Shipping Industrial Generators to Customers
This page explains the definition of the logistics and shipping of industrial generators and provides a few examples of the types of shipping we provide. Shipping the generator set can be defined as the transportation from vendor to customer site. The logistics behind the shipping process can be defined as the science of planning, organizing and managing activities that provides goods or services.
Two sections have developed as listed below:
- Domestic – Approach aspects of logistics and shipping of three basic industrial sizes (small, medium and large).
- International – Basic information for shipping to international customers.
Domestic
Many shipping options are available to the customer. In the Vendors section minimum requirements for freight agreement was covered. When selecting a broker make sure signed documentation meets requirements for shipping and receiving of the generator set.
Three examples have been created to illustrate logistics behind shipping generator sets are:
- Kohler 250 kW NG – A smaller industrial generator with natural gas fuel supply.
- Cummins 800 kW – Mid-size industrial generator with diesel fuel supply.
- Caterpillar 2000 kW – Large industrial generator with diesel fuel supply.
Kohler 250 kW NG
A Kohler 250 kW Natural Gas generator has been selected to ship. Natural gas option appealed to customer of environmental considerations. Below is a basic logistics check list:
- Match generator set to truck.
- Securing and protecting generator for transport.
- Permits needed for transport.
- Unloading generator set at site.
Match Generator Set to Truck
If utilizing a shipping company, they will complete all computations for the load. The broker will supply quote for the load which is determined by the some of the following factors:
- Length = 136”
- Width = 53.25”
- Height = 79.75”
- Overall Weight = 9,000 lbs.
Make and model of truck is optional to shipper. Specifications of the truck are the guidelines used by the shipper. Shippers may select use of this truck because:
- When loaded weight is less than Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Figure below:
- 8700 + 9000 = 17,700 lbs.
- Length and width of bed allow for load to be centered.
- Height of bed. Must add height of bed to height of generator:
- 41” + 79.75”/12 = 10.06’. Interstate a maximum of 14.6 is allowed.
- Using a flatbed truck allows greater mobility and can be fuel cost effective.
Securing and Protecting Generator for Transport
Once the generator set is loaded onto the truck, the shipping broker assumes all responsibility for transport. Safe passage (how the generator set arrives) should be defined in the freight agreement. Some considerations are:
- Method Generator Secured to Truck – Generator secured to truck with manufactured supply points. Method of securing cannot mar painted surfaces.
- Tarp Generator Set – Generator sets must be tarped (unless no-tarp arrangement) for undamaged passage.
- Additional Weatherproof – Control panels, intake, exhaust and any ports must be covered and insulated against weather and transport conditions.
When the generator is loading onto the truck the vendor providing crane or fork lift service is responsible for the safe loading of the generator set. Once loaded onto the vehicle the shipping broker is responsible for securing/tarping, and safe passage to customer site.
Permits Needed for Transport
Each state has different requirements for permits. The shipper will check each state on the route to destination for legal load size and weight limitations. Colorado requirements are:
- Maximum overall length 75’.
- Maximum width 8’ 6”.
- Maximum height 14’ 6.
- GVW 80,000 lbs. on interstate or 85,000 lbs. on other roads.
- Overhang 4’ front and 10’ rear.
This load does not require any oversized permits for Colorado.
Unloading Generator Set at Site
To save expenses on crane or forklift and operator rental, it is wise to have the site prepared for the arrival of generator. The generator then can be set on permanent mounts. Accomplishing site preparation prior to delivery prevents second trips by lift vendors.
Site requirements define the type of lifting device needed to unload and place the generator. Examples illustrated below:
- Crane – Has extendable boom. Boom elevates and extends. Certified rigging gear is needed to attach to generator lift points. Crane does not have load tilt capability.
- Construction Fork Truck – Construction fork trucks have boom elevate and extend capability. In addition, the load can be tilted forward/backward and left/right on many models. This allows for precise setting. If this option is chosen, generator must be set on dunnage when loaded. This allows space for forks to be inserted.
As the boom extends the amount of weight the boom can safely operates lessens. Make sure lifting device is rated for generator set weight at full extension.
Cummins 800 kW
A Cummins 880 kW Diesel generator has been selected to ship. Diesel option appealed to customer because the generator set is replacing an outdated set located inside the facility in a machinery room. Below is a basic logistics check list:
- Match generator set to truck.
- Securing and protecting generator for transport.
- Permits needed for transport.
- Unloading generator set at site.
Match Generator Set to Truck
If utilizing a shipping company, they will complete all computations for the load. The broker will supply quote for the load which is determined by the some of the following factors:
- Length = 167”.
- Width = 65.5”.
- Height = 88.5”.
- Overall Weight = 16,500 lbs.
Make and model of truck is optional to shipper. Specifications of the truck are the guidelines used by the shipper (Figure 5). Shippers may select use of this truck because:
- Maximum freight weight is 40,000 to 42,000 lbs.
- Lower deck length is 37’ with upper deck length of 11’.
- Load height on lower deck 10’
- Width 8.5’.
- Extra available length and deck allows for additional equipment (such as control panels, support pumps, etc.) to be transported for upgrade to machinery room.
Securing and Protecting Generator for Transport
Once the generator set is loaded onto the truck, the shipping broker assumes all responsibility for transport. Safe passage (how the generator set arrives) should be defined in the freight agreement. Some considerations are (Figure 6):
- Method Generator Secured to Truck – Generator secured to truck with manufactured supply points. Method of securing cannot mar painted surfaces.
- Tarp Generator Set – Generator sets must be tarped (unless no-tarp arrangement) for undamaged passage.
