Transporting a crucial piece of equipment is a delicate task for most companies, especially when that equipment is as big as a locomotive. At Wide Load Shipping, we provide efficient, reliable oversized transportation services with detailed planning and resources to protect your equipment.
In this case study, we’ll go over how we safely hauled an MP15 train locomotive cross-country. Our seasoned logistic experts provided a complete set of solutions tailored to this task to achieve a safe move.
The first step in determining the best way to haul an MP15 train locomotive is to understand the key characteristics of this machine. This type of locomotive has an average length of 48 feet and 8 inches over the coupler pulling faces, a width over the grab irons of 10 feet and ¾ inches, and a height of 15 feet above the rails.
MP15 train engines also have an average weight of 248,000 pounds, which qualifies them as an overweight load. The main challenges related to transporting such a large, heavy piece of equipment include selecting the right resources and ensuring safe loading and unloading. Other aspects include route limitations that might impact the transportation process.
Our client was worried about safely transporting the locomotive and preventing delays due to weather or road conditions. As an experienced logistics company, Wide Load Shipping was able to procure the right equipment and safety measures to deliver the train intact and on time.
We provided personalized attention for our client through a dedicated transport specialist who served as a point of contact through the process and coordinated all necessary services. By assigning a logistic specialist to our clients, we’re able to do the heavy lifting for them, catering to their specific needs.
Our transport specialist developed a comprehensive transport plan, conducting a route survey to detect any obstacles, obstructions or permit limitations and ensure a safe trip. Our agent also obtained the over-dimensional (OD) permits required by each state crossed through the hauling.
Due to the dimensions of the locomotive, we provided pilot cars to comply with regulations and provide enhanced safety for the operation. Our agent also took the task of choosing appropriate transport vehicles for the job.
In this instance, a specialized heavy-haul truck with a low-boy trailer was the best choice to handle the locomotive’s weight. To ensure a safe and efficient loading and unloading process, we used ramps, a rail-to-road transfer system and other lifting equipment. Finally, we fully insured the client’s load to clear any safety concerns.
Wide Load Shipping managed the safe transport of the MP15 train locomotive in a timely manner while complying with state regulations. We maintained clear, honest communication with regular updates throughout the move. Upon arriving at the destination, our dedicated team supervised the unloading process and confirmed that the MP15 was in pristine condition.
Wide Load Shipping is your best choice for reliable oversized load transportation. From route survey and permit acquisition to expert transportation, we provide smooth, timely services. Contact us online to get a free quote or call us at (800) 792-5056 for more information about our complete logistics offerings.
