The Essential Guide to Ground Expedite Shipping

Posted on May 13, 2019May 7, 2019

Ground expedite is all about fast-tracking the shipping process.

When an important part of your machinery fails, you don’t have time to wait for UPS, FedEx or the USPS.

Every minute of downtime is costing you money, so it’s vital that you get what you need via the fastest method possible.

Here’s what you need to know about ground expedite shipping and how it can save you precious time – and protect your revenue.

When ground expedite saves the day

Let’s take a look at some of the times when ground expedite is the best way to solve a shipping emergency:

Construction management. Often, crews are brought in from different places to work on a particular job site. If a piece of machinery breaks down, you could end up paying workers who can’t do their job until a replacement part arrives.
Oil and gas industry. Pipes can spring leaks. It happens. While they can be patched, it’s only a temporary fix and a replacement is needed as soon as possible.
Power nuclear. Nuclear reactors are intricate and – not surprisingly – have a lot of components. When one of them fails, it’s vitally important to have your replacement part and the backup part ASAP. Every hour a nuclear reactor is down costs a phenomenal amount of money.

These emergency scenarios are common, but ground expedite shipping can be used for anything you need in a timely manner.

Advantages of ground expedite

Of course, speed is one of the most important benefits, but it isn’t the only one. Other benefits include:

Tracking. Being able to find out where your shipment is at all times can give you peace of mind that everything’s under control.
Single point of contact. Because your shipment won’t be making any stops or transitions on its way to you, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of multiple contacts.
Options. There are a variety of choices for your ground expedited shipment, depending on the timeframe in which you need it to arrive, the location and the item being shipped.

Let’s dive into the ground expedite options.

Ground expedite options

Whether your shipment is 1 lb. or 50,000 lbs., going 3 miles or 3,000 miles, there’s a service to meet your needs.

1. Exclusive truck

Also called “Full Truck Load,” one truck will take your parts or supplies from Point A to Point B, and it will be exclusively for your materials.

This is used when your shipment takes up all (or nearly all) of the space in a trailer.

2. One and two-man team

Sometimes your shipment will go in a truck with one driver to take it from the warehouse to your destination.

Another option is a two-man team. This allows your shipment to keep moving while two individuals take turns driving, so there’s no delay.

3. After-hours and weekends

Emergencies are never convenient.

Parts don’t only fail during business hours.

Ground expedite is designed to be available for you 24/7, 365 days a year.

There really aren’t any “after hours.”

4. Hotshot

These types of shipments are usually made in Class 3, 4, or 5 trucks pulling a flatbed or other type of trailer.

Often, they’re hauling something that’s needed to prevent a failure, such as a power grid in a factory or a pump for an oil field.

They can also be used for shipping very large, bulky machinery.

Get your time-sensitive shipment without a hitch

Critical shipping scenarios require the skill of a logistics expert that can ensure you’ll get your important parts and supplies on time, every time.

You have options for your time-sensitive materials, and ground expedite pros will hook you up with the best shipping methods for your unique needs.

Don’t get stuck in the field, on the site or in the plant, and losing money because your critical materials have been delayed. Work with ATM Freight Services trusted experts.

What are your most common ground expedite shipping needs?

Emergency Shipments: 7 Questions to Ask About Flatbed Transportation

Posted on May 20, 2019May 7, 2019

A flatbed can haul a long list of diverse materials.

It’s a staple for emergency shipments.

You don’t have time to wait. You’re losing money by the hour.

In some situations, a flatbed is the best choice for getting you what you need, NOW.

While they provide the perfect solution for many scenarios, there are some aspects you have to pay close attention to.

Here’s what you need to know.

Know what’s on board

The most important thing about flatbed emergency shipment is knowing the details about what you’re hauling.

Answering these seven questions is important because it will determine how the load is handled throughout the shipment process.

1. What’s being hauled?

The freight on a flatbed needs to be well secured.

Your carrier will need to know the details to make sure they have the right accessories for what you’re shipping.

