Chapman Freeborn managed an unusual heavy and outsize cargo operation when a consignment of highly specialized industrial cargo was required for a project in Western Australia.
The cargo was manufactured in Germany and sent to Australia on an expedited basis due to the high value and importance of the consignment.
The shipment, weighing 92 tons, consisted of exceptionally large pieces that were 15 meters in length and weighed 17 tons each. Because of the cargo’s dimensions a nose-loading Boeing 747-400 freighter from Atlas Air was used for transportation.
Before acceptance onto the aircraft, the cargo was load planned for maximum center of gravity flight efficiency with both the main and lower decks being used.
The cargo itself was restrained by placing high quantity straps into the crates and directly over the cargo to achieve the load plan requirements.
To ensure the smooth and quick operation, external equipment comprising two main deck loaders and two cranes was used to load and offload the cargo and the visitor permits were arranged for the trucks to receive the cargo direct on the apron.
The consignment bypassed the terminal in Australia by exiting the airport through the emergency access gate and it was organized that the Customs Authority would clear the consignment electronically.
