Logisticstoday Com Operations Strategy June 2010 038 200
Logisticstoday Com Operations Strategy June 2010 038 200
Logisticstoday Com Operations Strategy June 2010 038 200
Logisticstoday Com Operations Strategy June 2010 038 200
Logisticstoday Com Operations Strategy June 2010 038 200

Extreme Logistics: How to Move Totem Poles

Oct. 7, 2010
A producer of hand-carved totem poles needed a specialized solution to safely load and transport its native art

The transporting of Native American totem poles requires customized solutions, and George Gulli & Son Woodcarving had experienced some unfavorable and very expensive requirements from various vendors. The Montana-based company handcrafts totem poles that are transported around the world, and needed a partner who could optimize the loading and transporting of the native art.

Specialized Transportation Inc., a provider of high touch supply chain solutions, applied its standard protocol of cargo securement, lift gates and blanket wrap solutions to help solve George Gulli & Son’s logistics issues.

While totem poles can be very tall, 5 feet to 60 feet, George Gulli & Son was using a carrier which required the company to crate the totem poles to ensure no damage would be incurred during transit. After working with STI, George Gulli & Son was able to save over $150 in material for every shipment as well as several hours of labor as each totem pole required a customized crate for its specific characteristics.

STI’s standard lift gate, blanket-wrap and 4-wheel dollies made loading and unloading easier. The blankets help protect the poles while securing them inside the trailer; this allows for tight securement while protecting the crafted art. Further, these blanket wrap programs enable customers to meet their sustainability requirements as packing materials and dunnage are kept to a minimum.

George Gulli Jr. expressed how on-time delivery is critical. “Each order is custom, hand-crafted and takes sometimes months to complete, so on-time delivery without damage is extremely important. Each shipment is received with excitement as each totem pole tells a story or event specific to a group, family or individual – a damaged piece of art is a huge disappointment. If my customers are happy, I'm happy.”

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