Industrial Steam Boilers: Rail Transportation

One of the more common means of transportation of industrial steam boilers is by rail, but there are several factors to consider when deciding if this mode of transportation is best on a per job basis. Make sure that your industrial boiler manufacturer’s facility is served by rail so that the transportation process can be closely monitored.

The following factors can all play a part in deciding if rail is the best mode of transportation for a specific job.

Size of Unit: Transportation by rail accommodates relatively large shipments. Knowing the design and specific dimensions of the boiler will help determine if that unit is suitable for rail travel. Clearance must be given by the railroad once the perspective route is mapped.

Proximity to Rail: Ideally the boiler manufacturer and the end user are served by rail. If not, re-transportation will be required, which may drive up transportation costs. If however, both parties are rail served, this mode of transportation is not only effective but also competitively priced.

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Load-out Procedures: The load-out process of rail transport requires planning and preparation. The boiler must be craned onto a predetermined position on the railcar. Once the boiler is in place, extensive tie-down procedures take place to ensure the boiler is secure throughout the transport. A certified rail inspector monitors the entire process to ensure the load out falls within the parameters set by railroad regulations. Once the inspector approves the load out, the shipment begins its journey.

Clean-up Procedures: When the shipment arrives at its destination, a crane is needed to off load the steam boiler. Once the boiler has been removed, the railcar is cleaned—including all weld connections and rigging—so that the railcar is returned to its original state. The sales agreement should spell out who is responsible for cleanup. It is also important to coordinate times in which to receive the boiler due to demerge chargers that are the result of a delay in offloading the boiler at the destination.

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Time frame of Delivery: Rail transport often takes longer than other modes of transporting steam boilers. Determining the number of rail line switches will help to determine the length of the shipment. Every time a rail line switch takes place the shipment is transferred to a rail yard to await the next train going to its destination. These rail line switches can cause delays up to a few days per rail line switch. “Special trains”— solely designated to one shipment for the entire journey—can be deployed to expedite delivery, but special trains come at a premium cost that requires an analysis to see if this makes sense in a given situation.

Victory Energy is an industrial boiler manufacturer who has an experienced transportation staff that can accommodate all transportation needs. Their facility is rail served, which reduces transport cost for the end user. To learn more about how Victory Energy can assist you in your industrial boiler transportation needs, visit victoryenergy.com.