OOG container shipping

Schedule multi-purpose ships for special cargo

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Container OOG shipping is used for oversized cargo that exceeds the dimensions of standard containers but can still be shipped using special equipment such as flat rack or open top containers.

It is a practical solution for machinery, industrial equipment and project cargo requiring container line services with broader route coverage and predictable schedules.

Enkel Project Logistics can help you to organise container OOG shipments across Europe and worldwide, door-to-door delivery, lashing & securing and customs handling.

Typical large cargo:

  • industrial machinery
  • construction equipment
  • steel structures
  • tanks and vessels
  • generators
  • oversized components
  • any units suitable for flat-rack or open-top containers

Due to limitations at terminals, equipment and carriers’ rules not every cargo is suitable for special containers. Contact us and we will guide you through the right solution for your case.

The choice of equipment depends on cargo dimensions, weight and loading method:

  • 20 ft flat rack
  • 40 ft flat rack
  • 40 ft flat rack High Cube
  • 20 ft open top
  • 40 ft open top
  • 40 ft open top High Cube

Breakbulk shipping

  • suitable for larger or heavier cargo of different nature
  • no transshipment within a single service
  • often used for non-equipped ports

Heavy haulage

Overland transportation of oversized and heavy cargo

Ro-Ro shipping

Delivery of rollable cargo or static cargo using roll-trailers

Breakbulk liner shipping

Shipping of oversized and heavy cargo on board conventional liner ships

Ship chartering

Dedicated ship or a part cargo charter for a large-scale transportation project

Terminal handling

Stevedoring services at port, lashing & securing, storage and handling

Customs services

Export, import, transit and other customs procedures at any point of the world

Air chartering

Air delivery of oversized and heavy goods by a dedicated aircraft

Out of gauge (OOG) shipping refers to cargo that exceeds the standard container dimensions in height, width or length. Such cargo is typically transported using flat rack or open top equipment. By standard container dimensions we mean internal dimensions of the largest standard equipment. In terms of worldwide container shipping – 40ft High Cube container.

OOG cargo is usually shipped using:

  • open top containers (for excessive height only). These containers normally come with a tarpaulin cover to protect the cargo from weather conditions. Please note if the cargo is higher than inner dimensions of the container, it may be not possible to use this tarpaulin cover.
  • flat rack containers (for excessive width, length and height). These containers are more expensive for shipping, so don’t overuse.

Cargo is secured using:

  • lashing straps or wires
  • lashing chains
  • timber dunnage and supports

Proper securing is critical for safe transportation by sea. Some container lines provide guidelines and best practices for lashing. On arrival to terminal each OOG container is subject to inspection of surveyor.

Generally, yes. First and foremost, OOG refers to use of special equipment that is more rare, requires more regular inspection and even repositioning from other depots. Secondly, oversize cargo often mean extra space: container planners miss container slots. Last but not the least, special cargo requires extra care when handling and during the voyage.

While there is no single value, in most cases the maximum weight loaded on 40ft flat rack container is 36-40 tons. However, some terminals may not be able to handle so heavy units. Additionally, location of gravity centre is very important as well.

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