Our concern is that your product arrives in perfect condition, so as not to inconvenience you or your customers with unloading problems. Quite often, a $20-$30 blocking and bracing solution can prevent a $150 driver unload, detention charges and, most importantly, damage.

We know that you have been moving your product for many years, and we are sure that you know the safest and most damage-free way to load, block and brace. Because of the ever changing environment in the transportation industry in regards to equipment types, policies, procedures and rail changes, we would like to suggest following the Association of American Railroads (AAR) blocking and bracing manual when shipping intermodal. This allows us to file claims with the railroad in the unlikely event of damage.

Without proper blocking and bracing , the railroads will automatically deny any claim presented.

In the case of over the road shipments, we feel that there is also a need to block and brace, but not usually to the same extent as with intermodal shipping.

As you know, products shift with vibration from side to side and front to back sway in intermodal rail movement. We would like to suggest loading patterns that provide a tight fit for movement to prevent load shifts and potential damage. One way to prevent this is to use air bags, core-filler, dedicated pallet configurations and 2x4s, as well as other means.

The following link contains diagrams illustrating Maximum Lading Capacity and Product Weights as well as some blocking and bracing suggestions.

Lading Capacity and Maximum Product Weights (PDF)

Your Guide for Blocking and Bracing (PDF)