For example, certain products require ratchet straps while others will need chains.

2. What’s the value of the emergency shipment?

Knowing if the critical shipment is new or used and the dollar value allows your carrier to make sure they have the right kind of insurance.

3. What are the weight and dimensions?

Within the flatbed industry, there are a lot of options for trailers.

The dimensions and weight determine which one is right for your critical transportation situation.

But that’s not the only reason.

You’ll also need to provide the weight and dimensions so that the carrier can be sure to have any required permits.

4. Are tarps needed?

This is an important question to answer because not every shipment requires tarps, so not all trucks have them.

Not to mention they come in all different shapes and sizes.

Your expedited shipping carrier will need to know what’s being hauled so they can be sure a tarp is provided if needed.

5. Are other accessories required to safely ship your product?

The use of a flatbed means some extra equipment may be necessary.

Drivers will usually have these at their disposal:

Chains.
Corner protectors.
Pipe stakes.
Coil racks.
Dunnage.

It’s important to know what accessories are needed to safely ship your critical cargo.

6. What’s the loading and unloading procedure?

This information also helps to determine what type of flatbed trailer is best for your emergency shipment.

For example, if the freight is being loaded from a loading dock, there’s no need for a step deck.

7. Will there be crews waiting at the pick-up and/or delivery sites?

Hauling critical freight on a flatbed isn’t an easy operation.

We understand that crews and riggers are expensive and deadlines are of the utmost importance.

Knowing all the details ensures your expedited transport is moved safely and quickly so you don’t experience any extra downtime.

Choose to work with experienced logistics experts

When you work with the right emergency shipment providers – and supply them with detailed information about your product – you can rest assured that they’ll handle the job without a hitch.

They’ll take all the particulars into account to choose the best flatbed option for your needs – including your budget.

Going it alone can be time-consuming and you can’t afford that.

You need a connection to a vast network of critical transport experts who can quickly determine what you need and have your emergency shipment on the road in no time.

Emergency Transportation: Dry Van Solutions to Save You Time and Money

Posted on May 27, 2019May 7, 2019

Profit and loss.

That’s what emergency transportation comes down to.

When something goes awry on the job site, you don’t have time to wait.

You need a fix and you need it quickly.

One of the most popular methods is dry van shipping.

It’s especially useful for loads that need to be enclosed and don’t require a temperature-controlled environment.

There’s also the versatility factor.

Dry van shipping isn’t specific to one industry. In fact, it’s an essential part of almost every supply chain.

Here’s what else you need to know about this emergency transportation solution.

Choosing a route

A fast, reliable route is key to getting your expedited shipment where it’s going in a timely manner.

Each path has its downsides and benefits. Check it out:

Northern routes could experience seasonal weather that causes delays.
Going through the midwest may be the most direct route.
A southern route may consist of more total miles but it could also be the smoothest.

Deciding on single or team shipment

Do you have time for a single dry van driver or is a team the better option?

There are two big deciding factors here: Time and distance.

Drivers are bound by Hours of Service Regulations that regulate how many hours they can operate the vehicle in a certain timeframe.

Expedited team transit may cost a bit more, but will ensure that your critical shipment gets to you as fast as possible.

You need an emergency transportation provider who can deliver

Experienced logistics experts will have the right dry van on hand for your unique shipping needs, whether it’s delivering to a construction site, an oil field or a nuclear power plant.

They know how to handle your emergency shipment in a way that fits into your budget and prevents too much costly downtime.

Trusting the driver

As you’re choosing the right situation for your critical shipment, you don’t have any control over the driver.

That’s why you have to work with an expedited shipping company you trust.

They’ll take over the task of matching the right type of vehicle and driver – or drivers – for your specific needs.

Who’s coordinating all the moving parts?

You probably have quite a few irons in the fire.

Your best bet for success is to rely on someone who knows what they’re doing.

Expedited shipping experts have the know-how to get the best rates, handle all the logistics and take the hassle off your plate.

All your emergency transportation ducks in a row

When things break down, as they inevitably will at some point, you have a couple options.

