Are your shipping partners familiar with how to properly schedule and load your pipeline loads?
Shipping from here to there. Shipping pipelines should be no different than shipping anything else, right?
Well, not quite.
Especially when transporting pipelines, there are safety concerns and steps necessary to protect the pipeline - and your investment.
Understanding the different ways to load your pipeline and how to secure it can help you best select a shipping partner to transport your pipeline and maximize your return on your transportation investment.
Different ways to load pipelines
There are two (2) typical ways of stacking pipes for loading onto a trailer:
1. Strips
Typically used for yard-to-yard or yard-to-rail transportation, strip loading is often considered the preferred method of stacking pipe, as pipe can be loaded and unloaded in bulk by forklift. Strip loading maximizes the number of pieces of pipe loaded per truck, considering the size and weight of the pipe.
2. Pyramid Loading
Often used for yard or warehouse-to-worksite transport, pyramid loading provides the mobility needed to traverse obstacles and can be lifted by methods other than forklifts. This flexibility is a must when transporting to the job site.
Need help determining how much pipe will fit on your truck? This guide from NASPD can help.
How to Fix Pipe Loads
Once you've decided on the best way to load your pipeline, it's time to protect your load. It is important to have the litter/timber on the trailer deck ready and have the pipe piles/pipes on the side of the load so you can start loading.
Safety when piping
While specifics will vary depending on the exact size and material of the pipe and the type of slab being loaded, there are some common hazards to be aware of when loading the pipe for transport, including:
- The weight of the lifted load.
- range of elevators.
- The location of the pipe.
- Size and shape of pipes.
- The number and frequency of lifts performed.
- Choose the right equipment for loading and unloading tasks. Pinch/Firewire area.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded truck/track/trailer (poor weight distribution).
- Uneven and/or shifted loads can reduce the overall stability of the load/vehicle.
- Missing or damaged straps/tie downs.
- Prop requirements on trailer/truck.
- Potential energy stored in the load.
- Fastening method (tie straps, straps, etc.).
- Operates close to overhead power lines or other structures. Ice, snow or other environmental hazards are present.
- Worker safety when working from a height.
- Correct selection of lifting rigging (chains, slings, belts, vacuum lifts, etc.). A qualified operator must operate the lifting equipment.
- Changes in ground conditions as it relates to equipment stability.
It can be a little overwhelming to keep all of these dangers in mind when preparing for shipment, but they are vital to keeping people safe, protecting your pipeline, and worth repeating - protecting your investment.
