Blog - Great Western Transporation

How Power Only Trucking is Shaping the Future of Hauling

If you’re looking for a trucking trailer, one of the functions you consider is storage. Often, not many trucking companies will allow you the convenience of having their dry vans without you having to pay for the idle time. To solve this problem, Power-only Shipping is a growing trend that aims at changing the existing landscape for haulers.

What is Power-Shipping

In the trucking industry, the term Power-only shipping refers to the use of an independent driver or logistics firm’s tractor to move a trailer that you have either leased or purchased. Mostly, logistic companies operate a larger volume of containers as compared to tractors, and in using power-only shipping, they lessen the burden of work. In the same way, they can extend the same efficiency to your existing logistical assets.

Power Only Trucking

How Does Power Hauling Operate

Some trailer designs have in mind the idea of remaining in one location for longer timespans. Should you happen to own one of these, power-only shipping will come in handy when you inevitably need transport. Some relevant examples include:

Job sites, for both office and equipment storage needs
Heavy equipment/specialized hardware that is periodically moved
Exhibits and promotions trailers
Disaster relief or running mobile operation centers

In all the above cases, a full-time trailer is necessary. However, dedicating a tractor, in the same way, will only prove to add unnecessary costs. First, the cost of retaining a driver alone will turn out to be exorbitant, let alone the cost of purchasing and servicing the tractor. For that matter, power-only shipping is a prudent option whenever you require it.

As you can see, logistics firms continue to diversify their services, availing drivers who at the time might not have any other engagement and are willing to haul your trailer. Should you choose to use a specialized power-only hauler service, you will undoubtedly find a certified driver and tractor fitting your specific type of load.

June 3, 2019 | | Category: Power Only Trucking

How Can Flatbed Trucking Enhance Your Business Transport

Today, flatbed trucks are dominating the highways and are the leaders in transport. For the driver, the flatbed industry pays more than other truck driving jobs. A flatbed truck has a flat load carrying area and can be articulated or rigid. It has a completely flat level body with no roof or sides as defined by Wikipedia. Flatbed trucks can be used in many areas including:

construction
manufacturing
big projects

There are unique specifications associated with the operation of a flatbed truck and they are a key element in fleet operation. Learn more details on why flatbed trucks are used.

What Are The Functions Of A Flatbed Truck

Flatbed Shipping. What is flatbed shipping? Flatbed shipping doesn’t fit in the dimensions of regular shipping options. Flatbed shipping doesn’t require a closed space or need to be loaded/unloaded from a dock. Many businesses use a flatbed for moving construction equipment, time sensitive shipments, and big projects.

What are the benefits of flatbeds? Flatbeds give customers the benefits of multi-directional loading options. Customers are not limited to loading or unloading their cargo in the front, back, or a particular side. More importantly, you have the opportunity to ship large cargo without the limitations of boundary walls.

Why GW Trans Flatbed Trucking Stands Superior

Great Western Transportation is prepared to answer all of your questions about flatbed shipping. We understand the efficiency of any loading and shipping project to ensure your operation is successful each and every time. Our customers know they can rely on GW Trans for a safe and secure transport to and from their destination. We have access to step decks, flatbed LTL, and other more commonly used flatbeds. Remember, when you want to get to point A to point B, Great Western Transportation is only a call away.

Supplemental Resources:

May 31, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed

How Shipping a Bulldozer Works

Many people who see a large bulldozer on a construction site ask themselves, how do they get that from one job to another? Well, it’s not easy, but professional haulers like Great Western Transportation make it look it.

Bulldozers can range from 5 ton to over 70 ton. Depending on the size of the dozer, different options are available in shipping it.

Generally, large equipment like bulldozers are shipped overland on a flatbed, stepdeck or lowboy trailer. There are other ways of hauling large equipment, such as by air, train or water, but those aren’t as cost effective as with a flatbed, stepdeck or lowboy trailer and can be downright impossible sometimes.

Bulldozers are often moved across the country, whether from job to job or from one owner to the next. Dozers keep the country running and in order to move them a lot of effort is sometimes required. The majority are slow moving and run on steel tracks making road travel with them impossible and illegal, so even short trips over the road require large trucks to move them.

Due to their large size some bulldozers require an oversized load permit. An oversized load is defined as any load more than 8.5 feet wide is, and with few exceptions will require a state permit to travel on public highways. The weight of a bulldozer can also often times exceed many truckers legal ability, so make sure you find a trucker who can legally and safely haul your dozer.