You can panic and make rash decisions that will cost you time and money.

Or you can go to an expert who can help you get all your ducks in a row for a smooth emergency transportation experience that prevents excessive downtime.

Your profit – and loss – depend on you making the right choice.

Critical Shipping: What You Need to Know About Carrier Liability

Posted on June 3, 2019June 5, 2019

You don’t have to worry.

When the heat is on and you’re waiting for a part, you may run through a million scenarios of what could go wrong.

While it’s true that accidents do happen, it’s worth repeating: You don’t have to worry!

There are measures in place to protect your critical shipment.

One of them is carrier liability.

Let’s take a look at what it is and what it means for you.

Carrier liability – what it is

The term means that a carrier is responsible for critical shipment losses, damages and delays.

This doesn’t include those that were the result of something the shipper did, an act of God, an act of public authority or an issue stemming from the inherent nature of the product being shipped.

In plain English? If the carrier caused it, they’re responsible. If not, they can’t be held liable.

The burden of proof falls on the shipper.

You must prove that the item was shipped in good condition and that it arrived damaged – or didn’t arrive at all.

Your claim has to be made within 30 days of the time the item arrived or when it was supposed to arrive.

The Carmack Amendment

This precursor to carrier liability was enacted in 1906.

The original purpose was to protect rail and water carriers but was changed to add motor carriers in 1935.

It was meant to put parameters in place for the rights, responsibilities and liabilities of freight shippers in the event of a loss.

Is liability the same as freight insurance?

The key difference is that freight insurance doesn’t require that the shipper prove that the carrier is at fault in a loss.

The insurance may be redeemable even if the loss or damage is the result of something outside the carrier’s control.

To make a claim on your freight insurance, you just have to prove that damage happened and show proof of the value of the product.

FTL and maximum liability

Maximum liability for full truckload (FTL) goods is $0.50 per pound, though it’s commonly closer to $0.10 per pound. (This is true for all freight shipped; air or ground.)

Additional insurance can be purchased if the maximum liability amount isn’t enough to cover your critical shipment.

What about the bill of lading?

In a situation where damage has occurred, the bill of lading is an important piece of the liability puzzle.

The notations at the time of pick up and delivery on this detailed list of goods being shipped tell a story about what may have happened to an item that was lost or damaged.

Clear and concise notations on the bill can serve as proof if your critical shipment is damaged.

Care for your critical shipment

When you’re in the hot seat, in need of an important piece of equipment that’s stalling production, you don’t have a lot of time to wait around.

You need to know that your shipment is on the way, that’s it’s going to arrive on time – and in good condition.

Carrier liability insurance can help to fill in the gaps and put your mind at ease, but it’s also important to work with a freight forwarding service that you can trust to have your back in an emergency.

Not only will they get your critical shipment where it needs to go, they can talk you through the ins and outs of liability coverage and what it means for you.

17 Expedited Shipping Terms You Need to Know

Posted on June 10, 2019

You have to know the lingo.

As with most industries, there are certain words and phrases that are specific to what they do.

Expedited shipping is no different.

While it may seem trivial, it’s important that you understand how to talk the talk so that you can get the services you need when time is short and you’ve got an emergency.

Here are the most common terms (and what they mean) you’ll hear in the freight shipping world.

1. Backhaul

When a truck reaches its destination, unloads and then reloads with new cargo to return to the original starting point.

Basically, the truck is going from Point B to Point A with a new shipment.

2. Bill of lading

You may see bill of lading referred to as BOL.

It’s a document that acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier.

This record goes into detail about all the different aspects of the expedited shipment, including what’s being shipped, to whom and more.

3. Blind shipment

The shipper and receiver are anonymous to each other.

The origin and destination are also kept hidden.

4. Bulk freight

Goods that aren’t packaged into containers.

5. Carrier

Any company (or individual) that transports freight for a fee.

6. Cartage

Shipments that go from one place to another within the same city or general area.

7. Embargo

Any event that prevents a shipment from being delivered.

