Out-of-Gauge (OOG) Cargo Securing: All Steps for a Successful Transport
Transporting out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo presents significant logistical challenges due to its size, weight, or unusual shape. Proper cargo securing is essential to protect the goods, prevent accidents, and ensure safe transport. Here’s an overview of the key practices to secure your oversized shipments.
Securing Out-of-Gauge Cargo (OOG): What Is It?
Out-of-gauge cargo (OOG) refers to shipments that exceed the standard dimensions or weight of traditional containers (20-foot, 40-foot). Examples: industrial machinery, metal structures, turbines, or other large equipment.
These goods are typically transported via road and sea.
Why Is Securing OOG Cargo Crucial?
Transporting OOG cargo involves specific challenges, such as:
- High center of gravity, which can make the cargo unstable.
- Sudden movements during transport (waves at sea, braking on roads).
- Weather conditions, including wind, rain, and temperature changes.
- Handling risks during loading and unloading.
Improper securing can lead to material damage, delays, or accidents.
Securing Techniques: Ensuring Stability and Protection for Your OOG Cargo
Blocking and Bracing
- Blocking involves immobilizing the cargo using wooden blocks or inflatable dunnage bags to fill empty spaces and prevent movement during transport.
- Bracing or lashing uses strong straps or metal chains to secure the cargo onto the container or vehicle floor.
Cargo Protection
Several techniques can be used to protect oversized or overweight goods, also known as out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo:
- Tarping: Ideal for deck cargo or goods on open trailers, protecting them from rain, dust, or weather.
- Shrink-wrapping: Encloses cargo in heat-shrink plastic, creating a barrier against moisture and temperature changes.
- Specialized covers: Anti-humidity or dust-proof covers are used for sensitive items like electronic or industrial equipment.
Loading OOG Cargo: on Deck or under deck?
The final choice depends on the shipping company.
On Deck Transport:
On Deck transport is suitable for large cargo that cannot fit into a ship’s hold. However, on deck cargo is exposed to weather conditions and requires enhanced securing:
- Strong straps to withstand high winds and wave movements.
- Tarping to protect against rain or seawater.
Under deck Transport:
Cargo under deck is better protected from weather but requires meticulous blocking to prevent movement caused by the ship’s motions.
Transporting OOG Cargo: Using Specialized Containers
OOG cargo can be transported in containers or on specialized vessels, such as:
- Flat rack containers: Containers without walls or roofs, ideal for heavy and oversized items.
- Open top containers: Containers with an open roof for loading tall items.
- Ro-Ro transport (Roll-on/Roll-off): Roro vessels are designed to carry rolling cargo, equipped with ramps for easy loading and anchoring systems to secure heavy cargo.
Critical Considerations for Safe OOG Transport
Planning for International Transport
Our experts conduct a detailed assessment to evaluate route constraints (infrastructure dimensions, weather conditions, etc.) and select the appropriate transport equipment (trailers, containers, vessels) for your cargo.
Compliance and Monitoring During Transport
- Securing materials are inspected before transport to ensure compliance with international standards.
- For road transport, fastenings and protections are regularly checked, for example, during stops.
- In some cases (e.g., high-value cargo), sensors or GPS tracking systems may be included with the shipment.
How QUALITAIR&SEA Supports You?
At QUALITAIR&SEA, we understand the unique challenges of transporting OOG cargo.
Our expertise includes:
- Solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your cargo, including blocking, bracing, tarping, or shrink-wrapping.
- Regulatory and operational support to ensure safe and compliant delivery.
Need assistance?
Our customer service is available 24/7 by e-mail or by phone to answer your questions and give you assistance.