If you are looking to have your bulldozer hauled, it is best to get accurate dimensions of it in order to get an appropriate quote. Also, make sure the equipment is working properly and functions as it should, so that it can be moved quickly and safely on and off the trailer.

If you need your bulldozer or any other piece of equipment shipped and would like a quote or information contact us at Great Western Transportation!

May 30, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

We Are In The Middle Of Another Trucking Season

Many transportation services can easily separate the months of the year into different trucking or shipping seasons. When transportation services first begin in the industry, everyone is usually jumping in pretty quickly and learning things as they go along. However, it does not take long for everyone in the trucking industry to identify what times of the year are the busiest and what times are slower than usual.

Customers are constantly contacting transportation services to look for trucks at different times of the year, and there are times when transportation services are experiencing a heavy flow of customers. There will be good seasons and bad seasons, but we can always separate shipping and trucking into different seasons.

The beginning of the year is typically a slow season and it can be referred to as the quiet season. As the third month of the year comes to a close, customers are looking to find a transportation service that provides the type of truck they need to transport their equipment or goods. As the summer approaches, the transportation needs begin to increase and it will remain that way throughout the summer. During the final months of the year, businesses are rushing to get their products on the shelves before the holidays and things become quiet again as the holidays come and go.

Right now, we are in the middle of spring and summer is approaching. The load volume is increasing as products are being moved and transportation services are needed. Product harvest season is here and customers are looking for transportation services that can transport their goods in a safe and timely manner. Transportation services offer an outstanding value that many people do not realize until they need a transportation service.

Have you run into a transportation issue in the past that you want to avoid this season? Great Western Transportation can provide the transportation service you need to manage your freight.

May 23, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed, General, Heavy Haul

Weigh In On The Facts Of Transporting Heavy Machinery

Transporting heavy machinery requires the help of a professional to protect your equipment and to protect you from the liability of losing control of your equipment during transport. Oversize and overweight shipments are very common in the construction and manufacturing industry. Transportation efforts for heavy machinery have different needs. More importantly, heavy transport require unique permits and specified transporting criteria. The goal of a professional transporting company is keeping you and your equipment safe and under the required safety regulations.

What Is The Process Of Transporting Heavy Machinery

Heavy machinery must first be prepared for transport. Companies are expected to prepare for the transport process with the proper documentation and by preparing the cargo. The United States classifies a superload as a truck tractor with an attached trailer that includes an overweight or over dimensional load. Superstructures that are particularly heavy require the most attention for safe transport. It’s very important that the company you choose have specific knowledge of the heavy transport industry. In fact, heavy transport may also require oversize cars and specialized freight carriers that require a unique driving permit. There are numerous options for heavy machinery transportation.

Why Customers Choose Great Western Transportation

Great Western Transportation takes pride in transporting your heavy machinery across town or across the country. When you’re transporting monstrous machinery down the road, you expect a professional transportation company that you can trust. We specialize in quality drivers that are able to get your machinery from point A to point B hassle-free.

Our specialty in transporting includes:

agricultural machinery
construction machinery
over dimensional machinery
heavy haul equipment
specialized equipment

Great Western Transport is your complete trucking service. GW Trans will coordinate the logistics for the most complex shipment that your company may need delivered. You’re encouraged to contact us at Great Western Transportation for cost competitive, safe, and the timely transport of your heavy machinery and equipment today.

May 21, 2019 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Choose GW Trans For The Safe Transport Of Your Construction Equipment

Shipping construction equipment requires unique preparation for your transport to be a success. When you hire a professional to transport your construction equipment, you expect them to have expertise in oversize machinery and equipment. More importantly, getting your equipment and machinery to your job site can make all the difference in a successful construction project. Safely transporting your construction equipment can also reduce your chances of costly liabilities due to damaged equipment, injuries, or accidents. GW Trans discusses the basics of transporting construction equipment below.

How To Successfully Transport Your Construction Equipment

Measurements. The first step for preparing your construction equipment is getting your exact measurements. Measuring your construction equipment will help you list it accurately, acquire the proper permits, and help you determine what type of transportation trailer is needed. The experts at GW Trans know exactly how to measure your equipment according to the exact industry standards.

Choose Your Trailer Type. Your width, height, and length will determine what size trailer is needed to transport your construction equipment. Manufacturer specifications aren’t enough to determine the actual measurements of your construction equipment. To clarify what type of trailer your construction equipment will need, exact dimensions are required. Tip: Your trailer can be too big, but it can never be too small to transportation your construction equipment.

