If you are in the shipping business, you must have encountered a situation where the cargo you need to deliver does not fit your container. Such cargo is categorized as ‘over-dimensional,’ and it carries varying risks and requires a different approach to handling and delivery. The paperwork for it is also different. Let’s discuss it in detail.
What is considered Over-dimensional Cargo?
Over-dimensional cargo is that cargo which is too large to fit within the standard size limits drawn for normal vehicles like trucks, trailers, or containers. Such goods exceed the permitted length, width, height, or weight. ODC normally requires special handling, equipment, and permissions to move from one place to another.
You will mostly notice over-dimensional cargo in the construction, energy, mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. These industries deploy large machinery or structures that need to be moved in one piece, as dismantling is either costly or poses a safety concern.
One such common example of ODC is a 60-meter-long wind turbine blade. That blade cannot be accommodated in the normal truck. For transporting it, a specialised long trailer is used with preplanning of route to avoid sharp turns or low bridges.
Types of Over-dimensional Cargo
Over-dimensional cargo can be of the following types.
- Heavy machinery: These are large industrial machines; common ones include cranes, bulldozers, and excavators.
- Long cargo: These are cargoes that consist of steel beams, wind turbine blades, and even pipelines, the length of which exceeds the normal transport length. They would require special cradles, extendable trailers, or barges to safely move them.
- Oversized containers: These are shipping containers that exceed the standard height, width, or length regulations and are used for carrying unusually large or dense cargo.
- Large vehicles: These are trucks, buses, and construction vehicles, which cannot be transported by ordinary cargo spaces either for reasons of weight or size. They have to be moved on flatbed trailers or roll-on/roll-off vessels.
- Industrial equipment: It includes jumbo-size production machinery, generators, turbines, and other factory installations. It needs modular loading systems, lifting cranes, and reinforced transport platforms for their movement.
- Modular structures: They involve prefabricated buildings, bridge segments, and large construction modules. These goods need customized means of transport solutions such as barges, trailers with extendable platforms, or heavy-lift.
How to Submit a Claim for Over-dimensional Cargo in a Step-by-Step Manner
Here is how a claim for over-dimensional cargo is raised:
Step 1: Notify the insurer immediately in case of loss, damage, or delay. Sending shipment details regarding the nature of the cargo and descriptions of the incidents is also important.
Step 2: Keep your evidence handy. The photographs, inspection reports, and witness statements can be of immense help.
Step 3: Download and complete the claim form and submit a copy of the insurance policy, bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and cargo dimensions, FIR, and transport receipts.
Step 4: The extent of damage shall be estimated by an appointed licensed marine surveyor assigned by the insurer.
Step 5: The claim executives will then evaluate their liability based on policy terms, exclusions, and the surveyor’s findings. If approved, the compensation will be credited to the bank account details you have provided.
Tips to Manage Risks With Over-dimensional Cargo
First, the most recommended was having marine insurance to manage the over-dimensional cargo risk. An insurance policy gives protection from possible loss and damage of cargo against credible incidents. When you already have coverage, follow the tips as follows:
- Utilize high-strength materials specifically designed for heavy and oversized cargo. Reinforce weak points with additional bracing, corner protectors, and shock-absorbing materials to prevent deformation, punctures, or damage during transit.
- Careful planning of stowage to prevent overbalance and stress on any cargo or transport vehicle. Space allocation considering dimensions, centre of gravity, and movement restriction.
- Install shock and tilt indicators that can record instances of vibration or impacts during shipment. It allows you to detect mishandling in real-time and also provides evidence if any damage claims arise.
- Smoothen weatherproof tarpaulins, shrink wrap, or custom covers to protect cargo from rain, dust, UV radiation, and corrosive environments.
- Train personnel in the safe handling of oversized cargo by cranes, forklifts, or specialised equipment. Ensure procedures for lifting, shifting, and positioning are standardised.
- Get confirmation of dimensional clearances with all transit points in advance of any departure. Measure bridges, tunnels, gates, loading docks, and other points to match the dimensions of the cargo.
- Acquire all region-specific permits that will cover height, width, weight, escort requirements, and rules regarding timing. Monitor permit validity throughout borders and states. This would entail heavy fines or road prohibitions in case of non-compliance.
- Evaluate the cargo’s center of gravity, stress points, and lift points. Liaise with engineers on the design of custom cradles and supports.
Overview
Over-dimensional cargo basically caters to large-scale projects, and therefore needs proper planning and care in handling. However, accidents do occur even with the best of care, which can result in damage to the cargo. This is where comprehensive marine insurance or single transit insurance comes into play to handle any sort of financial loss arising from this.
By combining strategic planning, expert handling, and adequate insurance coverage, companies can ensure smoother operations and long-term project success.
