The utility industry in the United States relies on rail transportation. Power poles, transformers, and other essential equipment travel long distances via a rail network that crisscrosses throughout the country. Freight trains must transport this cargo along with hazardous material to destinations on every coast and points in between. Once the freight arrives, the onus falls onto utility project managers to transfer cargo from rail cars to hauling trucks.
Freight railroads are not going away any time soon. As long as this transportation method remains relatively inexpensive and safe, the rail industry will sustain its popularity. You have to work with train transportation and not against it. Do you know the most successful way to receive your utility cargo from rail cars and deliver them to their destination?
What are the best methods? What goes into the loading, hauling, and unloading of utility materials?
This article explores how to transport utility materials from rail to job sites while keeping safety, speed, and cost in mind.
How to Transport Utility Materials Yourself
Obtain the transportation equipment
If you want to transport utility materials yourself, then you have quite a bit of work ahead of you. First, you should make sure you have the resources to unload, load, and deliver your materials to your work site. Do you have an available crane, forklift, and hauler? Does your delivery require pilot cars?
If not, then you will probably have to rent them. Is there room in your budget?
Second, do you have the right team on-hand to operate the equipment? Are they trained well? Do they have the expertise and experience to safely perform each aspect of the job?
If they do not, then you will need to hire a team that can promptly complete the delivery without any complications. Does your budget accommodate these hires?
Plan the delivery
Once you have the proper transportation equipment and team, then you have to plan the logistics of the shipment. Do you know your area’s overlength hauling regulations if you are transporting utility poles? If your materials travel through multiple states, do you know the rules for each state?
If you do not, you should read up on the regulations to keep your transport legal. Do you have time for research?
If you already know this information, then you need to get the proper permits. Valid authorization to haul oversize materials is the agreement between you, the local government, and the public that your drivers will not endanger anyone in their travels. Not having permits can be seen as reckless. Plus, you could be fined or prevented from hauling your load. Do you know which permits to acquire? Do you know how to get them? Do you have time?
If you struggle with getting the right permits, then you have to muddle through until you get them. Forgoing them can jeopardize your project’s timely completion.
Permitting is only one piece of planning a utility materials delivery. You have to plan the best route from the railyard to your job site. Do you have the resources to conduct route surveys ahead of time?
If you do, then you are one step ahead of project managers who have not stepped off the start line. If you do not have time to plan the route, then you should find someone on your team who does. Do they have time? Will they have to sacrifice whatever else they must do?
Now you have to schedule all of the elements. Your trucks and loading equipment should be at the rail yard when the train rolls in. Your team should be there to receive the materials. Can you schedule these moving parts in addition to managing the rest of your project? Do you have other projects to oversee? Can you handle them all?
Make a backup plan
Delays can happen for any reason. From sudden, severe weather to mechanical malfunctions, incidents that are out of your hands can postpone the hauling of your materials. Have you made concessions if something goes wrong?
What if your rigger gets injured? Do you have someone in reserve? What if your crane operator is out sick? Can someone replace him?
If you do not have a backup plan, then your project can fall apart. You should plan for likely events just in case. Do you have time to consider the possibilities? Does your project budget account for any incidents? Can you hire workers or equipment at the last minute?
How to Transport Utility Materials the Easy Way
Questions can create doubt. Do you have the resources to transport utility materials yourself? Are you up to the task?
A haphazard approach to utility transportation can cause accidents, injuries, and more. Can your project survive a series of delays? How patient are your project’s stakeholders? Do you want to maintain your reputation as an efficient project manager who drives consistent results?
Blackwood Resources can help you transport utility materials the easy way.
Answer your needs
Since 2017, we have aided utility project managers like you with a variety of transportation jobs. From rail car unloading to pole transports, we have answered all of your utility hauling needs.
Additionally, we can keep your project running within budget. Freight rail remains a cost effective mode of transport. Utility companies that ship by rail should not stop saving money once their cargo arrives at a rail yard. Our freight transport services can cost less than renting forklifts, cranes, and hauling trucks. If you need to keep your project’s budget low, then outsourcing your hauling experience to us can help.
Eliminate your doubt
Since we can manage every task of your utility haul, you do not have to:
Rent a crane, forklift, hauler, or pilot car.
Research all of the rental options.
Learn what permits your delivery needs.
Obtain the permits yourself.
Conduct route surveys.
Coordinate hauling and loading schedules.
Take time away from overseeing your other projects.
Worry about delays.
You can rest easy knowing our drivers adhere to all safety standards. We are responsible for loading, hauling, and unloading your utility materials. Our reputation as a trusted partner within the utility industry depends on how safely we operate – not yours.
Let Us Make Your Job Easier
Safety, speed, and cost are three factors that could drive your project to the finish line or hold it back. We can deliver your utility materials the easy way by optimizing the entire process. You can exert minimal effort and receive the maximum reward.
Final question: What you rather do things the easy or hard way?
Answer your needs and eliminate your doubt. You can confidently ensure your project’s success when you ask us to manage your utility hauling. Contact us today to get started.
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