Twig Logistics Network works constantly hearing what the members have to say, we believe that this is one of the most important responsibilities of a logistics network. Our members are the ones that decide what new products we must create, where should be our next conference, which partnerships to develop, etc.

For that reason, we make a monthly interview with our members to hear what they have to say about their own company, the logistics market, freight forwarders in general, and about Twig Logistics Network. Last month we talked to Blue Bird from India, and this month Mr. Peter K Mathew from Fleet Line Logistics – UAE talked about out of gauge cargo, check what he had to say about it:

How strong is the demand for ‘out of gauge’ cargo transportation in the Middle East region?

A standard definition of the term “out of gauge” cargo

Any cargo exceeding the internal dimensions of a standard container is considered as out of gauge, or OOG. This cargo can still be loaded onto container ships by using special equipment, such as flat rack, open top containers, but requires special handling devises in addition to the standard quay/gantry crane, together with manual intervention at the time of storage.

The importance of specialist experience in this market

Potential demand for OOG cargo services is huge in the Middle East, especially from the oil and gas and construction industries. Customers want a partner that understands the complexities of OOG cargo, whether it’s arranging the space on a container ship, stuffing and lashing, or securing a police escort and suitable truck for road transportation. However, the number of logistics companies that actually specialize in this niche market is quite limited.

The experience of Fleet Line Shipping in OOG Logistics

Over the past 11 years, Fleet Line Shipping Services has become synonymous with OOG and project cargo movements. We commenced operations as a Dubai-based NVOCC cum freight forwarding company having own assets such as a range of special equipment like Flat Rack, Open Top, 45’, ISO tank containers and low bed trailers, while also partnering with a number of feeder operators and shipping lines for slot arrangements. Since this time, customers have approached our company for additional value-added services like stuffing and lashing, customs clearance, and chartering ships for heavy lift cargo etc to have a one-stop solution for all OOG and project cargo.

We have responded swiftly to customers needs. Today we have in-house well-trained lashing and packing team, which has DP world accreditation. We represent Europe based break bulk owners as an exclusive agent in the Middle East region besides we have an in-house chartering division, customs clearance etc to provide an End to End logistics solutions for all type of cargo. Around  70% of our customers are freight forwarders, while the rests are direct shippers or consignees from oil and gas, construction, and earth moving equipment companies.

Why ethical business operations will lead to long-term success

Fleet Line Shipping has adopted an ethical approach to business, which is well-known to the industry. To maintain a good synergy with our freight forwarding clients, we will never approach their customers, even on occasions when we are contacted by them.

Growth potential for the OOG market in Middle East countries

Although the market is little slow due to low oil price, We predict that demand will continue to rise for OOG movements in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Iran.  At the moment, a limited number of mother vessels are calling these ports, which means that freight will be routed through Jebel Ali port in Dubai.

The irrelevance of size when selecting a logistics partner

Personally, I cannot understand the reasoning that logistics companies must have large premises or offices in several locations to stand out in their area of expertise. Our experience has shown that customers are comfortable with small service providers for being valued. The big ones will often take a longer time to arrive at decisions. We choose hand-picked agents everywhere, who know all about project cargo and how to get the work done. To give an example, Fleet Line Shipping recently moved 120 tonnes of oilfield equipment with a height of seven meters to Uzbekistan. We had to take permission for temporarily removing the electricity wires in a couple of places in order for the freight to reach its final destination. Our people managed to complete the job with ease without having to bother the receiver much.

Beating competition from other providers of OOG cargo services

Fleet Line Shipping has many advantages. For starters, we can quote a rate instantly to containerized OOG customers. This is possible because we know the bay plan a vessel operator can make, thus we know how many slot killings it can be in a container. Additionally, by providing us dimensions and weight with a photograph of the cargo, we will be able to quote the stuffing and lashing charges, while even advising on the center of gravity and lifting requirements. While our competitors take a couple of days for these things, we can take a few minutes.

The benefits of an established network of reliable carriers

For the heavy lift cargo, our advantage is finding the suitable ship in a minimum time frame to worldwide destinations, even to some of the shallow draft ports in Iran and Iraq. We choose efficient and reliable carriers to avoid any delays, ensuring that freight moves in and out in the most effective manner.