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Exercise Equipment Transportation

Exercise Equipment Transportation

25 May
James Colies 0

Exercise Equipment Transportation

If you have ever tried to move a home free-weight system, or even a cumbersome elliptical machine, stationary bike, or treadmill from one room of your house to another or from one home to another, you know what a bear it can be. But if you are a professional gym, school, or rec center, getting commercial exercise equipment transported to your facility is an even cagier proposition. 

A typical set of professional gym equipment can include many different types of exercise equipment, including:

  • Bike trainers
  • Elliptical trainers
  • Rowers
  • Treadmills
  • Weight benches
  • Stair and climber machines
  • Free weights
  • Free weight racks

Common features of these exercise machines are that they are large, unwieldy, and very heavy.

Heavy Shipments Require Specialized Handling

Trucking companies ship big stuff all the time, but exercise equipment presents unique challenges. In most cases, you won’t have to worry about how wide or tall the load is, but you will have to worry about weight.

More specifically, while trucking companies are used to handling heavy shipments, in this case, the weight is concentrated in a relatively small area. Even when a given piece of exercise equipment is broken down into multiple boxes or crates, a full container load of exercise equipment can get very heavy very quickly. This presents a unique set of problems for transportation: 

  • What type of heavy haul container or trailer is needed to distribute the weight properly for the load (e.g., how many axles)?
  • Does the carrier have the appropriate heavy haul vehicle to pull the load?
  • Are there any roads or bridges on the route that are not rated for the gross weight of your load?
  • What are the federal and state regulations for heavy haul rigs?

In addition, you want to be confident that your shipper will get the shipment managed from pickup to your destination on time and that your equipment will arrive undamaged – even if it requires that the equipment be loaded and unloaded multiple times to reach its final destination.

The Logistics Guys Can Manage Your Transportation Project

At The Logistics Guys, we are used to managing unusual transportation challenges. If you need to move a massive load that requires specialized treatment, we can handle it. If you need to transport commercial exercise equipment, we will ensure the job is done correctly.

Very few companies know how to arrange transportation for large commercial shipments, mainly because these transportation projects are one-off jobs or, at best, few and far between. You don’t have the time to gain the expertise you need to arrange the shipment properly. You are unfamiliar with the carriers who can handle specialized transportation and with the ins and outs of regulations and paperwork that govern these types of projects. That’s where we come in.

 

Our mission is to provide individuals and companies with the logistics and resource expertise they lack, saving them time and money. More importantly, we can relieve you of the stress of working in uncharted territory, handling every detail and covering every contingency. If you need commercial exercise equipment transported, call The Logistics Guys today.

How We Move Agricultural Machinery and Products

10 May
James Colies 0

How We Move Agricultural Machinery and Products

Today’s agricultural machinery has come a long way from the ox and plow, and modern farm equipment now includes huge pieces of machinery, including tractors, combine harvesters, and swathers, as well as the many large implements that can be attached to tractors, such as plows, harrows, seeders, balers, fertilizer spreaders, and so on. 

These implements make modern agricultural operations much more efficient, enabling even smaller, non-corporate farms to cultivate large tracts of land quickly and efficiently. But the need to use these huge machines comes with a problem that must be solved: getting them transported to your farm so that you can use them. When you purchase large pieces of agricultural machinery, many of them are too large to fit on standard trailers. Instead, they require more specialized transportation arrangements.

At The Logistics Guys, we are experts in getting difficult things transported, including large items of farm machinery. We can manage every aspect of your shipment, from picking it up from the production line at the factory, or, if it is a used item, from an auction house or from another farm, and get it delivered to your operation. We guarantee that your shipment will get to you on schedule, and that the shipment will be undertaken in full compliance with both federal and state Department of Transportation regulations. 

Moving Agricultural Machinery

There are a variety of logistical issues to consider when transporting large shipments. For large farm machines, you have to decide whether rail or truck is better depending on what you are shipping and where it is being shipped.

Rail occasionally has advantages in that rail flatbeds are often larger than truck trailer beds, and rail flatbeds can handle tremendous amounts of weight. Rail is especially efficient when machinery has to be shipped a long distance. In some cases, however, there may not be rail service available near either the shipping point or the delivery point. In that case, trucking will be the most efficient option. Moreover, even if you are able to use rail, at some point, you will have to truck your equipment for parts of the trip: from its pick-up point to the rail and from the rail drop-off point to the delivery site. For this, you won’t be able to just hire a standard trucking company and expect it to be able to handle your load. 

Heavy machinery must be transported by specialty haulers. It must be put on the right type of trailer to be able to handle the weight and dimensions of the load. There are regulations that govern width, height, and load overhang. You have to pay attention to making sure the machinery is properly secured. If it is oversize – that is, the machine will take up more room than the allowable lane width of a road, you will have a variety of regulations in place governing the hours in which you can travel. It will be critical to evaluate the routes to ensure they allow the weight loads and that you will not encounter any obstacles to transport, such as low bridge heights or bridges that cannot withstand the loads. The load will have to be properly marked and lit, and you will most likely need special permits from the states you are bringing the load through.

