Qualifying and Organizing Event Transportation
"The Show Must Go On": Indeed it does and regardless of weather, traffic conditions or an unforeseen act, the show "will" go on. In the trucking business, the wide variations of drivers and logistics managers can make or break a successful transfer of gear from one location to another and can cost thousands to promoters and venue facilities if the truck arrives late or doesn't show at all. Many truck drivers on the road today do not have the experience or patience to haul into a trade show or concert event mainly because of the constant demand for more from production crews, managers and promoters to also mention the extreme pressure from over- crowded space challenged loading and unloading areas. Picture yourself in the middle of the exit doorway at the end of the Super Bowl to give you an idea, patience is KEY with large events and drivers that really understand their role in the operations puzzle allow the process to flow smoothly.
At Moonraker Logistics Inc - an independent agent for Landstar (http://www.moonrakerlogistics.com), we know what it takes and what is involved in a successful event transport from A to B. As a Landstar agent, we have access to over 8000 trucks that are independent owner operators leased onto Landstar. Are all of them qualified drivers to haul Trade & Concert Shows? Yes and No, Yes they are qualified drivers with excellent safety records, Hazmat endorsements, minimum of 3 years driving history with safe and maintained equipment, however in our office we converse with drivers daily hearing the stories and the problems they face, which brings me to the "NO" part of the equation. Being a part of a large event such a World Trade Show like the "World Auto Show" or Stadium Concert Show featuring "The Rolling Stones" as examples wouldn't be a good fit for many drivers. Once a truck order has been placed with us by our contract client we first develop a thorough game plan organizing venue dates and locations to get the most practical and efficient use of the resourced trucks. In many occasions we have spent weeks working through the obstacles and demanding requirements presented by our client. When the plan is established we begin to seek out the right drivers for the jobs. Each driver is interviewed and brought up to speed on what is demanded of him or her, giving them the option to accept the job or not. The process usually takes about 30 minutes for each driver interview and then we move unto the next phase. The next phase? The next phase is researching routing, venue physical details and seeking out optional equipment if a change in the venue takes place, after all this is "Show Business"; things do happen and in many cases, last minute adjustments in venues and truck volumes are changed. We know this happens and we expect it, so we prepare to the best of our ability. To be continued............
Check back next week for the next chapter: Chapter 2: Load 'em Up!!! ( The challenges of getting there )
Moonraker Logistics Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
800-539-1240
