Goods have always been transported by road in such a huge country as Australia, where it has long been the major method of moving cargo around the country. There are railway networks and air freight, but the majority of goods are transported by road, and that includes specialised logistics.
In this short article, we outline some of the specialised haulage operations that are performed in Australia.
- Industrial Generators – The oil and gas industries have a requirement for large power generators, and rather than assemble them on site, the preferred delivery is the entire unit, which demands a special trailer custom-built by a leading Australian truck body manufacturer with experience in the industry. Often, these huge trucks require a police escort and roads have to be temporarily closed to allow the load to pass. Huge cranes are waiting at the delivery site to unload the consignment, which is then moved and installed on-site.
- Satellite Towers – Of course, satellite towers are required in remote regions, and while they are not transported fully assembled, long sections are moved using custom-built trailers that are hauled by specialist logistics companies. The trailers can be as long as 65 ft, and that means turning is very difficult; therefore, routes must be carefully planned.
- Livestock – There are times when large numbers of cattle must be transported by road, and this demands special trailers that are designed to protect the animals during the journey. There are also special trains that transport cattle and sheep long distances, yet they still need to be moved by road from the train station to the eventual destination.
- Technical Equipment – Certain large pieces of equipment must be transported fully assembled, and this requires specialised transportation, known as white-glove logistics. Cargo might include large MRI or X-Ray machines to be delivered to hospitals, or very expensive scientific equipment that needs to be handled by qualified technicians. Truck repairs are obviously a critical aspect of a logistics operation, which this article highlights.
- Aerospace Industry – Special aircraft or large components such as wings sometimes need to be taken to a different factory or assembly plant, and this requires specialised logistics. This would usually involve the military, and the logistics operation needs to be carefully planned. There is a small aerospace sector in Australia that often requires specialised transport to an assembly plant.
- Gas Turbines – Some power stations use large gas turbines, and they need to be moved fully assembled, which can be very challenging for the logistics operator. These huge machines are almost as wide as a two-lane road, so the police are needed to close roads while the equipment is being transported.
Special cargo is often transported at night due to the light traffic, and police are usually involved to provide an escort service, which is essential for the safety of all concerned. Of course, such logistics companies must have comprehensive insurance in order to move very expensive cargo, which is provided by certain insurers.