While the term is often used for international situations, it also applies to weather events that affect deliverability, such as floods or tornadoes.

It can also refer to something as simple as traffic congestion that prevents a shipment from being accepted.

8. Flatbed hauling

This type of truck is commonly used for shipping items that are heavy, uniquely shaped or too big for a dry van.

It can also apply to cargo that requires open sides during loading and unloading.

9. FTL

If shippers have enough freight to fill an entire truck, it’s referred to as Full Truckload (FTL).

It’s the best option for expedited shipping because it’s only going to one destination with no stops.

10. Inbound freight

A shipment that comes from a vendor to a business or another facility, such as a warehouse.

11. Intermodal transportation

When two or more methods of transportation are used to ship your cargo.

It usually refers to trains, boats, planes and trucks.

12. Linehaul

The route your emergency shipment takes from its origination to its destination.

This is also used to calculate mileage because most carriers will charge per mile.

13. LTL freight

Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments are typically more than a small package but not big enough to make up a full truckload.

14. No-touch service

Sometimes it’s necessary to put certain freight in a sealed trailer. Once it’s loaded and the doors are closed, it shouldn’t be handled again until it reaches its destination.

A seal is placed on the closed door as a guarantee that it hasn’t been opened.

15. Outbound freight

Shipments that are leaving warehouses or other facilities.

16. PRO number

Once a shipment has been picked up, it’s assigned a number so that the shipper can track where their expedited freight is at any given time.

You may also hear it referred to as a standard tracking number.

17. Step deck

Also known as a drop deck.

A step deck looks like a flatbed but the bed is closer to the ground.

These types of trailers are used for tall freight to remain within the legal height limits for traveling on the road.

Talk the expedited shipping talk

You don’t have to be an expert.

But understanding the language of expedited shipping will help you to make better-informed decisions for your emergency needs.

Shipping Emergency: 5 Ways to Save AND Get Your Shipment on Time

Posted on June 17, 2019November 26, 2019

Your industry relies on fast shipping.

No matter your business, shipping emergencies happen and you need something you don’t have right NOW.

You’re losing money every hour your production is stalled.

Saving money everywhere you can becomes even more important.

5 emergency shipping tips

Here are some tips for preserving resources on emergency shipping.

1. Use the right kind of transportation.

You have a lot of options: Dry van shipping, flatbed, air freight, or air charter, for example.

But all modes of critical transportation are not created equally.

You have to carefully weigh out your options. Which method will be the most cost-effective while still getting you what you need?

You can always trust the advice of an expedited shipping expert, too.

2. Do your homework.

Don’t jump at the lowest price you find.

Take some time BEFORE an urgent need arises to gather as much information as you can about fast transportation services.

If the company you’re working with isn’t reputable, you’ll end spending more than you bargained for in lost revenue due to excessive downtime.

Especially if they don’t deliver your materials when they said they would.

3. Create relationships.

After you’ve comparison-shopped, build a relationship with the expedited shipping experts you decide to work with.

If any problems come up, it’ll be easier to address them when you have a good rapport. You’ll also be able to better negotiate for what you want/need.

Trusting in your vendor relationships means saving time. And time is money.

4. Get familiar with routes.

It’s important for you to know the route your critical shipment will go.

If you’re able, keep up with the tracking information so you know where your freight is at any time.

Being aware may also help you identify small issues before they turn into big issues.

5. Don’t forget the paperwork.

One of the biggest time-wasters is incomplete or incorrect paperwork.

Make sure all your ducks are in a row – even the smallest mistake can end up costing you a lot of money and time.

Have a plan for fast shipping

It’s important that you have a plan in place so you’re prepared when the need for expedited shipping arrives.

Find a reputable emergency transportation service provider, build relationships, and work with them to choose the right kind of shipping method.

Familiarize yourself with the routes your expedited freight will be taking and make sure there are no mistakes in your paperwork.

You’ll avoid costly downtime and save more money in the process.

