PRESS RELEASE – Chapman Freeborn has transported 92 tonnes of high-value industrial cargo using an entire Boeing 747-400 freighter. “While Chapman Freeborn manages outsize cargo operations daily, from time to time, a challenge knocks at our door”, the company comments on the project.

The consignment consisted of highly specialized industrial cargo for a project in Western Australia required attention to detail. The cargo was manufactured in Germany and sent to Australia on an expedited basis due to the high value and importance of the consignment.

The shipment, weighing 92 tons in total, consisted of exceptionally large pieces that were 15 meters in length and weighed 17 tonnes each. Because of the over-dimensional length of the cargo, a nose loader was required and a full Boeing 747-400 freighter was used for transportation.

Before acceptance onto the aircraft, the cargo was load planned for maximum centre of gravity flight efficiency with both the main and lower decks being used. The cargo itself was restrained by placing high quantity straps into the crates and directly over the cargo to achieve the load plan requirements.

To ensure the smooth and quick operation, external equipment comprising two main deck loaders and two cranes was used to load and offload the cargo and the visitor permits were arranged for the trucks to receive the cargo direct on the apron. The consignment bypassed the terminal in Australia by exiting the airport through the emergency access gate and it was organized that the Customs Authority would clear the consignment electronically.

Photo’s: Chapman Freeborn