Oversized logistics: mastery in experience, agility in response

Is there a standardized, predictable success formula for oversized logistics? Yes, and its key ingredient is a team with proven knowledge and practical solutions that have been tested in the real world.

In August of this year, the AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG group of transport and logistics companies shipped a new 26-meter rail wagon to Germany, and then shipped similar cargo from Switzerland a few weeks later.

We talked to AsstrA Oversized Transportation Operations Department Head Przemyslav Boronsky and AsstrA Belarus Director Oleg Bykov about the role experience plays in handling unpredictable situations that inevitably arise – even in familiar project frameworks:

“For the first shipment, we chose road transport. The second time, it was much easier to find suitable transport and develop a mounting scheme, as the dimensions were the same as before: 26 m long, 3 m wide and 3.6 m high. The body was placed on a platform with the help of cranes. On loading, our team personally verified that there were a sufficient number of fasteners, metal channels, and wooden linings to ensure the safety of the cargo. The wagon was placed on a special stand that had been made in advance individually for the needs of the client. This scheme made it possible to avoid additional costs, as the length of the vehicle was 35 m. If the wagon were mounted differently, we would have to choose 46 meter-long rolling stock, and delivery would simply be impossible.”

“One of the essential steps in the development of oversize transportation projects is the route survey. We carefully studied every kilometer, every turn, and every potentially difficult part. As a result, we were able to offer our client a detailed movement plan. At the same time, logistics is full of surprises, and they’re not always pleasant. On the day of departure, it turned out that pedestrian zone repairs would make rail transport out of the factory impossible as planned. Quickly moving into crisis management mode, we were able to identify a different gate to use. It was a very difficult moment, and it was only thanks to the professionalism of the whole team that we did not have to involve all the personnel required to move the bridge crane. Transportation started on time. "

“From the moment of loading to crossing the Swiss-Austrian border crossing, a wagon was accompanied by a team that was cleaning up the route. For example, they removed and replaced road signs, verified the height of bridges – some of which the load cleared by only 4 centimeters.”

This project demonstrates that experience on specific routes or with specific types of goods is not enough. The ability to work in emergency situations is important: when everything goes pear-shaped, when deadlines are at risk but transportation isn’t just executed – it is executed well.”