How Truckload Freight Shipping Can Improve Your Critical Transportation Problems

Posted on June 24, 2019June 24, 2019

The good news is, you’ve got options.

In a high-stress situation, it’s reassuring to know that there are multiple ways to meet your critical transportation needs.

Waiting means delays, setbacks AND lost revenue.

Let’s take a look at two options – truckload freight and less-than-truckload freight – and talk about why one is better than the other.

Truckload freight vs less-than-truckload freight

You’re probably familiar with the terms, but do you understand what they really mean?

Truckload freight

Truckload freight is a shipment that takes up more than half and up to the full capacity of a 48- or 53-foot trailer.

Less-than-truckload freight

Less-than-truckload freight shipping is for small freight or a shipment that won’t take up at least half of a 48- or 53-foot trailer.

Now that we’ve established the basics, we’ll dig a little deeper and look at why the truckload freight option is a better bet.

The advantages of truckload freight shipping

When you choose truckload for your critical transportation needs, there are a number of benefits you’ll enjoy.

1. Your critical shipment is the only thing on the truck.

The driver will pick up your shipment and drive it to its destination, taking only the breaks required of him/her.

This means your freight will only be handled during the loading and unloading process, greatly reducing the risk of a mishap.

On the other hand, a less-than-truckload shipment will take longer because it contains freight from multiple companies.

Of course, more stops will be made and your freight will be handled multiple times throughout the process.

2. Your freight can be heavy, bulky or as unwieldy as you need it to be.

Remember, only your emergency shipment is on the truck so what can be transported isn’t restricted.

For less-than-truckload freight, you’re limited in what you can ship because you have to share the space with others.

3. Cost efficiency

When you’re faced with the option between fast shipping via one truckload or multiple less-than-truckload shipments, truckload is the more cost-effective choice.

Truckload equipment for your critical transportation

There are two main options for your expedited shipment.

Dry van is used for freight that needs to be enclosed or fits into the size constraints of a 48- or 53-foot truck.
A flatbed is ideal for emergency shipments that are too large, bulky or oddly-shaped to fit in a dry van.

What to look for in an expedited shipping company

You know the basics of truckload freight shipping and why it’s a good choice. You’re familiar with your equipment options for fast transportation.

So, how do you choose an expedited shipping company to trust with your important cargo?

Here are some questions to ask when you’re making a decision:

Are you properly licensed?
Are you financially stable?
Are you insured?
Are your carriers qualified?
How many years have you been in service?
What’s your operational model?
Do you have references to share?
Do you have a website and/or social media accounts?

Reduce downtime with the right emergency shipping options

It’s great to have options.

Whether you need a part for a nuclear reactor or your workers are waiting for a repair on the construction site, you don’t have time to wait.

With truckload shipping, your critical shipment – no matter how big – will arrive quickly, safely and as cost-efficiently as possible.

This knowledge, combined with the right expedited shipping company, will put your important shipment on the road without delay.

5 Things About Spare Parts Management Your Boss Wants You to Know

Posted on July 1, 2019July 1, 2019

Picture this.

Your job is to make sure production keeps moving smoothly.

Most days, that’s what happens.

Until it doesn’t.

A small part malfunctions and you have to shut your production down until the part is replaced with a spare.

Here’s where the rubber hits the road.

If you have a good spare parts management system, you’re golden. Retrieve the part, make the switch, back on track.

But without a method for organizing critical spare parts, you’re in trouble.

That time you have to spend searching? Excess downtime. Lost revenue.

Here are some tips for your spare parts management process.

1. Know your spare parts inventory

The first step in organization is knowing what you have.

After you’ve identified everything, classify each part by how critical it is.

For example, if you work in a nuclear power plant, parts for the reactor will be pretty high priority.

It’s crucial that you know exactly where to go when an emergency hits.

2. Compare the numbers

It can be expensive to maintain a spare parts inventory.

The costs include:

Purchasing the parts.
Storage.
Material handling.
Security labor.
Inventory carrying.

Another aspect to consider is that tying up funds in spare parts prevents you from investing it in other places.

