Econofreight's win
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A BRITISH heavy haulage company, Econofreight Heavy Transport, has won the World Cup equivalent for its industry at the first attempt.
Econofreight, a Transport Development Group subsidiary based in Middlesbrough, took part for the first time in the competition for the Outstanding Heavy Hauling Job run at the annual convention of the Specialist Carriers and Rigging Association in Orlando, Florida.
Its presentation on the movement of 202 abnormal loads of up to 240 tonnes each to Essochem Olefin's new ethylene plant at Mossmorran, Fife, was one of six audio visual explanations short listed by a panel of three judges and the 500-plus delegates at the SCRA convention.
The other finalists were from New Zealand, two from Canada and two from the United States.
Econofreight's presentation included the detailed diagrams its drawing office produces for moving all abnormal loads, and explained the operation from its start in July 1982 to November 1983. According to managing director Tom Llewellyn, the job was a normal contract for Econofreight, whereas some of the other entrants in the competition submitted "one off" special jobs.
Econofreight provided the jacking and weighing operations for the load and supplied special lifting equipment and load support beams.
The largest items had to be brought in by sea to the Royal Navy dockyard at Rosyth, 11 miles along the Fife coast from Mossmorran. This demanded strict security operations within the dockyard.
There are many tight corners, steep hills and bad cambers on the road from Rosyth, and detailed drawings were prepared for the crucial points, with arrangements being made to relocate lamp posts and road signs, and remodelled traffic islands and roundabouts.
A complex co-ordination procedure was agreed with police and highway authorities for lorries running through the village of Crossgates and through Dunfermline.
Econofreight returns to the States next year to return its trophy, but is not permitted to enter again until 1986.