What does OOG Cargo Mean?
OOG (out of gauge) refers to freight that’s too large to fit or exceeds the dimensions of a standard 20-, 40-, or 53-foot container. These shipments, also known as AILs (abnormally shaped indivisible loads) include but are not limited to heavy machinery, trailers, pipes, construction equipment, wind turbines, and marine vessels. This type of cargo can’t be disassembled due to its size or fragility. Because of their size, OOG freight items require specialized handling and transportation methods that are more difficult than standard sized containers.
How is OOG Cargo Transported?
Shipping out of gauge cargo (OOG) requires a bit more planning compared to freight that fits in a standard 20 or 40 foot container. You’ll need to know the exact dimensions of the freight to pass it on to your carrier or freight forwarder to find the right solution for each oversized load. Freight forwarders talk directly with the carrier while if you book the freight yourself you will be the point of contact. Once you know the exact size and weight of the freight, your freight forwarder will assist in selecting the right option based on the dimensions of the item.
Some of these solutions for OOG Cargo include:
Open-top containers: Open-top containers have a rigid removable roof or even no roof at all, this allows for the cargo to be loaded from the top using a crane. This type of container is often used for cargo that has height restrictions such as large industrial tanks or oversized construction materials.
Flat rack containers: Flat Rack Containers have no sides and often have collapsible ends (basically not even a container). Out of gauge cargo can be loaded on them from the sides or placed on the floor using a crane. This type of container is often used for cargo that is wide, tall, or abnormally shaped like machinery, marine vessels, or large pipes.
Flatbeds or platform containers: Flatbed or platform containers are just how they sound, they do not have any walls or a roof. This type of “container” is used for items like a massive turbine or anything that is that large and extremely heavy.
Roll-on/roll off (Ro-Ro): Ro-Ro vessels are used for cargo that can be driven or towed onto the ship. Ro-Ro is often used for automotive, mining, and construction industries, where they have machines or vehicles that can be driven right on the vessel. Ro-Ro shipping is ideal for project cargo as it allows for the transportation of oversized cargo that might not fit in a standard container.
Benefits of Using OOG Shipping
Flexibility in Cargo Dimensions
OOG shipping provides flexibility for oversized and unusual shaped cargo. Standard containers can not accommodate the transportation of items that exceed standard container dimensions, but with OOG containers, you can move items of all sizes. OOG cargo also has many options for how the cargo is transported. With multiple transport options available: open-top containers, flat rack containers, flatbeds or platform containers, or roll-on/roll off, OOG shipping is crucial for industries that rely on transporting large equipment and machinery globally.
Provides Global Reach
Freight providers that offer OOG services have extensive global networks and partnerships, allowing businesses to ship oversized or unusual shaped items anywhere in the world. This OOG international reach is essential for companies to expand or source large equipment from overseas suppliers.
Minimizes Risk of Damage
The alternative to OOG shipping is dissembling the item into pieces to ship as pieces in a standard sized container. When disassembling machinery it can lead to wear and tear on individual pieces, increasing the likelihood of issues when reassembling. OOG cargo shipping ensures that the cargo remains in one piece throughout the shipping process, preserving its functionality.
Permit Acquisition
Most often when transporting OOG cargo it requires special permits and clearances. OOG freight services manage permits and ensure compliance with local and international regulations. These providers streamline the logistics process in conjunction with you or your freight forwarding partner to prevent any complications that might delay the shipment.
Industries that Benefit from OOG Cargo
Certain industries benefit from OOG cargo more than others because they are regularly shipping large and unusual sized items and some of these include:
Construction
The construction industry often transports large machinery and equipment to steel beams and prefabricated large structural components. Examples include excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and wind turbines. These types of equipment often exceed standard container dimensions and OOG shipping provides a perfect solution to move these items. OOG cargo services ensure that construction projects can get their machinery and materials without any delays caused by large shipping challenges.
Oil and Gas
The oil and gas industry relies on large equipment that unfortunately can not be disassembled for transport. This industry often moves drilling rigs, pipelines and refinery equipment with large tanks and processing units. OOG cargo services provides reliable transport solutions for the oil and gas industry.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers frequently need to transport machinery and oversized parts internationally. When shipping as OOG cargo they can be moved without any worry. Production machinery is often large and abnormally shaped to fit in a standard shipping container which makes shipping as OOG cargo the ideal option.
Choosing the Right OOG Cargo Provider
When selecting an OOG freight provider, consider their experience and global reach. Experience is a crucial factor, look for companies with a proven history of handling oversized cargo in your industry. Global reach is equally important for international shipments for a provider to have established connections world wide for seamless coordination of the shipment.
Working with a freight forwarder is often the most efficient choice. Freight forwarders know which specific carriers specialize in OOG transport and take the hassle and stress out of your shipment from start to finish.
Contact Us
Partnering with a freight forwarder and utilizing OOG shipping offers the best option for efficient transporting of oversized cargo. By understanding the benefits and selecting the right logistics partner, you can streamline your oversized logistics operations for oversized freight.
Contact us at LogiWorld for a free quote on your OOG shipment, we have decades of experience coordinating oversize freight and our team ensures your cargo arrives safely anywhere in the world.
