UPCARGO Navigate Daily Challenges in Oversized Cargo Logistics

8th November 2024

UPCARGO Logistics, our members from Panama, are pleased to report on some of the challenges faced in their logistics chain during a recent shipment.

Recently, the company encountered a significant disruption due to a change in their Port of Destination.

Originally, the route was set from the Port of Shanghai to the Port of Balboa.

However, the flat racks ended up at the Port of Manzanillo, Colon, approximately 80 kilometers away from Balboa.

The company only learned a day after arrival that the cargo would remain at the Manzanillo Terminal.

This change resulted in several challenges, including increased transportation costs for the client, extra costs for road adjustments, as well as additional route studies.

Scope of Work

Reception at the port
Port survey
Unloading of 2 x 40’ flat racks and 1 x 20’ flat rack
Transport using lowboys
Police escort
Route study
Nighttime transport
Customs custody

UPCARGO Logistics conducted thorough studies and route evaluations from the Balboa Terminal to the delivery point, just 40 kilometers away, with exceptional results.

Challenges Faced with this POD Change

1. Longer Travel Distance: This increase meant more potential obstacles. During a route study, UPCARGO identified that they would not pass one of the toll booths on the northern corridor. Their solution was to remove some jerseys that defined the roadway to avoid the toll.

2. Adjustments with Time Constraints: While the company have requested such adjustments in the past, this time was different due to tight delivery schedules. Involving multiple suppliers meant that any delay could result in additional costs, with the primary goal to minimise these expenses for their clients.

3. Rapid Permitting: In record time, UPCARGO obtained the necessary permits and costs to remove the jerseys, secured an assignment from a traffic police unit, and managed operations at the port.

4. Proactive Measures: Anticipating this situation, they took steps in advance by scheduling port appointments and inspections.

5. Successful Execution: In the end, the company successfully removed the cargo from the terminal without any issues.

UPCARGO Logistics accomplished:

A successful transfer
Minimisation of extra costs
A happy client

In UPCARGO's daily operations, they frequently encounter multiple challenges and last-minute changes that push them to find concrete solutions for their clients and strategic partners.