Freightplus: Bringing big things to the mining industry
As anyone involved in the procurement of mining assets will know, the selection and purchase process for high-value haul trucks is typically very thorough and involves several key steps to ensure that the investment meets operational needs and financial goals. Needs assessment,
research and benchmarking, supplier evaluation, cost analysis, assessment of technical specifications and their suitability for the intended location and purpose, are just the beginning.
This can be a complex process, taking several months to complete, reflecting the significant investment and impact of such equipment on mining operations. When economic efficiencies or short supply of new trucks dictate that buyers opt to buy used equipment, there are additional complexities, forcing dealers and used equipment procurement specialists to extend their reach further afield to find good equipment. When they do find it, it’s often still operating and in very remote locations.
The shipping industry is in a state of continuous change. A series of major and remarkable impacts have significantly affected global shipping, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic. Widespread disruptions in supply chains, port closures, chaotic global trade, logistical bottlenecks, exacerbating delays, unprecedented congestion, increased shipping times and unprecedented port delays had vessels held up waiting to berth for up to 30 days.
Add to all of this, the complexity of moving, say, a dozen 400t mining trucks, from a remote mine in a landlocked country in Africa, to a site in the Arctic Circle; or the urgent extraction of CAT 6090 shovels out of the jungle in Borneo, with no road access to site, and delivering them to Australia, as clean as new. 95% right isn’t good enough and missing a seemingly minor detail can incur major costs. The difference between a good forwarder and the best is getting it all right the first time, every time. This is the bread and butter behind the business for Australian company Freightplus — arguably the largest mover of used haul trucks to and from Australia. Freightplus co-founder and chief executive John Gleeson says that transporting haul trucks presents unique challenges and a minefield of risks.
“Successfully coordinating a shipment of 400t haul trucks from Kalgoorlie to Kazakhstan, for example, requires an understanding of the characteristics specific to the specific truck make and model, the various means by which to configure the trucks for multimodal transport within physical, geographical and legislative restrictions of each country and territory,” he said.
“We also need to carefully consider cultural, environmental, seasonal and political factors influencing the methodology and the less understood risks associated with international trade sanctions and money laundering, trafficking and slavery.”
Freightplus offers comprehensive end to end services and boasts the industry’s strongest pre-shipment biosecurity inspection capability for Australian imports, guaranteed against re-export. The regularity of used equipment re-exports continues to astound those specialising in biosecurity. Considering the scrutiny afforded to the purchase of used equipment, it’s surprising the lack of awareness and regularity of re-exports.
With a presence across four continents, Freightplus combines global reach with local expertise. The team’s extensive and well-established network of experienced professionals is equipped to navigate the complexities of international shipping while remaining attuned to regional regulations and customs requirements.
If you’re shipping any large mining assets and Freightplus isn’t one of your vendors, you may be selling yourself short. For more information about shipping your haul trucks in full, on time and within budget, check out the website www.freightplus.com or call Freightplus HQ on 07 3203 8822 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
