when they can be used, here are a couple of pros and cons to keep in mind:
Pros:
• Fastest transit time• Easy approach to any site• The most affordable option• Loaded/unloaded faster than other vehicles
Cons:
• Very little cargo space• Not dock-high• Can take up to 3,000 lbs of freight• Not Air Ride Equipped
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TIPS FOR PREVENTING THE UNEXPECTED FROM HAPPENING
➢ USE LIFT GATE AND PALLET JACK EQUIPPED TRUCKS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
This of course does not apply to large shipments that require more than 26’ of space or if a shipment is small enough to fit into a Sprinter van. Why lift gate and pallet jack though? Well, as transportation in general is relied on the vehicle itself, there is always a possibility of a breakdown. Since expedited shipments are time-sensitive and late deliveries can put the client atextra charges, having vehicle equipped with a lift gate and pallet jack can be a life saver in case of a breakdown. Just by having these two, freight can be easily transported into a recovery vehicle, as long as it is a dock high truck and the chance of the late delivery can be avoided.
➢ USE TEAM DRIVERS FOR LATE SHIPMENTS
A common practice for some carriers/brokers is to over promise and under deliver. This can be agood example of that. If a mileage for a run is over 600 miles, no matter how fresh driver’s hours are, a true team service should always be requested, especially if the load is picking up late in a day. For a single driver, any transit over 12 hours or night driving in general can put everyone at a risk of a late delivery. It is not advisable to move these types of loads with a solo driver, if a delivery is very time-critical.
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➢ REQUEST FREIGHT SECURITY EQUIPMENT (STRAPS, LOAD BARS AND BLANKETS)
Nowadays, almost every truck driver carries straps in his truck and some of them do carry load bars and blankets. Now, many drivers don’t utilize this equipment unless they are told to do so. Since expedited freight comes in all kinds of packages (crates, pallets, boxes, etc.), it is very important to always make sure to emphasize that driver must carry all necessary equipment and make sure to secure freight before departure.
➢ REQUEST PHOTOS OF LOADED FREIGHT WHEN PICKING UP, ESPECIALLY FROM THE AIRPORT
As a nature of air freight is to be transferred multiple times and change a few hands, it tends to get damaged sometimes during it’s transport. In order to react and inform on time, it is recommended that a drivers takes photos of a loaded freight and sends them to a forwarder rightaway, before his departure from the pickup. This way the customer will be aware of the damage on time, if there is any.
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➢ REQUEST SATELLITE TRACKING
Until a few years ago, satellite tracking was not as common as nowadays. There are no reasons why a transportation service should not use this type of tracking for expediting loads, unless they are using unreliable carriers/drivers and are afraid that forwarder might realize that. By using satellite tracking, a driver can be prevented from giving false updates.
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TRADE SHOW TRANSPORTATION
Trade shows can be hectic at the times, we all know that. Behind every successful booth stands a good organization of the transportation, display and decorator company. Transportation companies are an essential element in the trade show industry. These types of shipments are probably one of the most challenging in logistics, due to their requirements in order for them to be successful.There are many details which every party involved in the shipping and transportation part of the trade show has to follow in order for the booth to be set up on time for the show.Here are a few tips every transportation service should follow and pay attention to, along with the most common equipment types being used in trade show transportation:
• TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
➔ 53’ VAN TRAILER
This is the most common equipment type used for shipping trade show freight. This type of trailers is the most convenient due to the size of the space they offer. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind when utilizing a 53’ dry van:
Pros:
• Has the most space in comparing to other smaller equipment types• Has the biggest weight allowance• Has the best availability of team drivers
Cons:
• Usually the most expensive option• The slowest transit time in comparing to other smaller equipment types• Hardest one to approach pickup/delivery sites
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➔ STRAIGHT BOX TRUCK
When there is 26’ or less of space needed and the shipper still requires an exclusive option, using a straight box truck can be more convenient than 53’ trailer in many ways, but there are certain things to keep in mind before booking one, such as the inside dims of the box and at the door opening, if the truck is air-ride and maximum legal weight it can be loaded with. Here are some pros and cons for using a straight truck vs. 53’ van:
Pros:
• More affordable in most cases• More secure exclusivity • Can be equipped with a lift gate and a pallet jack if needed• In most cases has better transit time than 53’ van• Easier to approach to convention center pickup & delivery sites
Cons:
• Less available cargo space • Usually can take up to 8,000 lbs of freight• Some trucks are not dock-high
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➔ Cargo/Sprinter Van
Cargo/Sprinter vans are the smallest types of vehicles that can be used in the ground transportation in general. Many times, they are avoided to be used in the trade show transportation, due to their size and the fact that they are not dock-high, which makes the loading and unloading process more challenging.In cases when they can be used, here are a couple of pros and cons to keep in mind:
Pros:
• Fastest transit time• Easy approach to any site• The most affordable option• Loaded/unloaded faster than other vehicles
Cons:
• Very little cargo space• Not dock-high• Can take up to 3,000 lbs of freight• Not Air Ride Equipped
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TIPS FOR PREVENTING THE UNEXPECTED FROM HAPPENING
➢ AVOID REEFERS AT ALL COST
As this seems like a common sense, there are a lot of Freight Forwarders that are not informed about possible outcomes when shipping trade show or any other kind of dry freight in a reefer. Although some carriers use reefer trailers for dry loads and try to keep them clean, dry and odorfree as much as possible, there is still a possibility that the miscommunication happens between the driver and dispatcher, and the freight ends up being loaded in the trailer that isn’t clean and odor free, which can result in claims and dissatisfaction from the customer.
