Projects / Out of Gauge Cargoes

Need help transporting heavy, specialist equipment?

We have the global resources to ship your project / OOG cargo  safely and securely around the world. Project cargo comes in all shapes and sizes, with a wide range of logistical requirements, and hence requires the assistance of a specialised project cargo team.

Our knowledge and experience are well-suited to handle your infrastructure, power generation, oil and gas, or other projects or specialised cargo operations. We have the equipment and infrastructure to handle and support all of your project cargo needs worldwide, including Out of Gauge (OOG) cargo.

Some of our varied commissions include:
  • Buses to Africa and the Mediterranean
  • Historic cannon to Malta
  • Complete factories to the Indian sub continent
  • Parts from the vessel breaking yards in Gujarat.
  • Shop fittings from Italy to the Middle East and Caribbean
  • Out of gauge machines from the Far East to the Middle East
  • Hammocks from India to Japan.

So, what is OOG Cargo?

Out of Gauge (OOG) cargo is any cargo that cannot be loaded into six-sided shipping containers due to dimensions that exceed the maximum 40HC container dimensions. That is a length greater than 12.05 metres, a width greater than 2.33 metres, or a height greater than 2.59 metres.

Things you need to know 

We recommend that you supply as much information as possible as soon as possible. Origin, destination, commodity, and term of transport are all good places to start. If you can supply any more information, that’s even better – such as the origin and destination parties’ handling capabilities, site constraints, site access, cargo sensitivity, and whether cranes will be required.

  1. Technical Diagrams – Give technical information about the load that has been prepared by an engineer. This will determine the proportions of the cargo, the centre of gravity, and the lifting points. 
  2. Timelines — Communicate when the OOG cargo will be ready to transport and whether or not the cargo must be delivered by a specific date. 
  3. Operational Skill and Appropriate Resourcing – Operational Skill and Appropriate Resourcing — We have a vetted network of suppliers who specialise in specific duties and operate across multiple areas to assure cost-effective handling by qualified vendors. 
  4. Designing a bespoke OOG solution –  The plan must handle all operational inputs required, from the time cargo is prepared at the origin facility to the point cargo is transported to its destination.

How does it work? 

  1. Origin Site Capability – This is the location where cargo must be collected. Stakeholders will need to understand the site capacity, including whether cranes are available, whether there are made roads on-site, whether site inductions are required, operational hours etc. 
  2. Transport –  With a thorough understanding of the origin site, transportation may be organised successfully. The type of equipment required to transport the OOG cargo will be determined by technical diagrams and site requirements. 
  3. Cargo Handovers (Terminal Facilities) – Cargo delivery to terminal operators and cargo handlers (CTOs) on wharves and at airports should be a simple operation. These facilities handle considerable amounts of freight on a regular basis and have extensive experience in OOG handling.
  4. Cargo Surveys – After cargo is delivered to CTOs, securing/lashing takes place. When cargo is lodged at origin and the first point of rest at destination, third-party surveys should be organised. 
  5. Crane Lifts – Accurate technical diagrams and lifting guides can help to reduce the risks connected with crane lifts. 
  6. Customs Formalities – Our in-house Customs Brokers will assess the legal requirements for the cargo being transported and will inspect all shipping documentation to ensure all is in order.

OOG Container Types and Transport 

There will be a number of factors, including urgency, cargo size, budget, origin and destination, that will determine which service is appropriate for OOG and project cargo. So, what are the options?

  • Open Top & Flat Rack Containers – This type of equipment is suitable for awkward, over-dimensional freight because it may be loaded from the side or top. 
  • RORO Services – Where freight may be driven, RORO or Roll-On Roll-Off services are ideal. The vessel has multiple moveable decks to accommodate cargo of various sizes, ranging from a new Toyota (ex-Japan) to a Turbine for a Power Station (ex. Germany). When the vessel docks, its ramp extends, allowing cargo to be pushed or hauled from or into the stow.
  • Vessel Charter – When cargo volume allows, a full vessel charter is the most cost-effective way to move large amounts of non-containerised cargo. These vessels have fixed cranes and can discharge cargo from the vessel stow. 
  • Aircraft Charter – When cargo moves are time sensitive, full aircraft charters can transport large amounts in a matter of days.

Get the job done

With IFE Global Logistics’ extensive industry experience, our team has worked with many clients to transport cargo of various shapes and sizes. We’re here to support you through the complexity that comes with overseas shipments. Contact us today if you would like more information on the logistics of Out of Gauge shipments.

Tel: 44 (0)1268 286999 / Email: enquiries@ifeuk.com