- Additional Weatherproof – Generator sets are not in an enclosure can have extra protection in the following areas:
- Radiator/Intercooler – Cooling fins of the radiator and intercooler assembly are fragile and can be damaged during shipping. Tarping provides minimum protection. For added protection fin area can be protected with plywood prior to tarping process.
- Generator/Control Panel – The generator end and control panel should be protected by an industrial stretch or shrink wrap.
- For extreme foul weather conditions the entire generator set and skid can be wrapped in shrink rated for transportation.
When the generator is loading onto the truck the vendor providing crane or fork lift service is responsible for the safe loading of the generator set. Once loaded onto the vehicle the shipping broker is responsible for securing/tarping, and safe passage to customer site.
Permits Needed for Transport
Each state has different requirements for permits. The shipper will check each state on the route to destination for legal load size and weight limitations. Colorado requirements are:
- Maximum overall length 75’.
- Maximum width 8’ 6”.
- Maximum height 14’ 6.
- GVW 80,000 lbs. on interstate or 85,000 lbs. on other roads.
- Overhang 4’ front and 10’ rear.
This load does not require any oversized permits for Colorado.
Unloading Generator Set at Site
Generator is going to be located inside a machinery room. The machinery room and outside area have the following characteristics:
- Entrance to machinery room has an overhead door with dimensions of 20’ x 20’. Entrance is located at rear of building with paved access road to machinery room area.
- Gravel 100’ x 100’ gravel area with a 25’ x 25’ concrete pad in front of overhead door.
- Gantry available to move and place generator set once it is placed on concrete pad.
Local crane contractor is selected to unload the generator and place onto concrete pad.
Caterpillar 2000 kW
A Caterpillar 2000 kW Diesel generator has been selected to ship. Generator set located in a sound attenuated enclosure, 1200 gallon fuel tank capability and digital controls met all facility needs. Below is a basic logistics checklist:
- Match generator set to truck.
- Securing and protecting generator for transport.
- Permits needed for transport.
- Unloading generator set at site.
Match Generator Set to Truck
If utilizing a shipping company, they will complete all computations for the load. The broker will supply quote for the load which is determined by the some of the following factors:
- Length = 492.5”.
- Width = 140.5”.
- Height = 156”.
- Overall Weight = 77,000 lbs. (Fuel tanks are empty to comply with shipping regulations).
Make and model of truck is optional to shipper. Specifications of the truck are the guidelines used by the shipper. Shippers may select use of this truck because:
- Maximum freight weight is 80,000 lbs.
- Lower deck length is 49’ fully extended.
- Lower deck ground clearance is 6”’
- Width of lower deck is102”.
Securing and Protecting Generator for Transport
Once the generator set is loaded onto the truck, the shipping broker assumes all responsibility for transport. Safe passage (how the generator set arrives) should be defined in the freight agreement. Some considerations are (Figure 8):
- Method Generator Secured to Truck – Generator secured to truck with manufactured supply points. Method of securing cannot mar painted surfaces.
- Tarp Generator Set – Generator sets must be tarped (unless no-tarp arrangement) for undamaged passage.
- Additional Tasks – Prior to tarping, make sure all supporting devices (such as batteries) are secured and ready for transport. Make sure all doors are closed and door hardware functions properly.
When the generator is loading onto the truck the vendor providing crane or fork lift service is responsible for the safe loading of the generator set. Once loaded onto the vehicle the shipping broker is responsible for securing/tarping, and safe passage to customer site.
Permits Needed for Transport
Each state has different requirements for permits. The shipper will check each state on the route to destination for legal load size and weight limitations. Colorado requirements are:
- Maximum overall length 75’.
- Maximum width 8’ 6”.
- Maximum height 14’ 6.
- GVW 80,000 lbs. on interstate or 85,000 lbs. on other roads.
- Overhang 4’ front and 10’ rear.
This load will need oversize width and weight permits. If the drop of the trailer is greater than 1’ 6” height permit will be required. Some states do not allow after hour or weekend oversize load shipping.
Unloading Generator Set at Site
Generator will be set in permanent location: Re-enforced concrete pad with hardware prepared. Access to pad is considered rough terrain. Terrain will support combined weight of crane and generator set. Some of crane (Figure 9) specifications are:
- Five section boom (40 to 150’).
- Off set fly and extensions available (total attachment 85’).
- Maximum height 243’.
- Operating weight 126,500.
International Shipping
Generator Source offers international shipping services for our customers located abroad. We compare multiple quotes supplied from our trusted partners. Generator set and accessories are positioned in containers to insure equipment safety and cost effectiveness. The process can be divided into basic steps:
- Shipping – Informational steps for international shipping.
- Tracking the Shipment – Milestones tracked in shipping process.
- Shipping Destinations - International shipping locations.
Shipping
Generator Source is considered the sellers port. The buyers (customer) port is the port of destination. Following considerations determine shipping quote.
- Dimensions and weight of generator set and accessories.
- Crane and rigging resources at both ports.
- Trucking costs to and from both ports.
We will coordinate the day of shipment from the appropriate US port to the designated international port.
Tracking the Shipment
Our process includes keeping a complete shipping records from origin (US port) to destination (international port). Some shipping milestones tracked are:
- Generator loaded and destined for domestic port.
- Generator arrives into port and is loaded into container.
- Generator is loaded onto cargo ship.
- Cargo ship arrives at dock.
- Shipping container is unloaded from cargo ship onto truck.
- Truck arrives at final destination.
- Container unloaded at final destination.
International Shipping Locations
We have the ability to ship to most major destinations throughout the world. Common areas include:
- Central America.
- South America.
- Europe.
- Middle East.
- Africa.
- Asia.
Contact us and we will aid in arranging all shipping functions required to get our product to you.