However, all of that still won’t add up to the amount of revenue you would lose in downtime if you didn’t have spare parts on hand.

Depending on the industry, you could be losing thousands of dollars every hour.

Crunch the numbers and make sure that you’re maximizing your return on your spare parts investment.

Keep in mind, even if you have parts, it won’t keep you from experiencing a lull in production if you can’t find what you need.

3. Maintaining spare parts

You can’t just set parts on a shelf and forget about them until you need them.

Often, some level of maintenance is required.

Metal components are susceptible to rust, corrosion and bearing issues.

Store them in an optimal environment that keeps them in their original shape for as long as possible.

Your spares should be lubricated (as needed) and the dust should be removed periodically.

Don’t risk experiencing an even greater amount of downtime because your spare parts don’t work due to neglect.

4. Perform regular reviews

Over time, equipment changes and so do priorities.

As you perform periodic reviews of your spare parts inventory, you’ll find that some items have dropped in importance while others have become more critical.

Examining your inventory on a regular basis also helps you keep what you have top of mind.

A spare parts management method that works

To keep your production running smoothly and avoid costly downtime, it’s important that you have a spare parts management system in place.

Know what you have, understand the amount of inventory it’s financially wise to have on hand, and carefully maintain your spare parts.

Periodically review what you have and reassess the importance of each part.

You’ll be able to find what you need – quickly – when an emergency comes up.

Shutdown and Turnaround: Oil and Gas Terms You Need to Know

Posted on July 15, 2019July 30, 2019

Downtime is the enemy of revenue.

It’s why you need a reliable expedited shipping company when you have an emergency like a pipe in an oil field springing a leak.

This example is one type of downtime, but there are actually three different kinds – some planned and some unplanned.

Understanding what each of these types is – and what it means for you – can help you to avoid unnecessary delays in production.

Let’s take a closer look at these important oil and gas terms: turnarounds, shutdowns and outages.

Turnarounds

The world is heavily dependent on oil and gas.

This reliance means that some downtime is a necessary part of the process.

There are several reasons that refinery turnaround is required:

Regular maintenance.
Renovation.
Refitting facilities.

Plant turnarounds usually take place every four years.

It requires a few weeks of well-organized labor – with special equipment – for everything to go smoothly.

The turnaround period is ideal for inspections, which can extend the length if any issues are found that need to be dealt with.

At this point, the turnaround becomes a shutdown.

This is not an ideal situation for several reasons. It can cause fuel shortages, price increases – or both.

It also puts pressure on other oil and gas suppliers that have to scramble to meet demands.

Shutdowns

Remember, plant shutdowns aren’t usually planned.

They can occur due to:

Accidents.
Natural disasters.
Terrorist threats.
Political upheaval.

Or, as was already mentioned, a refinery shutdown can occur if a regular inspection turns up additional issues that need to be dealt with.

Outages

While turnarounds and shutdowns occur in an effort to maintain equipment, outages happen when power supplies are interrupted, equipment fails or breaks down or deliveries don’t arrive when they should.

Fortunately, outages don’t last nearly as long as shutdowns and turnarounds.

How to plan for turnarounds and shutdowns

Good planning is essential for turnarounds and shutdowns to be as brief as possible.

Here’s what you need to know:

Research. Look into similar companies and how they have handled turnarounds and shutdowns. It’s also a good idea to assess how these events have worked in your own company and think about what worked well and what didn’t.
Cooperation. All divisions and teams need to be on the same page.
Think ahead. Any equipment that needs maintenance, repair or replacement should be identified in advance. The resources, equipment and personnel needed for the downtime should also be prepared ahead of time.

There may still be some surprises, but you’ll be better equipped to handle any hiccups.

Getting processes back on track

No matter the reason for the downtime, it’s important to return to normal production as quickly as possible, while staying within your budget

Of course, this is more difficult when the original problem is an outage.

This is where a trusted expedited shipping service becomes a necessity.

The least amount of time you have to spend waiting around on a replacement part, for example, the less revenue you’ll lose.

