| As recently as a decade ago, project and large format cargo forwarding was the exception in international transport. Today, with increased demand and diversity of projects, the logistics industry is meeting new challenges head-on. Though project cargo can still be considered a niche market, more than ever it requires specialized skills and infrastructure, and is clearly expanding in both size and scope of operations necessary to support the requirements. PROJECT(s) and related PROJECT CARGO logistics and transport requirements are truly global in scope and MULTI-MODAL in required execution! PROJECT CARGO is generally defined as any shipment of freight/cargo that cannot fit an I.S.O.-standard container, (i.e.; AIR, SEA, RAIL, TRUCK, etc.), and is then considered to be "out-of-gauge" for normal transport. Further, PROJECTS may be defined by individual contract specific terms and conditions that delineate specific geographies, time lines, delivery protocols, etc. and may require full visibility across the entire global supply chain. Project cargo may be exceptionally heavy, long or wide (or any combination thereof), and/or comprised of complex components that must be disassembled, shipped and reassembled, or requires special processing, (eg. high-value, hazmat, etc.). Project-related cargo movements are generally indicative of contractual time and/or space (geographic specific) delineation. Schedules imposed by the contract may require long-lead times for planning, evaluation, site survey, etc. and only then followed by a complicated implementation and execution. There are seldom inherently the same or repetitive processes required in for project logistics requirements each being unique. By comparison, traditional general freight forwarding usually meets repetitive supply chain requirements, J.I.T. delivery to meet assembly line processing and production, door-to-door scheduling, and/or end-of-month cycle billing. Project freight forwarding and the management of those processes require specialized expertise. The sourcing and moving of thousands of freight tons (W/M) of equipment and materials from multiple origins and suppliers can be a massive undertaking requiring sophisticated planning and implementation of sound logistics capabilities, precise timing, and worldwide connections to coordinate cargo movements from origin to destination. Depending on the final destination, project cargo shipments face many challenges including overcoming necessity of transport in severe climatic conditions - sandstorms and extreme heat, or in the opposite extremes ice, cold, and snow. To schedule cargo integrity in transport, security of the contents and accompanying personnel, must be made paramount. Geo-politics, geography, topography, and/or environmental considerations in remote locations, along with the necessity to protect the integrity of the shipment, and with necessity for adherence to delivery schedules, may require armed guards and security forces to accompany the cargo as it moves through remote areas. In some areas, port facilities, (as well as airports) may be inadequate, or even non-existent, and hence complicated logistics provisions must be made for temporary construction of discharge quays/piers. This may be preceded by, or concurrent with necessary site surveys and permitting to allow for direct onshore beach landing. At times, a river estuary may have to be dredged in advance to accommodate deep draft vessels, and shore approaches prepared, and all in accordance with local, regional, and or governmentally imposed and mandated Health, Safety, Environmental, and Security (H.S.E.S.) standards. |
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Project Logistics
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