
40-Ton Power Transformer Delivered from South Korea
The Challenge
Delivering a 40-metric-ton substation transformer from South Korea required careful coordination of breakbulk ocean freight and overweight inland trucking. At 88,000 lbs, the transformer exceeded standard highway weight limits, requiring overweight permits across multiple states and a properly configured heavy-haul trailer to distribute axle loads within legal limits.
Our Solution
We booked the transformer on a breakbulk vessel from Masan Port to the Port of Baltimore with proper blocking, bracing, and shock monitoring for the ocean transit. For the 400-mile inland leg, we deployed a 3-axle tractor with a 4-axle removable gooseneck (RGN) lowboy trailer — a 7-axle configuration rated for 130,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. Overweight and overdimensional permits were secured for Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, with police escorts required through each state.
Project Timeline
Planning
4 weeksRoute surveys, permit acquisition, utility coordination
Ocean Transport
5 weeksChangwon to Baltimore via breakbulk vessel
Inland Trucking
3 daysBaltimore to Columbus on 7-axle RGN lowboy with police escort
Site Delivery
1 dayOffloading and positioning at substation pad
Equipment Used
Results
- Safe delivery with zero shock events exceeding thresholds
- On-time arrival within the scheduled utility outage window
- Successful commissioning and energization on first attempt
- Framework agreement secured for three additional transformer moves
“The shock monitoring and real-time reporting gave us complete confidence that our transformer arrived in perfect condition. Seaway's coordination from port to pad was seamless.”
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