Understanding oil and gas terms

Add “turnaround,” “shutdown,” and “outage” to your dictionary of terms for the oil and gas industry.

Use these definitions to gain a better understanding of the various types of downtime that can affect your business and ultimately have a negative impact on your bottom line.

Make the necessary preparations to ensure your periods of downtime aren’t catastrophic.

Oil and Gas Industry: The Effect of Global Events

Posted on July 22, 2019July 22, 2019

The rise and fall of prices in the oil and gas industry are affected by world events.

It’s all about supply and demand.

Certain happenings tend to have a consistent effect on oil and gas industry trends, such as war and other world crises, natural disasters, political upheaval, weather factors, and refinery or pipeline issues.

Let’s take a look back at 11 major events that affected oil and gas operations throughout the world.

1. Boom and Bust (1865-1890)

Following the Civil War (during which oil prices were high), the United States experienced a period of alternating economic growth and decline, referred to as “Boom and Bust.”

In this particular time period, the ups-and-downs were caused by fluctuations in U.S. drilling.

(It’s important to note that during the 19th century, gas was primarily used for lamps. In the 1890s, as electricity became more popular, gas became a source for heat. Vehicles weren’t common for a few more decades.)

2. Recession (1890-1892)

Following the post-Civil War Boom and Bust period, the United States hit a recession.

Oil prices fall during a recession because people are spending less money so demand is lower and there’s literally an excess left in the pipeline.

3. Cholera epidemic (1894)

In 1894, Azerbaijan was hit by a Cholera epidemic.

This had a dramatic effect on oil production and prices around the world spiked.

4. West Coast gasoline famine (1920)

As more people bought automobiles of their own, obviously the need for gasoline went through the roof.

As a result, oil and gas prices shot up, as well.

5. The Great Depression (1931)

This desperate time for the United States brought oil and gas prices to a record low.

Much like the recession of the 1890s – only far more severe – people weren’t spending and the demand dropped.

6. Post-war boom (1947)

The end of World War II sparked a prosperous time for the United States.

As people became more financially stable, they bought cars, which caused a gasoline shortage.

Prices were up once again.

7. Suez Canal crisis (1956-1957)

In 1956, Israel invaded Egypt. Britain and France followed in short succession in an attempt to regain Western control of the Suez Canal.

The problem for oil and gas operations was that 10% of the world’s oil supply was now cut off.

As you can probably predict – prices spiked.

8. Iranian Revolution (1978-1979)

Ayatollah Khomeini was named Supreme Leader of Iran after the previous leader was overthrown in a dramatic revolution by Islamic organizations and Iranian students.

Khomeini limited oil and exports AND canceled oil contracts with all American companies.

As a result, oil and gas prices went up.

9. Gulf War (1990)

Saddam Hussein, leader of Iraq, invaded Kuwait and incited the Gulf War.

As history has shown, unrest in the Middle East has an adverse effect on the oil and gas industry and supplies for the rest of the world.

Economic sanctions were imposed on Iraq and prices skyrocketed once again.

10. 9/11 (2001)

The September 11th attack on the United States set off another war in the Middle East.

Aside from the obvious emotional trauma, Americans were also hit hard at the pump as oil and gas prices rose due to the instability of the Middle East.

11. 2008 financial crisis

This downturn in the American economy is considered the worst financial crisis since The Great Depression.

Of course, this crisis hit the global oil and gas markets hard.

The effect on expedited transportation

All oil and gas operations and maintenance services live and die by events around the globe.

It’s not a surprise that the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry have a dramatic effect on emergency shipping services.

The bottom line

From the Civil War to the financial crisis of 2008 – and everything in between – we see how the oil and gas industry is affected.

As prices rise and fall in reaction to the events happening around the world, it’s more important than ever to make sure you know where to go when you have a shipping emergency.

A solid company with a good reputation and years of experience will be able to ride out the ups and downs without sacrificing expediency – no matter what happens in the oil and gas industry news.

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