Need Help!!! Boat-Wrap Products (Business Purposes)

[WazzuCMGrad]

All:
I'm working on a confidential project for a large company where I need to transport very large items (small boat size, but not suitable for cargo containers) via open ocean carrier overseas to another country.

I'm thinking about using the wrap products y'all use for winter storage; can anyone out there with more experience than me provide some basics, and possibly answer the following questions?

- How good would this stuff be for protecting contents against ocean spray and salt damage?
- For those of you that shipped boats (say around the Panama Canal), how did the misc. customs agents treat it?
- Any other thoughts/ideas?

Thanks in advance! All of you were the first folks I thought about for the idea.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I work in the container shipping industry and have some comments for you:

You have to not only consider salt and spray, but also condensation. If you seal it up tight, you keep salt and spray out, but you run the risk of creating a condensation pump. If your cargo is something like an oil field well head that may not be an issue. If it is a large CNC machine, then its another story.

Customs will give you problems in that they will want to inspect for hidden contraband and their only access will be to cut open the plastic, defeating the purpose of the plastic in the first place.

You might consider shipping these items on a RORO ship (think of a cross between a ferry and a parking garage). This would allow your cargo to be placed below deck. This is usually done using a wheeled platform that is rolled into the ship. I've also seen military cargos shipped using multiple flatbed containers. The containers are placed below deck side by side, then the oversized cargo is set down on top of both containers and secured.

You want to avoid boat carriers like Yacht Express, they run a specialized business for a focused cliental. I have used the predecessor company Dock Express to move port cranes in the past, the bill was absolutely astronomical. But they were able to do what nobody else could

As for carriers it will depend on where your cargo is going. If it is another US location (either states, or possessions) you will be limited to Jones Act carriers (US Flag, US Built Vessels); Horizon Lines, Tote, Crowley (?) come to mind in your neighborhood. If the cargo is government related then you are limited to US Flag carriers and the list expands to include Maersk's US subsidiary and possible APL. International commercial cargo and you have the widest choice of options. Depending on the size and quantity you might also consider chartering an ocean going barge and tug, or specialized ship.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Henry

 

[WazzuCMGrad]

Thanks, Henry. I had a meeting with folks yesterday, and they're going to put me in touch with the shipper direct, so I can skip the interpretations and figure out what will work.

Unfortunately, that's about all I can say about the cargo, other than it'll be pretty restricted on what, who, and how it'll be carried.

Can we provide some sort of access panel in the wrap that Customs could place a zip-tie (I know they have specific tamper-proof ones they use) over the closure point, so that inspections could take place and we could still use the wrap?

Ventilation is a good point/thought. We'll have to figure that out as well.
Thanks again!

 

[Ray 40]

I wrap boats as a side business. I do install zippered doors for access . They are about 18-24 inches wide and about 3 feet high (I'm on my boat cruising and my products are at home so can't give exacts). I also have 3 t0 4 inch square vents that eliminate almost all condensation from sweating. I also use only white shrink wrap material (doesn't absorb heat = condensation like darker blue wrap).

I'm in LaConner, WA. is you need more info. or want demo/etc. .

Bud Goad budgoad@msn.com

 

[moparlvr4406]

they used to ship cars in from Japan on open air ships
they sprayed all exposed surfaces including panted surfaces in Cosmoline (sp?)
comes off with a light soapy solvent.

 

[WazzuCMGrad]

Thanks to all for the replies; working options now...I really appreciate all of the help and support!