Delivering Oversized Industrial Equipment from Oregon to Tasmania

The Challenge

Coordinating a Complex Global Shipment

In today’s challenging global shipping climate, transporting oversized and heavy equipment is especially complex, with limited capacity, tight schedules, and stringent customs regulations adding pressure to every shipment.

Which is why a leading industrial manufacturer specializing in process technologies and automation turned to OpenRoad to move an oversized silo—40 feet long and 10 feet in diameter—from Oregon to a potato food processing plant being constructed in Tasmania. In addition to the silo, several critical components were sourced from Sweden and China, all of which had to arrive within the same narrow window to keep the customer’s construction schedule on track.

The project presented several challenges: complex customs requirements in Australia, strict delivery timelines, coordination across multiple time zones and international origins, and the logistical difficulty of delivering an over-dimensional piece of machinery to the island of Tasmania. Additionally, the shipment required specialized protection to ensure the oversized silo and other critical components arrived safely and intact. This customer needed a partner with the experience, global connections, and operational precision to make it happen—without costly delays or compliance issues.

The Solution

Every step of this project required creativity, coordination, and care. OpenRoad developed a multimodal logistics plan that combined over-dimensional trucking, ocean freight, air freight, and drayage coordination.

  • Optimized routing and permitting: Arranged specialized trucks, secured all required permits, and selected the most efficient route from Oregon to the Port of Seattle—saving the client roughly $20,000.
  • Protective shrink-plastic wrapping: Oversaw the specialized head shrink-plastic wrapping of the oversized silo using high-performance film to safeguard it from weather and transport damage.

  • Seamless international coordination: Managed additional shipments from Sweden (via air freight) and China (via ocean freight), ensuring all components aligned to meet the same delivery schedule.
  • Trusted partnerships: Collaborated with a heavy-equipment terminal in Seattle for secure handling and a trusted Tasmania-based logistics partner for the final delivery leg.
  • Proactive customs management: Ensured full compliance with Australia’s documentation and customs requirements to prevent costly delays.

Highlight: Delivering Complexity, On Time

The success of this project came down to precision, timing, and seamless coordination across continents. With critical construction deadlines on the line, OpenRoad’s domestic and international teams worked together to ensure every shipment reached its destination without delay.

  • Transporting Oversized Freight Across Oceans: The first challenge came early. The equipment was right on the threshold of width restrictions, but OpenRoad guided the customer through each option, ensured compliance, and secured a route that kept everything moving safely and on time.
  • Protecting Cargo for the Journey: OpenRoad sought out a specialized heat shrink-wrapping vendor for the silo, ensuring it was fully encapsulated and reinforced to survive the long ground and sea transit intact.
  • Aligning Global Components on Time OpenRoad’s domestic and international teams worked in sync, coordinating every handoff—from Oregon to the port, across the ocean, and into Tasmania—to make sure each leg stayed on schedule and on budget.
  • Quick Thinking in Motion: When unforeseen import port delays threatened the delivery timeline, OpenRoad’s swift action and strong global connections allowed the vessel to enter Australia efficiently—minimizing impact and keeping the project moving.
  • A Seamless Delivery: With the equipment arriving on schedule, the customer’s construction timeline stayed intact—proof that OpenRoad’s proactive management and creative problem-solving deliver peace of mind from start to finish.

Key Facts

  • Industry

    Industrial, Custom Air Pollution Control Systems and Machinery Parts

  • Services Leveraged

    Over-Dimensional Truckload, Drayage (Terminal Handling), Transloading, Ocean Shipping & Air Freight

Results

The project delivered more than just on-time shipments—it gave the customer confidence, continuity, and peace of mind, enabling them to focus on their own operations and commitments. By leveraging OpenRoad’s expertise, careful planning, and proactive coordination, the customer experienced smooth, worry-free logistics from start to finish.

  • Seamless Operations: All shipments arrived on schedule, allowing uninterrupted plant construction and keeping project timelines aligned.

  • Shipment Protection & Risk Mitigation: Oversized and critical equipment was carefully handled, safeguarded, and delivered without damage or customs complications.

  • Cost Savings: Optimized routing and planning helped avoid unnecessary expenses, generating estimated savings of $30,000–$50,000.

  • Peace of Mind: Transparent communication and proactive oversight ensured the customer felt confident every stage of the shipment was managed carefully.

Interested in Logistics That Work as Hard as You Do?

If your business is looking for a logistics partner that blends strategic insight with hands-on execution, OpenRoad Global can help. Whether you’re managing imports, multi-location distribution, or complex inventory moves, we specialize in bringing order to complexity—with results that speak for themselves.

Hear from our Customer

Our experience with international shipping was minimal, and we needed a trusted leader to guide us through the process. The team at OpenRoad stepped in with professionalism, confidence, and clear communication at every step. Their expertise kept us ahead of every deadline and ensured every detail was handled. Even when challenges arose—from width restrictions to harbor delays—OpenRoad presented clear options and worked quickly to keep our shipment moving. They made a complex process feel seamless.

Project Manager, Global Supplier of Process Technologies and Equipment

Explore more case studies

Through its partnership with OpenRoad, the company has transformed logistics from a reactive pain point into a reliable operational advantage. Year-over-year, the results speak for ...

A global leader in precision test equipment manufacturing was embarking on an ambitious new production initiative that required the movement of several million dollars’ worth ...

We deliver logistics solutions that drive real results. Ready to unlock yours?