WOODBRIDGE, Ont. — Precision Specialized Division (PSD) has received the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association’s Hauling Job of the Year Award. PSD, a Woodbridge, Ont.-based heavy haul company, is the first Canadian company in more than 35 years to receive the honour and only the second Canadian company to win in SC&RA’s 65-year history.

SC&RA chose PSD as first among entrants from around the world for its expertise in the execution, routing and planning of a major haul in the Under 160,000 pounds (net) category. PSD was recognized for hauling a 110,000-lb Vertical Impregnation Tank (VIT) 180 km from the shipping docks on the shores of Lake Ontario in Oshawa to General Electric’s plant in Peterborough. The dimensions of the crated haul measured 21 ft. long by 19 ft. wide and 19 ft. high. Loaded weight tipped the scales at 185,000 lbs.

PSD operations manager, Ed Bernard, highlighted the logistical challenges in the planning and execution of the haul, saying, “With the extreme height and width travelling through such densely populated area’s the planning that went into this move was paramount and one of the main reasons the move was successful.”

An army of utility trucks from various regional authorities leapfrogged ahead of and behind the load to lift wires, turn away and take down traffic lights returning all infrastructures to their original positions once the truck passed. Thirty-six utility trucks and 72 technicians were involved in the journey which took four days to complete. Four private escorts, seven police cruisers and two camera operators were also involved.

“On some turns, up to an hour was required to execute the move safely,” Bernard explained. “Anything less than complete attention to safety could have resulted in this unwieldy, two-story load toppling onto its side when cornering.”

There were several complete road closures during this move, the longest being the last 9.5 mile stretch into Peterborough which took place at night over a four-hour period with the truck often moving at walking speed.

PSD officials said the transport of the Vacuum Impregnation Tank (VIT) was “executed successfully along one of the world’s most populated metropolitan areas, free from any mishaps.”

Bernard attributes the success of the transport to months of detailed planning beforehand to ensure that all contingencies were addressed. “From the initial planning to final unloading, this project required a staggering 1,947 man-hours. Planning the route required 305 man-hours over 16 weeks with approvals and permits from 17 local and regional governments, police departments and utilities,” he explained.

PSD received the prize at the SC&RA Annual Conference Closing Night Awards and Recognition Dinner April 5.