Shipping Aggregates

Key Steps in Shipping Aggregates

Aggregates are raw, coarse materials such as sand or gravel that are produced from natural sources and extracted from pits and quarries. These different types of aggregates are used in different industries and for different tasks. In the construction industry, concrete mortar and other aggregates are used for constructing buildings and roads. In the oil and gas industry, aggregates such as sand and silica are utilized for hydraulic fracturing to essentially create fractures in the earth

Depending on the distance of your shipment, a certain mode of transportation may work better over others. For smaller construction jobs, packaged aggregates are pre-bagged or boxed, making handling easier. However, it’s more costly due to the packaging and labor. Loose aggregates are the type that are typically transported by truck, rail or barge and shipped in bulk because the material is not contained in packaging. For large quantities, shipping loose aggregate is the cheaper option.

Transportation Method 

When we talk about shipping aggregates, most of the time it is in bulk. The most common method for transporting aggregates, especially shorter distances, is via a dump truck, flatbed, or other specialized hauler from the quarry or processing plant directly to the job site. How is this done? Once the aggregate is successfully loaded onto the truck, the freight is secured with either tarpaulins or nets to prevent spillage because the trucks typically have an open top. A truck’s weight limit is typically 40 tons, so for larger shipments, another method may be more suitable.

For longer distances, rail transportation is a great and more cost-effective approach. Shipping aggregates via rail is an optimal choice because trains can carry heavy loads and are ideal for bulk shipments. Similar to dump trucks, railcars – specifically a hopper car – have opening doors or gates on the sides and undersides to discharge the cargo when it arrives at its destination easily.

In some cases, specialized equipment, such as conveyors, loaders, or excavators, are used to load and unload the aggregates from the truck or train car when they are transported on land.

Other Key Considerations For Shipping Aggregates 

When shipping aggregates, it’s important to consider some key factors to ensure all steps of the shipping process are covered. Depending on the amount of aggregates needing to be transported, rail or barge shipping may be the optimal choice – especially for bulk shipments.

Another factor to consider is the distance the shipment is traveling and the cost. The cost of a shipment depends on multiple factors such as volume, weight, transportation mode, and the distance traveled. For short distances, trucks are the best option, while rail or barges are more cost-efficient for longer distances.

For businesses that are environmentally conscious and want to lower their carbon footprint, transporting aggregates by rail or barge tends to have less of an environmental impact compared to trucks, which contribute to road congestion and emissions.

Logistics and Handling 

To get your freight successfully from point A to point B, establishing the handling and logistics of the shipment is essential. Working with a 3PL will give you access to selecting a carrier that has extensive experience in transporting heavy-lift and bulk cargo. Working closely with a 3PL and trusted carrier can ensure a smooth and timely delivery by identifying the most efficient transportation route – taking into account bridge clearances, road accessibility, and other limitations that may affect transport. Route optimization can also lead to cost savings for shipments.

It’s crucial that you have all proper documents completed for your shipment. It’s important to check any customs regulations and requirements for countries if shipping internationally. By working with a third-party logistics company, expert freight agents will ensure your documents are all accurately done.