One of UCARGO’s long-standing global clients approached us to quote for the shipment of a newly designed rail carriage. The client had previously received an indicative quotation elsewhere but was unconvinced by the proposed pricing and transport method. UCARGO was invited to assess the project and provide a fully costed, practical, and safe logistics proposal.

The Challenge
During our technical review, it became clear that the carriage design had not yet accounted for essential lifting and securing requirements. This oversight risked both costly redesigns and potential safety issues during transport. Additionally, the loadout site posed significant spatial restrictions, leaving less than a metre of clearance between the warehouse and exterior wall, limiting options for conventional tandem lifting operations.

Our Solution
UCARGO’s engineering-led approach began with close collaboration between our logistics team, the client, and the chassis manufacturer. Drawing on previous experience with similar rail transport projects, we proposed the use of bespoke lifting beams bolted beneath the chassis.

We worked alongside the client’s engineers to:

  • Define optimal beam positioning to ensure even weight distribution.

  • Install strategically placed steel eye bolts to serve as secure lashing points.

  • Commission custom-built wooden stillages to support the carriage through its chassis and protect the bogies during transit.

To overcome spatial challenges, UCARGO engineered a single-crane solution. Temporary rail track was laid from the warehouse interior to the car park wall, enabling the carriage to be rolled out before lifting. Using a combination of one 12m centre beam and two 3.5m spreader beams, the carriage was safely lifted with precise coordination between banksmen and packers.

Execution
The project planning phase spanned mid-2024 to early-2025 and required continuous communication among all parties; including hauliers, engineers, packers, crane operators, and the shipping line. The result was a detailed operational manual ensuring every stakeholder understood their role.

The site loadout took place in August 2025 and was executed seamlessly. At Southampton Port, the carriage was transferred to a mafi trailer using the lifting configuration developed during planning. Upon arrival in Qatar, our local partners (briefed and trained in advance) replicated the procedure, safely transferring and positioning the carriage onto the training rail track.

Outcome

  • Safe and efficient transport of a fully completed rail carriage.

  • Zero incidents or delays.

  • Successful cross-border collaboration between engineering, logistics, and client teams.

  • Proven methodology for future carriage shipments.

Summary
This project showcased UCARGO’s capability to integrate technical engineering expertise with logistical precision. Transforming a complex challenge into a coordinated global success.