Several factors take precedence when deciding on a cargo transport mode. Depending on the buyer’s needs and the cargo requirements, the type of delivery tends to differ dramatically. Factors like transport cost, cargo fragility, goods quantity, and delivery urgency play an important role in decision-making. Each cargo delivery mode has unique benefits, perfectly suited to serve these qualities.
Types of Pipe Cargo Delivery
- Truck Freight Transport
Land-based transport is a common and easy way to transport goods. These services are available in every country and offer a cost-effective solution for carrying large cargo. The benefit of this mode is that it is accessible to even the most remote regions, allowing pipes to be carried even to regions without waterways or landing strips.
However, the cargo quantity carried by trucks is limited compared to other modes. In addition, these vehicles can only carry goods over short distances. Trucks are not designed to carry pipes across continents, a requirement more common in the piping industry than expected.
Generally, this land transport is used in conjunction with other modes like maritime or rail transport.
| Land-Based Transport | |
| Pros Cost effective- saves on packagingAccessible to remote areasDoor-to-door serviceEasy tracking Cons Limited to smaller cargo Not suited for long distances |
- Sea-Based Cargo Delivery
Seaways are the easiest and most common ways to carry large cargo across long distances. Statistics show that this mode accounts for up to 90% of international trade. In a single year, up to 1687 million tons of goods may be carried by ships worldwide. For large-diameter pipes, this is the primary mode of transport.
In addition, sea transport is comparatively less expensive, carrying huge loads at low rates. However, the bulk of the goods and the distance of the trade routes mean that ship cargo takes time to reach their locations.
| Sea-Based Transport |
| Pros Cheap ratesCarries huge loadsPlanned cargo packaging Cons Slow delivery timeNot for small cargo |
- Air-Based Delivery
As the fastest and safest way of transport, planes are the go-to for emergency or priority-based deliveries. This mode can cut transit time by months compared to long-haul cargo ships. However, this option has several constraints, including the high cost and the limitations on cargo. This mode can be taxing on importers, and the amount a plane can carry is limited too.
| Air-Based Cargo Delivery |
| Pros 1. Fast transit time 2. Reliable delivery times 3. More security Cons 1. High cost 2. Limited cargo capacity 3. Not suitable for large quantities |
Important Aspects of Pipe Cargo Delivery
Even though pipe cargo is tough to damage, it is not invulnerable. Rough handling and inadequate storage conditions can affect the goods. Even improper loading or container defects can cause the pipe to degrade, rust, or get dented. Deformation is also an issue with improper stowing.
Conditions for Pipe Cargo Delivery
When choosing a cargo delivery service, pipe exporters and importers must choose providers who understand the intricacies of transporting steel pipes. For example, piping with large diameters requires different storage and transport conditions compared to small diameter pipes. These factors are especially relevant when the goods are carried across long distances. Prolonged exposure to pressure, water, heat, or unsuitable storage capacities can damage the products irrevocably.
Large-Diameter Pipes
Denting and disfiguration are the prime risks when transporting large-diameter pipes. Inadequate packing and storage preparations can cause the beveled edges of pipes to erode or go rough. Constant movement coupled with hasty packaging may lead to the product losing its shapely sides. The importer may have to re-bevel these edges to solve the issue - for insurance, shipping companies often make notes of existing damage to these pipes during the pre-shipment phase.
Minor scratches and chafing on the piping are acceptable and will likely not cause many issues in its application. However, an incision with depths of 3mm or more will require reconstruction. Repair work is also needed for large-diameter pipes that get dented and cannot link with other piping. Importers should look for service providers with adequate packing and storage experience, as these deformed pipes cannot be welded to the needs of other puppies. Large-diameter piping is more liable to these accidents due to its lower wall thickness.
One of the ways to solve extreme denting is to completely alter the product's shape and size. Importers may need to saw off the unusable length for pipes with damage. In extreme cases, the entire unit may have to be scrapped. Large-diameter pipes are bigger than the average piping due to their application in oil and gas. This larger sizing makes them more susceptible to coating damage and denting.
Small-Diameter Pipes
Rusting is the main concern when transporting small-diameter pipes. Compared to the larger-sized pipes, these products also require more elaborate packaging. For example, cargo companies should always store these pipes in a hexagonal shape, with the ends of one batch meeting the ends of the other. In addition, small-diameter piping also requires tensioned flat metal bands to strap them to the cargo container.
Since these products have thin walls, they tend to rust easily. In addition, oxidation and electrochemical decomposition also affect the pipes, causing them to degrade. Moisture from rain, and seawater, can drastically affect the application of the pipes. Importers should opt for extra protection when transporting these piping.
Protecting Pipe Cargo During Transport
Protective Solutions/Films
Galvanized pipes require di-chromate dipping to protect them from rust and chemical-based corrosion. Surface-coated pipes like these require more protection, and cargo transport services should use plastic films and fiber-based packing atop the di-chromate solution.
Hot-rolled steel pipes are generally more resistant to rust damage than most. Even though these products may form a thin rust layering during transport, this does not affect their overall strength and usability. Companies can easily get rid of this surface layer by pickling the pipe before putting them into operation. Because of this extra durability, hot rolled pipes are usually transported without protection in ground (truck/train) cargo convoys. However, these items can get damaged by salt water or any chloride-based solution.
Pre-Shipping Examination
One smartest way for you to avoid cargo damage is to conduct pre-shipment examinations. Surveying goods before transport allows both the cargo companies and the importers/exporters clear proof in case of potential damage during the trip. With the data provided, companies can claim insurance covers in case of rusting or disfiguration during cargo transport.
In addition, these pre-shipment tests also help both parties verify the ventilation and the water-damage protection of the shipping holds. The storage conditions must have a relative humidity below 40% to 50% to avoid rusting and general electrochemical reactions.