Shipping Industrial Generators

Power Plants & Genset to Customers.

This Page explains the definition of the logistics and shipping of industrial generators and provides a few examples of the types of shipping we provide. Shipping the generator set can be defined as the transportation from vendor to customer site. The logistics behind the shipping process can be defined as the science of planning, organizing and managing activities that provides goods or services.

Two sections have developed as listed below:

Domestic – Approach aspects of logistics and shipping of three basic industrial sizes (small, medium and large).
International – Basic information for shipping to international customers.

Domestic

Many shipping options are available to the customer. In the Vendors section minimum requirements for freight agreement was covered. When selecting a broker make sure signed documentation meets requirements for shipping and receiving of the generator set.

Three examples (Figure 1) have been created to illustrate logistics behind shipping generator sets are:

Kohler 250 kW NG – A smaller industrial generator with natural gas fuel supply.
Cummins 800 kW – Mid-size industrial generator with diesel fuel supply.
Caterpillar 2000 kW – Large industrial generator with diesel fuel supply.

Shipped Generators

Kohler 250 kW NG

A Kohler 250 kW Natural Gas generator has been selected to ship. Natural gas option appealed to customer of environmental considerations. Below is a basic logistics check list:

Match generator set to truck.
Securing and protecting generator for transport.
Permits needed for transport.
Unloading generator set at site.

Match Generator Set to Truck

If utilizing a shipping company, they will complete all computations for the load. The broker will supply quote for the load which is determined by the some of the following factors:

Length = 136”
Width = 53.25”
Height = 79.75”
Overall Weight = 9,000 lbs.

Make and model of truck is optional to shipper. Specifications of the truck are the guidelines used by the shipper (Figure 2). Shippers may select use of this truck because:

When loaded weight is less than Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Figure below:
- 8700 + 9000 = 17,700 lbs.
Length and width of bed allow for load to be centered.
Height of bed. Must add height of bed to height of generator:
- 41” + 79.75”/12 = 10.06’. Interstate a maximum of 14.6 is allowed.
Using a flatbed truck allows greater mobility and can be fuel cost effective.

Figure 2, Flatbed Truck for Kohler 250 kW Generator

Securing and Protecting Generator for Transport

Once the generator set is loaded onto the truck, the shipping broker assumes all responsibility for transport. Safe passage (how the generator set arrives) should be defined in the freight agreement. Some considerations are (Figure 3):

Method Generator Secured to Truck – Generator secured to truck with manufactured supply points. Method of securing cannot mar painted surfaces.
Tarp Generator Set – Generator sets must be tarped (unless no-tarp arrangement) for undamaged passage.
Additional Weatherproof – Control panels, intake, exhaust and any ports must be covered and insulated against weather and transport conditions.

When the generator is loading onto the truck the vendor providing crane or fork lift service is responsible for the safe loading of the generator set.

Once loaded onto the vehicle the shipping broker is responsible for securing/tarping, and safe passage to customer site.

Figure 3, Securing and Protecting Generator Set

Permits Needed for Transport

Each state has different requirements for permits. The shipper will check each state on the route to destination for legal load size and weight limitations. Colorado requirements are:

Maximum overall length 75’.
Maximum width 8’ 6”.
Maximum height 14’ 6.
GVW 80,000 lbs. on interstate or 85,000 lbs. on other roads.
Overhang 4’ front and 10’ rear.

This load does not require any oversized permits for Colorado.

Unloading Generator Set at Site

To save expenses on crane or forklift and operator rental, it is wise to have the site prepared for the arrival of generator. The generator then can be set on permanent mounts. Accomplishing site preparation prior to delivery prevents second trips by lift vendors.

Site requirements define the type of lifting device needed to unload and place the generator. Examples illustrated below:

Crane – Has extendable boom. Boom elevates and extends. Certified rigging gear is needed to attach to generator lift points. Crane does not have load tilt capability.
Construction Fork Truck – Construction fork trucks have boom elevate and extend capability. In addition, the load can be tilted forward/backward and left/right on many models. This allows for precise setting. If this option is chosen, generator must be set on dunnage when loaded. This allows space for forks to be inserted.

As the boom extends the amount of weight the boom can safely operates lessens. Make sure lifting device is rated for generator set weight at full extension.

Figure 4, Lifting Options

Cummins 800 kW

A Cummins 880 kW Diesel generator has been selected to ship. Diesel option appealed to customer because the generator set is replacing an outdated set located inside the facility in a machinery room. Below is a basic logistics check list:

Match generator set to truck.
Securing and protecting generator for transport.
Permits needed for transport.
Unloading generator set at site.