Shipment of just one bus involves a more complicated process than that of shipping a passenger car. Shipment of two non-operational buses simultaneously makes things even more complicated.
The two 2011 Thomas Minotour buses shipped from Athens, Tennessee to Dallas, Texas faced such complications as their combined weight and size. They involved the shipment of about 849 miles and it was done at the cost of $5,430.
The two buses were non-operational and shipped together via an open trailer. Their combined weight was approximately 24,000 pounds while their combined length was approximately 50 feet.
It was not simply a matter of loading and unloading cargo but of taking into consideration all factors of transportation.
The Route
The load originated from Athens, TN 37303 and delivered to Dallas, TX 75229 and the total distance traveled was 849 miles.
It travels the buses from southeastern Tennessee to the Dallas area, making use of many transportation links in the process.
It is a long distance even for an ordinary vehicle. Considering the fact that it involves two buses loaded onto a trailer, many other factors have to be taken into account.
This includes having sufficient deck space, sufficient weight capacity and proper loading system for the load. This is considering the fact that route planning is also a factor since commercial equipment require different specifications compared to a passenger vehicle.
The Challenge of Shipping Two Inoperable Buses
This factor alone became the biggest one when handling this cargo:
Both Thomas Minotour buses were non-operational, which meant that their loading had to take place using suitable equipment.
Each bus had a length of around 20 feet 6 inches and a width of around 8 feet. Their heights varied between about 9 feet 8 inches and 10 feet; each bus had a curb weight of approximately 9,000 pounds.
Add the two up and you will see what numbers you deal with here.
The total weight of this shipment was around 24,000 pounds and its overall length was around 50 feet.
This means that the carrier could not consider them as two regular loads to be placed where there is enough free space for them. It was necessary to calculate the deck space available, weight distribution, loading technique, and securement before moving out.
And because of the non-operational condition of the buses, placing them became an essential task on its own.
Transport Cost Cover
Total transportation cost for both buses was $5,430.
It means that it will be around $6.40 per mile given that it is around 849 miles.
This cost may appear to be quite high when compared to the cost of transport of regular sedan, but this is not a standard vehicle shipment case.
Two big buses were transported in this case, both being inoperable and having weight around 24,000 pounds each. Additionally, the equipment that could handle such shipment was needed.
That is why the cost should not be analyzed simply in terms of mileage.
Transportation cost may vary according to equipment used, condition of the vehicle, weight and dimensions of the vehicle, carrier availability, mileage, fuel costs and many other factors.
Open Transport
Both vehicles were shipped simultaneously in an open trailer.
In terms of logistics and planning for the transportation of such vehicles, open trailers provide ample room to fit them in without the limitations imposed by enclosed trailers.
The width of each of the vehicles was 20 feet long, about 8 feet wide, and 10 feet high. That itself is enough reason to make the choice of equipment an essential factor in logistics and planning.
Shipment of the two buses simultaneously meant that the customer wouldn’t have to plan for two different shipments.
Single carrier, single shipment, and both the buses transported simultaneously from Tennessee to Texas.
It is a significant logistical benefit.
Transport Summary
- Vehicles: Two 2011 Thomas Minotour buses
- Pickup: Athens, TN 37303
- Delivery: Dallas, TX 75229
- Distance: Approximately 849 miles
- Condition: Inoperable
- Transport: Open trailer
- Combined weight: Approximately 24,000 lbs
- Combined length: Approximately 50 feet
- Individual dimensions: Approximately 20 ft 6 in L × 8 ft W × 9 ft 8 in–10 ft H
- Individual curb weight: Approximately 9,000 lbs
- Total cost: $5,430
- Approximate cost per mile: $6.40