Moving Agricultural Goods and Livestock

When it comes to handling the shipment of your agricultural products, the logistics are a bit more straightforward. In most cases, farming produce can be packed in crates or bales that will easily fit in standard trucks or on trailers. If you have livestock, there are transport trailers and carriers specifically designed and operated to carry livestock from your farm or ranch to processing plants, stockyards, or wherever else they may need to go. 

Most agricultural operations depend on outside carriers to transport their goods. Again, when transporting agricultural commodities, whether livestock or produce, it is important to comply with all federal and state regulations. Many of these regulations deal with the distance/time traveled, as livestock must be treated humanely, and produce must be protected from spoilage.

Trust The Logistics Guys to Handle Your Shipment

With The Logistics Guys, you don’t have to sweat the details. We know that many agricultural operations depend on outsourced transportation to move machinery and goods. Our specialty is taking major transportation challenges and providing turnkey service in handling them for our clients, from packing and pick-up to final delivery. When it comes to complex transportation projects, where your expertise ends, ours begins. 

At The Logistics Guys, we will work with you to find the most efficient and cost-effective solution to meet your needs and timeline. We ensure that your material will get to its destination safely, in compliance with all regulations, and fully insured. If your agricultural operation has a specialized transportation challenge, contact The Logistics Guys today.

How We Move Agricultural Machinery and Products
4 Reasons to Choose a Professional Logistics Company for Your Transportation Needs

4 Reasons to Choose a Professional Logistics Company for Your Transportation Needs

20 Apr
James Colies 0

4 Reasons to Choose a Professional Logistics Company for Your Transportation Needs

For most people and businesses, shipping is no big deal. Arranging shipments through companies like UPS, FedEx, or even the postal service is easy, and you can even obtain shipping supplies. These companies also offer many options, including shipping methods and times, insurance, and receipt verification. Shipping with these companies is so easy that you don’t need unique expertise in arranging transportation for most goods.

But what if you are responsible for arranging the transportation of a shipment that requires more specialized treatment? Occasionally, you may need to transport something unusually large, complex, time-sensitive, valuable, or fragile that requires specialized handling. Examples of these types of shipments include:

  • Heavy or oversized items, such as machinery, equipment, and industrial components
  • Hazardous materials or dangerous goods, which require strict adherence to safety regulations and specialized packaging and transportation
  • Perishable goods, such as food or pharmaceuticals, which require temperature-controlled transportation and storage
  • International shipments which require knowledge of customs regulations, documentation requirements, and transportation logistics
  • High-value or fragile items, such as artwork, musical instruments, or electronics require specialized handling and packaging to prevent damage.
  • Just-in-time (JIT) shipments require precise coordination and timing to ensure they arrive at their destination at the right time.

When shipping requires specialized treatment, consider hiring a logistics company. 

Advantages of Using a Professional Logistics Company

When it comes to special shipments, a good logistics company will handle all aspects, including packaging, regulatory compliance, transportation, customs clearance, and delivery. Moreover, a logistics company can ensure the job is done right. Here are the main benefits of using logistics professionals:

  1. Expertise and Experience: 

Unless you have extensive experience handling complex transportation projects, figuring out how to get your shipment handled requires scaling a steep learning curve that logistics professionals have already mastered. Moving your project forward is what they are good at, and you can be confident that your important shipments will be appropriately handled and delivered on time. They already know what carriers can handle your type of material, what transportation methods are the best, and which regulations need to be observed. They will streamline the shipping process for you.

  1. Cost Savings: 

While specialized transportation projects can get expensive, ignorance and errors can be even more costly. Logistics companies know what factors can influence the cost of transportation and know how to get a job done efficiently and cost-effectively. Logistics professionals work with more than one carrier and material handler, and they are familiar with these companies. They know how to negotiate cost savings because they know what influences prices and what leverage is available to keep prices low. 

  1. Time Savings: 

Your company does not have time to ramp up its shipping expertise when it comes to specialized transportation challenges. By outsourcing logistics management to a professional company, your business can save time and focus on its core activities. Logistics companies utilize their expertise to complete a project; you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The success of a logistics business depends on maintaining a good reputation, so you can be confident that they will deliver the services you need: getting your goods moved without damage and on schedule.

  1. Risk Reduction: 

Logistics companies can help reduce the risk of lost or damaged goods during transportation. They won’t trust your shipment to any carrier; they will only use handlers and carriers they know can handle the material. They have comprehensive insurance coverage and can provide risk management solutions to ensure shipments are delivered safely and securely. Additionally, logistics companies know how to arrange contingency plans and alternative routes in case of unexpected events such as bad weather, transportation strikes, or accidents.

If you need to arrange specialized transportation for a shipment and can’t risk getting it wrong, don’t sweat it. The professionals at The Logistics Guys welcome your transportation project, no matter how complex. We know how to get your shipment where it needs to go, with turnkey service from packaging, handling, and paperwork, to transport and final delivery. Contact The Logistics Guys today.