Preparing your equipment for transport. Preparing your equipment is the most important part of the transporting construction equipment. To avoid liability of debris flying off your cargo or extra weight, you should always wash your construction equipment before transporting it to another location. Other important factors include a secure leveling spot, posing the machine for travel, and covering the stacks.

Common Construction Equipment:

excavators
tractors
bulldozers
cranes
loaders

Great Western Transportation are the experts in transporting construction equipment. We understand that shipping construction equipment can be challenging because of the weight of the equipment. GW Trans takes extra care with your bulky and heavy equipment. We also have experience in hauling heavy equipment that you’ve bought at an auction. Transporting heavy equipment can vary substantially and GW Trans ensures that everyone involved is well informed. Our team of professionals are comprised of single and team drivers. You’re invited to contact us at Great Western Transportation for expedited transit times at competitive prices for your construction, freight, oversize, and over-dimensional transportation needs. With over 100+ years combined experience, let us prove we’re your premiere trucking service.

May 17, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

Shipping Container Relocation Problem? Call Great Western!

The Shipping Container Revolution

The repurposing of new and used shipping containers has introduced solutions to many problems, such as affordable housing, short and long-term storage, and innovative commercialized projects. Storage is one of the top uses for repurposing these, not-so-expensive, steel containers.

Farmers use them for storage around their lands for equipment, hay, and tools.
Commercial businesses use them to store the information they cannot destroy, but need to keep for years.
People are becoming minimalists, and scaling down their living space to reap the rewards of a less-expensive and exciting lifestyle.
Organizations are using them to help rebuild communities and set up help stations after weather-ravaging storms leave homes in total destruction.
Entrepreneurs are using them to create unique customer experiences.

The Logistical Problem with Owning a Shipping Container – Relocation

When a shipping container is rented, it most likely can be moved, for a small fee, by the rental business. But, if you own a shipping container, relocating it can be a headache. There are things you must consider if you need to move a shipping container, as found on Super Cubes LLC.

What is the distance you want to move your container?
What is the container size, and what is the total weight, especially if it’s being moved fully loaded?
How are you going to load it for transportation?
Should you have it fully loaded before it’s picked up for trailer placement?
How should it be loaded?
Do you need permits, if you need to move it along the roads and highways?

Let Great Western Transportation Handle All of Your Container Moves

Why even worry about everything you have to know to relocate a shipping container. That’s what the team at Great Western Transportation takes care of all the time. Great Western’s Power-Only division handles everything for you. We safely relocate your shipping container with total compliance.

All you need to do is call us, and we’ll get all the information we need, give you a great price, and you will have the company you need to help you whenever you need us in the future. It’s what we do, and it is our goal to make life easier when logistics and power are standing in our customer’s way.

May 9, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed

When Are Time-Sensitive Shipment Services Necessary?

Time is a critical factor of consideration for most shippers because it affects their relationship with customers. Upholding your company’s reputation is necessary if you want to win the confidence of your clients and that suggests that late deliveries are not an option. In that case, meeting the expectations of your customers when you promise to deliver on time should be a priority because fulfilling this requirement will improve the image of your enterprise.

As you seek to meet the requirements of your clients as a shipper, you may discover that standard delivery times may not be the ideal option for the need at hand. Time-sensitive shipment services become the right choice for shippers requiring urgent delivery. Here are some of the scenarios that demand time sensitive shipment services.

Installation Schedules Requiring Precise Delivery

Unavailability of the necessary materials or fixtures can cause unnecessary delays when a new construction project is underway. For instance, when it is time to install office windows, the contractor will require them on site, and any delays can result in additional costs. Time-sensitive delivery services withdraw the uncertainty of meeting set schedules, which means that this option can cut the hourly labor cost of construction projects.

The Demand to Meet An Appointment

Some companies only accept deliveries within a specific duration and shippers may not fulfill orders within that window if they work with standard transportation times. Time-sensitive shipment services are fast enough to meet a day-specific or time-specific appointment thus minimizing chances of late deliveries.

The Need to Fulfill Cross Border Orders

Ground transportation is not an option if you have little time to ship goods or a critical part across the border because it is expensive, and the probability of late delivery is quite high. Shippers who opt for time-sensitive transport services for cross border shipments can access such custom air services as deferred air shipments, same-day flights, and air charters, which are faster and cheaper.

May 6, 2019 | | Category: General