SOUTHAMPTON FREIGHT SERVICES LTD

21 Tonne generators by ocean freight to Australia

When requested to move a series of 21 tonne generators from Kent to Perth, Western Australia for our partner Freight Traders of Auckland, New Zealand, we had to battle against many problems in order to meet the deadline for delivery. The huge units (at 6.3 x 2.1 x 2.8 metres each) were out of gauge, meaning they would not even fit, let alone load into a standard 40′ container, so we had to use specialist open top containers for each generator.

Collection was made on individual flat bed vehicles and transported to our packing yard for wrapping, (heat shrink wrapping for some of the units), loading and lashing. All of this was completed under the watchful eye of our experienced surveyor, who was checking to ensure the units were adequately secured and protected prior to their journey – some 9000 nautical miles.

Because the generators were protruding the top of the container we have to overwrap each unit and then secure with tarpaulin to ensure no water could damage the expensive cargo. Desiccants we attached for moisture absorption and shock watches to record and measure any impact during transit. For added safety from mother nature,we arranged for the containers to be stowed under deck for added protection, although the initial shipments were due to arrive into Fremantle during the peak of the winter season, so heavy rains upon arrival were a concern. However the movements were delivered without any problems and several more shipments followed. We loaded a further 5 units in the middle of November weighing a combined 100 tonnes! These were delivered on site between Christmas and New Year.

Project moves such as this allow our ocean export team to express their ability of working to tight deadlines, under constant pressure to ensure each section of the huge logistical operations moves without a hitch. In doing so we ensure our partners are constantly in control of their cargo, safe in the knowledge that Southampton Freight Services are working as an extension of their own operation – even if we are several thousand miles and half a working day apart.