Blocking Motor Carrier Shipments

TM 38-260

8-26.

Blocking Motor Carrier Shipments

a. Open-top and closed trailers. The positioning of skid assemblies on open-top and closed

trailers shall be in a manner which will provide equal weight distribution, as related to the right

and left sides of the transportation unit.

(1) With this requirement, skids shall be loaded in a manner that will make use of the

greatest amount of floor space possible and at the same time reduce the amount of blocking and

bracing materials required under normal motor carrier movement.

(2) Lengthwise impacts are of a lesser degree than encountered in rail movement.

(3) Side movement, although not as prevalent in motor transportation, is more hazardous

since corners, curves, and pitch of the roadbed place a greater thrust on the upper extremities of

the load.

b. Flat bed and low-boy trailer. IPE shall be positioned on flat bed and low-boy type

trailers as specified by the carrier representative's instructions. This shall include the necessary

instructions for the securing of top heavy machines.

8-27.

Barge, Inland Waterways

a. The use of the inland waterways and barges provides a low cost method of movement

for IPE and a capacity for transporting tremendous volumes with little or no damage during

transit. Although considered slow moving, a complement of machines may be transported with

less overall transit time than when other modes are utilized.

b. The versatility of barge movement is limited to the navigable waterways as related to the

location of IPE. When employing a transportation service in addition to the water movement, the

plant equipment shall be protected for all modes of transportation involved in the movement.

c. About 300 tons (270 metric tons) of IPE of average size and density may be loaded in a

35 (32m) by 196 foot (179m) barge. When handling facilities are available at the origin and

destination, barge transportation provides an ideal method of movement.

d. Barge loading shall be accomplished in such a manner as to ensure an even draft.

(1) When required, the carrier may require realignment of the load to connect the draft.

When retention time for correction exceeds the "free time," based upon tons loaded, a

demurrage, or shipping charge for detention will be assessed against the shipper.

(2) Blocking and bracing shall provide the protection necessary for safe movement on

inland waterways.

(3) Skidded equipment shall be positioned in the hold as closely together as possible,

leaving space only for removal and application of lifting devices.

8-47