5 Tips For Safely Transporting Valuable Electronic Items

15 Apr
James Colies 0

5 Tips For Safely Transporting Valuable Electronic Items

You cannot be too careful when shipping electronic components, especially if they are very sensitive and expensive. While you may be able to send small consumer-grade components through standard carriers, you need specialized shipping when you have specialized equipment.

Typical examples of electronics that need special handling are extremely high-end audio and video equipment, particularly those used for professional recording; medical technology, such as imaging machines and robotics; and IT systems. Shipping high-end or special-application electronic cargo requires a great deal of care. But when done correctly, it can be accomplished without incident and worry. 

At The Logistics Guys, we are experts in transporting unique and large-scale items when you absolutely cannot risk something going wrong with your shipment. We handle the transportation from packing and pick-up to final delivery, including specialized packaging, regulatory

compliance, customs paperwork, and point-to-point transport. 

Here are five issues that should receive special attention for successfully shipping sensitive and expensive electronic equipment. You can count on The Logistics Guys to work with you to ensure these items are addressed.

  1. Preparation

Before even packing your equipment, it is essential to take careful stock of it. Ensure that everything you intend to ship is there, including all components, cords, cables, accessories, and attachments. Sometimes, parts need to be disassembled prior to shipment to prevent potential damage, such as power supplies, boards, or special batteries. 

Test the equipment to make sure everything is in working order, so there’s no doubt whether, on arrival, any problems were pre-existing or occurred during shipment. Similarly, take note of any marks or scratches (if it is used equipment) before packing it up, so you won’t be surprised if a mark you did not notice before is suddenly present when the shipment arrives.

  1. Packaging Materials

The right packaging materials will help ensure that your shipment arrives safely at its destination. Many specialty components require special packaging to cushion and absorb the small jolts, vibrations, and shifts that inevitably occur whenever you transport something. Also, some components require unique packing materials. Packing peanuts, bubble-pack, and styrofoam are notorious for holding a static charge, so they are not suitable for sensitive electronics. In addition, you may need a moisture barrier and some desiccant to protect your electronics from water vapor damage. 

For large components, you may even need custom-cut conducting anti-static foam inserts. Depending upon what you ship, you may need custom-designed corrugated cardboard boxes, double-walled containers, or wooden crates to ensure your electronic equipment is sufficiently protected. If the equipment is especially heavy, loading it onto pallets may be necessary so that it can be loaded and unloaded safely by forklift.

  1. Packing and Loading

Once you have a pick list of every item that needs to be shipped and you have the appropriate packaging materials, it is time to pack your equipment. All the crates should be accounted for. This can be done by coding the containers with letters, numbers, and other markings and carefully documenting to ensure you track what parts should be together. On the receiving end, you want to be sure that the components of your system will go back together correctly and in the correct configuration. 

All packed items should be securely sealed with tamper-resistant seals. All the boxes and crates should be properly loaded using ramps or a forklift and positioned and tied down, with no ability for your items to fall or slide. Fill any gaps with appropriate padding to prevent unnecessary falls and shifts.

  1. Carrier Choice

Work with a carrier that knows how to handle electronic equipment. You don’t want your expensive and sensitive equipment treated like a load of dog food. A good carrier will offer: 

  • Credentials: check that your carrier is legitimate and has all their licenses and paperwork in order. Unfortunately, hijacking and piracy do occur, particularly for expensive shipments. Check the background of your carrier and your drivers.
  • When possible, single-point pick-up and delivery without the need to load and unload repeatedly. Sometimes, this cannot be done if, for example, part of the trip is by plane or ship. Verify the transport methods to ensure the shipment is as direct as possible. 
  • Real-time tracking of your shipment. 
  • Knowledge of shipping regulations for every jurisdiction through which your shipment will travel. This is especially important for international shipments.
  • Security: Today, trailer theft is a reality, and you cannot afford to risk that your shipment will be vandalized or stolen. Ensure your carrier provides sufficient security for your load, including team drivers, escorts, and tighter transport schedules, which give would-be criminals less time to plan and execute a theft.
  • Environmental protection: many electronic components do not respond well to extreme cold or heat. Take note of the time of year and transit routes. Ensure your carrier knows how to protect your equipment from environmental damage using heaters, cooling, dry ice, or moisture barriers when necessary to ensure your sensitive components don’t suffer environmental damage.
  1. Insurance

Even with the best preparation and service, things can go wrong. An unexpected accident, an unusual weather event, or any other random occurrence can spoil even the most diligent planning, so purchasing insurance is prudent when shipping expensive items. You can often buy insurance through your shipper, logistics company, or even as a rider on an existing insurance policy. Alternatively, you can arrange for the receiver of the goods to insure the shipment. Whatever the arrangement, look into different types of insurance plans available through various providers depending on how much risk you’re willing to accept and how much the insurer is willing to insure. 

These steps are essential to give you peace of mind when shipping expensive electronic equipment. If you have a special transportation project and need expert assistance, you can trust The Logistics Guys to get your shipment right. Give us a call today!  

5 Tips For Safely Transporting Valuable Electronic Items