Aeronet has a reputation for delivering tailored-made solutions, for thinking out-of-the-box and for having a sense of urgency in everything that we do. Therefore, it was not out of the ordinary when Mary Ellen Gursoy, Aeronet's Business Development Manager in San Francisco, CA, received a request from a client to move oversize cranes from the U.S.A. to Nigeria in the African Continent. What was unusual, were the truly enormous dimensions of the cranes and the transportation challenges that they presented. That set Aeronet to the task quickly and Tristan Lorenzo, Aeronet's International Specialist also in SFO was pegged as project manager to handle the shipments.

The huge cranes are used for various construction and heavy duty lifting duties. They are massive pieces of equipment that are impossible to move or transport as a fully assembled unit. They must be shipped out from the factory as a disassembled unit, shipped in parts and then put together at the final place of destination.

Each crane was disassembled into 10 major units, the largest of which is the Basic Crane measuring 38'2" L x 9'10" W x 10'6" H and weighing a mere 87,500 pounds or 43.75 US Tons. The fully assembled main boom extends a maximum of 282 feet. The total shipment consisted of 30 components of various dimensions and weights for a total weight of 458,810 lbs (229 US Tons).

Aeronet analyzed various scenarios and recommended the best possible and most cost effective shipping scenario for our Client. Beyond the physical handling, one of the most challenging parts of the logistics is the coordination between various vendors and entities to make the movement smooth and seamless from the factory to the vessel site. Any oversight will push or delay the shipment and will cost the client time and money.

The first crane was shipped via ocean in February of this year and arrived at the end of March. A second crane shipped out in April and is scheduled to arrive in early May. The shipper has recently notified Aeronet that a 3rd unit is expected to ship out as well this year. This is a confirmation from a satisfied client that Aeronet has been able to meet and exceed the client's expectations in handling such an important and challenging project.

As you can appreciate, this was a gargantuan task and Aeronet Made It Happen!

Aeronet offers integrated logistics solutions for a changing world. Services include a full range of domestic and international time-definite shipping, import/export management, total supply chain management, warehousing and distribution. Aeronet specializes in personalized service and custom made shipping and logistics solutions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Aeronet is celebrating its 26th Year of Excellence and since its founding in 1982 has grown to over 600 offices and partners locations through out the United States and in 75 countries worldwide.