➢ USE LIFT GATE AND PALLET JACK EQUIPPED TRUCKS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
This of course does not apply to large shipments that require more than 26’ of space or if a shipment is small enough to fit into a Sprinter van. Why lift gate and pallet jack though? Well, as transportation in general is relied on the vehicle itself, there is always a possibility of a breakdown. Since deliveries to the trade shows are time-sensitive and late deliveries can put the client at extra charges, having vehicle equipped with a lift gate and pallet jack can be a life saver in case of a breakdown. Just by having these two, freight can be easily transported into a recovery vehicle, as long as it is a dock high truck and the chance of the late delivery can be avoided.
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➢ PAY ATTENTION TO NON-DOCK LEVEL VEHICLES
Sprinters and some box trucks are not dock level high and this can cause an unexpected issue at the convention center, no matter if a vehicle is making a pickup or a delivery. Some convention centers do accept vehicles that are not in the dock level, but at the same time some of them are not. To always be on the safe side, it is recommended to contact the decorator of the show and discuss with them if they have the ability to load/unload non-dock high vehicles.
➢ REQUEST FREIGHT SECURITY EQUIPMENT (STRAPS, LOAD BARS AND
BLANKETS)
Nowadays, almost every truck driver carries straps in his truck and some of them do carry load bars and blankets. Now, many drivers don’t utilize this equipment unless they are told to do so. Since trade show freight comes in all kinds of packages (crates, pallets, boxes, etc.), it is very important to always make sure to emphasize that driver must carry all necessary equipment and make sure to secure freight before departure.
➢ REQUEST THAT A DRIVER PRINTS OUT AND BRING IN BOL IN HAND WHEN PICKING UP FROM A TRADE SHOW
The most common reasons for delays drivers face at the guard house are due to:
• driver not having the required info for check-in (exhibitor name, booth#, show and decorator names)
• driver’s failure to communicate with check-in guards
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• driver providing the wrong info, due to the miscommunication between him and the dispatcher/broker
The best way to avoid delays is to have your transportation service make sure to fax a copy of a bill of lading (with info driver needs to provide when checking in) to the driver, so he can have it in hands. This way any confusions can be easily avoided and a driver will have a minimum delays at the trade show.
➢ REQUEST PHOTOS OF LOADED FREIGHT WHEN PICKING UP FROM A TRADE SHOW
From a moment freight is delivered to a trade show, until it is loaded on an outbound truck again, it has to go through a several transfers. During this transfers, some decorators tend not to handle it with much care. This way of handling freight can result in some minor and major damages. It is very important that, when a driver is picking up from a trade show location, takesas many photos of received freight as possible and make notes of any visible damage he notices.This way you can be clean in front of the customer and easily prove that it was not your driver’sfault, but decorator’s.
➢ REQUEST A DRIVER ON SITE EARLY
As we all know, almost every marshaling yard guard house has their times of operation posted. If possible, it is always good to have driver on site a few hours before house’s opening time. Now you might be wondering why. Well, just try to look back and see how many times you had a driver on site exactly at guard house’s opening time and what time he ended up actually checking in at. In most cases, if driver shows up on site at marshaling yard’s opening time, he ends up waiting in a long line of trucks.This will most certainly result in greater delays, which will cost your customer more, which is not that good, as we all tend to save their costs.This is why it is always better, if it’s at all possible, to have the driver on site at least 2 hours before marshaling yard opening hours, so he can take one of the first spots in the waiting line.
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➢ REQUEST A MARSHALING YARD CHECK-IN # FROM A DRIVER
Once the driver is checked in, every guard house will provide him a check-in number which they use to better organize both loading and unloading processes. Now, if there is a reason for calling a guard house about that particular driver, the very first thing they ask for is his check-in number. By having this number ready, they will easily be able to pull up an information about that load and a driver.
