Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that specialize in project cargo receive requests heard nowhere else in the industry. “Can you move helicopters?” for example, or wind turbines, power generation plants, or oil and gas exploration equipment. The planning, preparation, and expertise to move these heavy, cumbersome and often unusual pieces of cargo are perhaps unmatched anywhere else in the logistics industry.

A request to move helicopters from the Middle East to the Port of Jacksonville was just the call received by Global Shipping Services, a small 3PL headquartered in Springfield, New Jersey.

The challenges faced by Global Shipping are emblematic of project moves: The shipment doubled from two to four helicopters; the scheduled vessel arrived three days early; and the shipment was initially stopped by U.S. Customs. Yet, in the end, the choppers were delivered on time.

“Our mission was to deliver a special project with quality service to our customer,” says Global Projects Director Jim Zino.
Global Shipping manages to win project moves against larger competitors thanks to the expertise of people like Zino, who worked for some big 3PLs before joining the company.

BNSF Logistics is a multi-modal, global logistics services provider. A Berkshire Hathaway company, BNSFL has unique financial depth and resources.

“Through organic expansion and strategic acquisition, the company has developed extensive expertise and capabilities in the project cargo arena,” says Gerald Hess, president of BNSF Logistics Canada.

“The acquisitions of several well regarded and established project cargo-focused companies over the last few years have given BNSFL deep competencies and understanding of the unique challenges associated with project cargo activity.”

BNSFL’s industry experience and competencies include power generation, oil and gas, wind energy and heavy machinery. “BNSFL personnel bring decades of experience in developing and delivering end-to-end solutions for moving over-dimensional freight via ocean, truck, rail and barge,” says Hess. “BNSFL is able to develop effective solutions to the most complex logistics challenges.”

DHL Global Forwarding’s Industrial Projects division is an expert in project logistics, transporting oversized cargo of any size and weight by breakbulk vessels or chartered planes across the globe. With nearly 700 employees globally, the division is present in 50 countries, allowing it to use its worldwide reach alongside its industry expertise to provide tailored logistics solutions to meet customer needs.

DHL’s focus sectors include mining, oil and gas, power, renewables and engineering procurement and construction. Some recent projects have included moves of land rigs, large pieces of medical equipment, material for a new refinery and airplane components.

“Our services include consolidation of multiple suppliers using our hubs, and route and feasibility surveys supported by our state-of-the-art material management system,” says Jürg Rohrer, senior vice president for Global Oil and Energy Business Development. “All these are significant and highly technical steps in setting up industrial plants and construction sites in remote locations.”