Data Center Equipment Storage and Transportation

Data Center Build Project

The data center build project focused on Phase 1 of a large-scale construction effort involving 13 different data center infrastructure equipment categories including: 

Generators, UPS, LV Switchgear / MEDs, MV Switchgear, Transformers, Busduct, AMCOP/BACOP, Structural Racking, Power Distribution Cabinets/Whip Cables, Chillers, Exhaust Fans/Mechanical Cooling, Air Handling Units

With nine participating vendors, Phase 1 had complex logistics that required significant planning and coordination, especially given a site build push out of approximately nine months. To address storage challenges, Crane Worldwide Logistics provided a forward staging facility located within 10 miles of the construction site. The project was estimated to require between 90 and 95 truckloads of inbound shipments to this staging facility. All vendors were required to provide accurate commercial documentation and customs clearance information that adhered to customs brokerage requirements.

Inbound Transportation and Warehousing (Forward Staging)

Crane Worldwide managed inbound transportation for six of the participating vendors, with the remaining three handling their own transportation logistics.

Key responsibilities in this phase included:

Transportation Coordination:

  • Responsibility for booking and coordinating truck shipments from the vendors to the storage facility.
  • The team actively participated in customs documentation validation and facilitated communication between the vendors and the nominated customs broker.

Collaboration with Vendors:

Crane Worldwide streamlined communication with all vendors, including those who opted out of utilizing Crane’s transportation services, to ensure coordinated inbound deliveries to the warehouse facility. This collaborative approach simplified the process, particularly for vendors who entrusted Crane with transportation.

Warehousing

Crane's warehousing solution was customized to accommodate the unique handling requirements for each equipment type. Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were developed for each category.

Quality Control Procedures:

  • Upon receipt of goods, quality checks included documenting pieces, weight, trucking information, contact information, and purchase order numbers.
  • Photos of each unit and its label were taken and uploaded to a shared drive for tracking purposes.
  • Temperature and humidity monitoring ensured that sensitive equipment remained in optimal condition.

Inventory Management: Inventory updates were provided at the item level, and both the construction management team and vendors had access to validate the equipment received at the storage site.

Weekly Review: Weekly calls were held to discuss errant deliveries, damages, and address any outstanding questions or issues that arose during the warehousing phase.

Planning and Final Delivery

Crane Worldwide coordinated the final mile delivery from the warehouse to the construction site, involving daily calls to ensure seamless execution.

Delivery Configuration and Coordination:

  • Approximately 90-95 truckloads of equipment required final delivery, with Crane managing load configurations based on site preferences.
  • The order of deliveries was carefully planned, starting with racking, followed by MV switchgear and gensets.
  • Coordinated communication across multiple channels with the Construction Manager, General Contractors, Equipment Vendors, and the Client to ensure timely delivery and keep all parties informed.

Delivery Logistics:

  • Detailed validation of trucking equipment and driver credentials ensured compliance with site-specific restrictions such as hours of operation and the number of trucks allowed per day.
  • Conditions such as daylight, weather, and crane availability were also considered to avoid delays.

Final Delivery Validation:

Proof of delivery (POD) was validated for each delivery to ensure all equipment arrived intact and on time.

KEY RESULTS

Efficient Coordination:

Crane Worldwide's involvement in transportation, customs documentation, and warehousing significantly streamlined the process, reducing the risk of delays or errors.

Custom Warehousing:

The tailored warehousing approach ensured the equipment was stored under optimal conditions and ready for seamless delivery to the construction site.

Proactive Planning:

Daily and weekly calls with vendors, the construction management team, and logistics partners allowed for proactive issue resolution and adherence to delivery schedules.

 

Conclusion

Crane Worldwide's managed transportation and warehousing solutions for the data center build project delivered high levels of coordination, ensuring that the complex equipment categories were handled efficiently and delivered on time.

This project showcases Crane Worldwide's ability to manage large-scale, high-stakes logistics operations effectively.

Learn more about our NextGen Logistics services for data center build projects.

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