Downtime isn’t good for anybody.
When you need a part, you need it NOW.
Otherwise, production slows, you lose money and there are a lot of unhappy people.
You don’t always have time to wait for UPS or FedEx – especially when you’re waiting on specialty freight.
It’s essential that you work with a expedited freight team that knows how to handle anything you can throw at them, including the loads that need extra care.
Here’s what you need to know about shipping specialty freight items and reducing downtime.
Common specialty freight shipments
These are some of the items that you should trust to a logistics expert.
1. Precision parts
Waiting for a part is make-or-break time for you.
Precision parts have to be handled with care through each step of the journey to the waiting buyer.
2. Tooling components
Having the right kind of tooling in place is essential for manufacturers to keep production running smoothly.
If tools don’t work properly, valuable time (and money) can be lost.
Tooling components requiring careful handling include:
- Fixtures.
- Jigs.
- Gauges.
- Molds.
- Dies.
- Cutting equipment.
- Patterns.
3. Electronic equipment and devices
Robotics are often heat-sensitive and may have delicate, intricate parts that require the right handling.
4. Military freight
These items will usually require security clearances, specific documentation and meticulous handling.
Working with a emergency freight expert who knows how to handle these special circumstances is the best way to make sure the process goes smoothly and moves quickly.
5. Oversized or awkward items
Large industrial parts are usually heavy and can’t always be shipped with other materials.
They’re also usually needed in a rush.
A company that is familiar with shipping items like this has the knowledge and skill to get the part where it needs to be in the quickest way.
6. Parts for the oil and gas industry
Shipments for this industry often involves moving heavy gas equipment that has strict guidelines that must be followed closely.
Additional items that are commonly shipped include:
- Piping.
- Drilling rigs.
- Refinery equipment.
- Replacement parts.
7. Parts for the nuclear power industry
Parts for an industry as customized as nuclear power undoubtedly requires special handling.
Whether the parts are safety-related or non-safety-related, they need to get to their destination quickly and intact, ready to be put to use.
8. Construction equipment
Construction managers may find themselves in a conundrum when they need to facilitate the movement of equipment and materials.
The size of the materials and the swiftness with which they need to be transported requires the right freight services provider to handle the job.
The equipment that may require shipment includes:
- Cranes.
- Forklifts.
- Bulldozers.
- Excavators.
- Dumpers.
- Loaders.
- Concrete mixers.
The ill effects of downtime
There are two types of downtime – planned and unplanned.
Because you know it’s coming and it can be compensated for, planned downtime can have minimal negative impact.
It’s the UNplanned downtime that can really do damage, including:
- Loss of revenue and profitability.
- IT recovery costs.
- Negative effect on employee morale and productivity.
- Potential overtime costs.
- Ripple effects to your supply chain.
This is why it’s so important that specialty freight be handled by a reputable logistics company.
Keep your specialty freight safe – and reduce downtime
Don’t trust your valuable or time-sensitive shipments to just anyone.
Whatever your special freight needs are, it’s important that you choose a domestic freight forwarder with the knowledge and skill to safely and quickly ship your items.
Do you have something to ship that requires special care?
