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Rigging Company

Rail Rigging & Logistics

Rail Rigging and Logistics

For many American businesses, rail logistics is the perfect shipping option. Intermodal transportation has grown in appeal as a result of the supply chain industry’s truck driver scarcity. Due to economies of scale, competitive shipping rates, and effective distribution, it also provides lower expenses. Because of this, the need for reliable rail rigging services continues to grow.

Rail logistics focuses on effectively delivering bulk materials over long distances through the railroads’ extensive network of tracks spanning North America. Rail service can only move between buildings or yards that are specifically designed to handle bulk freight. 

Rail service can only move between buildings or yards that are specifically designed to handle bulk freight. The difficulty for the majority of businesses that may benefit from the service is that freight needs to be moved between rail-sided buildings, which are few and far between due to the expense and logistics needed to lay the tracks off the main line to a rail-sided structure. 

Through our sister company, Murphy Logistics, we are able to offer full-service rail transport that goes directly through our secure warehousing and storage facilities, where the team at Murphy Rigging can then provide rail loading or rail unloading services. By partnering with Murphy, we can offer the cross-docking services needed to transfer the freight from a truck onto rail equipment, or vice-versa.


Rail Freight Logistics

Rigging in rail freight logistics is about making sure that your items are loaded and unloaded safely and effectively when you ship by rail. You can have full confidence that your cargo will be treated with care as it sets off on its journey and travels to its destination, thanks to our superior equipment and years of experience in the industry.

Railroad Crane Services

It can be helpful to have a reliable supplier for rail crane services if you need to transfer equipment and commodities, install new equipment, build new structures, or clean up after a railroad catastrophe.

With Murphy, our railroad crane services allow you to address all rail-related rigging needs.  Making sure you receive the best service possible when working with a rail crane service provider is crucial because hoisting operations on rails can involve extensive planning and preparation.

Here are a few examples of the railroad crane services we can offer:

Rail Rigging: Loading and Unloading

Rail rigging is the process of loading or unloading freight onto or from a train with the use of material-moving machinery. Chemicals, bulk materials like coal and grain, or commercial goods can all be shipped via rail. They all need to be safely loaded and removed from the transporting train.

Rail rigging is much more than just the services at the point of exchange. Before, during, and after loading, duties include inspecting shipping tanks or railcars and cleaning as necessary. You use adjustable loading ramps, secure trucks with chocks, and control bridge plates at railcar connections to guarantee loading operations go smoothly while keeping safety regulations in mind. 

Other responsibilities include keeping track of all loading activities and verifying that goods fulfill quality requirements. To quickly conduct routine maintenance and repairs, coordination with the maintenance team is also necessary. As rail rigging experts, we fully understand all aspects of this process and know how to do it correctly and professionally.

Rail Rigging

Services for Emergency Derailments

Because we understand how crucial it is to keep trains moving, we are available every day of the year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can get you rolling quickly because of our many years of experience, a crew that is always on call, and a huge selection of vehicles and equipment made for derailments. We understand everything needed for safe and efficient rail rigging services

Railroad Load Adjustments

We can straighten out a trailer or rail car that has been damaged, unbalanced, displaced, or overloaded. We make it a priority to stay current on the AAR Loading Rules so that you can be sure your cargo will be authorized to travel safely and securely. To get your loads back up to par, we always keep a regular supply of dunnage and other items on hand.

Rail Car Relocation

We have the knowledge to load and secure damaged engines or rail cars according to AAR loading standards and regulations, so you can rest assured the task is done correctly. Utilizing our stretch trailer and boxcar mover, we can also transport large items such as automobiles.

Railroad Wheel Change Outs

Because we are aware of how problematic moving or lifting a locomotive may be, we have a team and the equipment capable of changing traction motors and wheels on rail cars.

Things to Remember With Rail Rigging and Logistics

Rail Safety

Because your cargo is valuable, you should work with a business that prioritizes safety. Make sure the business you select has the necessary tools and a team of skilled workers to do the job. You should also pick a company that complies with any loading and unloading regulations established by any city, state, or local government for rail freight logistics.

Experience

A seasoned business provides more peace of mind than one that starts overnight. Utilizing a seasoned rail rigging business guarantees that your goods will be appropriately loaded and unloaded. Additionally, working with an established business enables you to develop partnerships that you can rely on for your needs related to rail transportation.

When it comes down to it, you need to know you can trust your rail logistics and rail rigging partner. At Murphy Rigging, we have been specializing in moving and safely handling equipment and materials for many years. That means we’ve likely seen just about everything. Whatever your need, our team is ready to help answer your questions.

FAQs

What exactly is rail rigging, and why is it important for industrial operations?

Rail rigging is the specialized process of loading, unloading, and transporting heavy industrial equipment and machinery via rail. It’s a critical component of many industries, including manufacturing, construction, and energy. Rail rigging offers several advantages:

Cost-effective: Rail transportation is generally more cost-effective for long-distance hauls of heavy equipment compared to road transport.
Reduced road wear and tear: By utilizing rail transportation, companies can reduce the wear and tear on roads and highways.
Increased safety: Rail transport is often considered safer than road transport, especially for oversized and heavy loads.
Environmental benefits: Rail transportation has a smaller carbon footprint compared to road transport, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

What are common types of equipment transported via rail rigging and logistics?

Murphy Rigging can handle a wide range of loads, including heavy industrial equipment and machinery such as:

Transformers: Large power transformers used in electrical grids.
Generators: Industrial generators for power generation.
Turbines: Gas and steam turbines for power plants.
Boilers: Industrial boilers for heating and power generation.
Reactor vessels: Large pressure vessels used in chemical processing.
Construction equipment: Heavy construction machinery like cranes, excavators, and bulldozers.

What challenges does rail rigging present?

Rail rigging can be a complex process, especially when dealing with oversized and heavy equipment. Some common challenges include:

Infrastructure limitations: Rail infrastructure, such as bridges and tunnels, may have weight and dimensional restrictions.
Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as snow, ice, and heavy rain, can impact transportation schedules and safety.
Logistical complexities: Coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including rail carriers, shippers, and receivers, can be challenging.

What is the difference between rail rigging and rail logistics?

While both terms are related to the transportation of heavy equipment by rail, they have distinct meanings:

Rail Rigging: This refers to the specific process of loading, unloading, and securing heavy equipment onto and off of rail cars. Rail rigging involves specialized techniques and equipment, such as cranes, winches, and rigging gear.
Rail Logistics: This encompasses a broader range of activities, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating the entire transportation process. Rail logistics involves tasks like route planning, customs clearance, and carrier selection.

In essence, rail rigging is a subset of rail logistics. Murphy Rigging offers comprehensive services that cover both aspects, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of your heavy equipment.

What is the estimated lead time for a rail rigging project?

The lead time for a rail rigging project can vary depending on several factors, including the size and weight of the equipment, the distance to be transported, and any specific logistical challenges. However, Murphy Rigging is committed to providing efficient and timely services. We work closely with our clients to develop a detailed project timeline and keep them informed throughout the process.

What are the benefits of choosing Murphy Rigging for rail rigging and logistics services?

By choosing Murphy Rigging, you can benefit from:

Experienced team: A team of highly skilled professionals with years of experience in rail rigging and logistics.
Custom solutions: Tailored solutions to meet your specific needs and requirements.
Advanced equipment: State-of-the-art equipment for efficient and safe operations.
Safety commitment: A strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
Timely delivery: Reliable and timely delivery of your equipment.
Cost-effective solutions: Competitive pricing and efficient operations to minimize costs.