2 Benefits To Using Barges For Shipping
Posted on: 5 March 2018
All factories need to make sure that they have a way to get their raw materials in and their finished products out. There are different ways to do that. That can include things like trucks, trains, or barges. Which one any company uses depends on the factory location, materials, and transportation modes to get to the factory. For example, if a factory is near a railroad system, the factory may have a short spur track where they can unload and unload train cars. Another option, if the factory is on or near a navigable waterway is to use barges. What are some benefits to using barges instead of some other transportation mode?
Heavier Loads
One benefit to using a barge is that they can carry heavier loads than a truck or train can. For example, a truck or train car can only handle one shipping container and that container has to fit within weight limits because of road and railway weight limits. But, a barge doesn't have the same kind of problems, and it's not like the waterway can be worn out. How much heavier the load can be depends on the size of the waterway and the size of the barge. For example, a narrower river will necessitate the use of a smaller barge so that the entire river isn't blocked as the barge is traveling to and from its destination.
Time-Saving
Another benefit is that using a barge or a series of barges can actually save unloading and loading. While it may take a little more time in the actual loading and unloading process, it can take much less time in the overall scheme of things. That's because the factory is going to get a large load of supplies and is going to be able to ship out a large load of product all at once. Since the factory isn't going to have to deal with other, more limited, shipping options, that time is being saved to go towards better things, like putting away the raw materials and making the products. Even during the unloading and loading processes, when it may take more time to handle the entire shipment, it can go relatively quickly with an experienced team that is used to working together and knows exactly what they are doing. It may look like chaos, but it can be a carefully choreographed dance.
Factories need to make sure that they can get their materials and send out their products. There are various ways to do that. Shipping via water and barges can be an efficient way to do it. Contact a service, like Sundbeck Inc., for more help.
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