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TRUCK SIZE/DIMENSIONS CHEAT SHEET
• 53’ DRY VAN
Air-Ride Capacity: 45,000 lbs. Door Opening: up to 102x110 Non-stack skids: (26) 48x48x48 Stackable skids: (52) 48x48x48
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• STRAIGHT TRUCK 18-26 FT
18 Footer Door Opening: 96x92 Non-stack skids: (8) 48x48x48 Stackable skids: (16) 48x48x48 and total height of the skid(s) are less than 92”
22 Footer Door Opening: up to 96x92 Non-stack skids: (10) 48x48x48 Stackable skids: (20) if 48x48
24 Footer Door Opening: up to 102x102 Non-stack skids: (12) 48x48x48 Stackable skids: (24) if 48x48
26 Footer Door Opening: up to 102x102 Non-stack skids: (12) 48x48x48 Stackable skids: (24) if 48x48
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• CARGO VAN & SPRINTER
Cargo vanCapacity: up to 3,000 lbsDoor Opening: up to 48x48 Stackable skids: (2) 48x48
Sprinter vanCapacity: up to 3,000 lbsDoor Opening: up to 56x72 Stackable skids: (3) 48x48
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TYPES OF CARGO SECURITY EQUIPMENT
In order to keep cargo as safe as possible from damages, it is always recommended to use freight security equipment. Most of these types are used in conjunction with E-Track inside interior van trailers (see below).
Here are the most commonly used types of cargo control equipment in ground transportation:
• STRAPS
Straps are the most common freight security type that drivers carry in their trucks. They can be used to secure almost every kind of cargo. Here are a few most commonly used types of straps and their characteristics:
➢ RATCHET STRAPS
Ratchet straps are the most reliable type of straps for avoiding damage from sliding/tipping overof freight during a transit. What sets them apart from other kinds is that they have ratchets that tighten the entire strap to it’s absolute maximum allowance, which can prevent freight from moving around.It is always a good idea to ask the driver to put at least 2 ratchet straps across the trailer at a tail of cargo.
➢ CAM BUCKLE TIE DOWN STRAPS
The only difference between cam buckle and ratchet straps is that cam buckle ones are missing a ratchet. Now, some may think that cam buckle can do as good job as ratchet straps, which is not true. Without a ratchet, cam buckle tie downs have less break strength than ratchet straps.
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➢ FURNITURE STRAPS
Furniture straps are the thinnest and least secure type of straps. They are most commonly used in cargo/sprinter vans that cannot carry over 3,000 lbs of total cargo weight. These straps can doa decent job with light freight. It is always recommended to use ratchet or cam buckle types if possible.
• LOAD BARS
Load bars (also called cargo load locks or load distribution bars) are steel or aluminum beams that are used to organize cargo or hold it in place. This is to prevent damage to the cargo. Some bars hook into a track system such as e-track, and some use pressure against the walls of a trailer or truck bed to stay in place like a Load Lock Bar.
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➢ LOAD LOCK BARS
Load locks, also called load distribution bars or cargo load locks, are square bars with an extendible fitting on each end that lock into a track system on the interior of a trailer. Load bars for trailers then lock into place at the desired length with an easy-release trigger mechanism meant to be functional even when wearing thick gloves for safety. Load locks for trailers are made of steel or high performance aluminum.Load locks for trucks, or some lighter applications come as ratcheting load bars that do not require an E-track system for use, instead they are secured by pressure against the cargo and trailer surface.
➢ E-TRACK LOAD BARS
E track load bars have fittings that allow the cargo bar to mount into track system installed on the interior walls of your trailer. Each E track load bar extends to fit the width of your trailer, standard E track cargo bars come in 92" or 85" lengths and they extend to 103" or 96.6". E trackbars expansion also allows them to expand or contract as required to accommodate shifts in temperature or tweaking. E track load locks are crafted of aluminum or steel.E track load bars can be used individually or if you're stacking cargo at multiple levels, such as moving boxes or other smaller boxes you might find it useful to install a cargo lock at multiple heights, one for each course of boxes to prevent shifting.
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• MOVING EQUIPMENT
Moving equipment is most commonly used when cargo that has to be handled with extra car is being transported in order to avoid any possible external damages.
➢ MOVING BLANKETS
Moving blankets (also known as Furniture Mover Pads, or Warehouse Pads) help prevent damage and scratches when moving by acting as a protective covering. Moving Pads also are a good solution for items placed in storage because they provide protection and keep the items free of dust.
➢ 4 WHEEL DOLLIES
Utility dollies are essential moving accessories when it comes to moving heavy items such as furniture, heavy boxes or appliances like a freezer or refrigerator. Moving equipment dollies generally have four non-marking wheels and a wide, low base made of wood or steel.A 4-wheel dolly is also great to have on hand at the job; they’re great office furniture moving equipment, making moving desks, filing cabinets, etc. easy and safe.
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