Let’s Talk OOG—What Is It, Really? 

If you’ve ever worked in logistics or shipping, you’ve probably come across the term OOG—short for Out of Gauge. It sounds a bit technical, right? But honestly, it just refers to cargo that’s too big to fit into a regular container. We’re talking tall, wide, long, or oddly shaped items that need a little more love—and a lot more planning—when it comes to getting from point A to point B. 

Think of wind turbine blades, bulldozers, massive generators, or even yachts. These aren’t items you toss in a standard box and send overseas. They need special handling, special equipment, and above all, the right know-how. 

What Makes Cargo “Out of Gauge”? 

Out of Gauge cargo is anything that doesn’t fit the dimensions of a standard 40 or 20-foot shipping container. It might be too wide or tall for a 20 ft or 40 ft container, maybe it has parts sticking out of the containers. 

Here are the key factors that makes cargo Out of Guage 

1. Overheight 

2. Overwidth 

3. Overlength 

4. Weird Shape 

When the cargo matches any of the categories above it is considered to be a OOG. 

How is OOG Cargo Shipped ?

It doesn’t only requires extra space or length it demands planning, right tools and carriers who are experienced for it. 

Following are the options  

Flat Rack Containers 

Perfect for cargo that’s too wide or too tall. These have no side walls or roofs, which gives you flexibility. 

Open Top Containers 

As the name suggests, these are open from the top. They’re great for tall items, and you can cover them with a tarp if needed. 

Breakbulk Shipping 

When it’s too big even for a flat rack, breakbulk is the way to go. Items are loaded directly onto the ship and secured separately. 

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Ships 

Used mainly for wheeled machines or vehicles. If it rolls, it ships. 

Industries That Rely on OOG Freight 

Out of Gauge cargo plays a major role in various industries. Without it, entire sectors would grind to a halt. Here’s where it matters most:

• Construction – Cranes, excavators, concrete mixers 

• Energy – Wind turbines, transformers, massive generators 

• Mining – Crushers, drills, and processing machines 

• Marine – Boats, engines, and even submarines 

These industries can’t function without moving heavy-duty gear—and that gear usually qualifies as OOG. 

What Challenges Come with OOG Shipments? 

Shipping regular freight is one thing. Shipping Out of Gauge? That’s a different beast. Here’s why: 

Permits and Rules 

Moving oversized loads, especially over roads, often requires government permits. And every country has its own set of rules. 

Limited Routes 

Not every bridge or tunnel can handle oversized cargo. Some routes are simply off-limits, which makes route planning essential. 

Port Restrictions 

Not all ports are equipped for OOG. You’ll need to check ahead to make sure they have the right cranes and space. 

Higher Risk of Damage 

Since OOG items often can’t be fully enclosed, they’re more exposed to the elements. Rain, salt air, or even bird droppings can cause damage. 

How Much Does It Cost to Ship OOG Cargo? 

Spoiler alert: it’s not cheap. 

Here’s why: 

• Specialized equipment like flat racks or open tops 

• Labor costs for loading and unloading 

• Permit fees for overland transport 

• Insurance premiums (more on that below) 

• Route surveys and escort vehicles (when needed) 

The total cost depends on your cargo size, destination, and how it’s shipped. But yes, expect it to be significantly more than a standard shipment. 

Why Insurance Is Non-Negotiable 

Let’s be real—OOG cargo is expensive and risky. It’s exposed, vulnerable, and sometimes irreplaceable. That’s why you have to insure it properly. Standard freight insurance often doesn’t cover OOG shipments, so look for policies that specifically handle oversized, high-value goods. 

Tips for a Smooth OOG Shipping Experience 

Want to avoid surprises? These tips can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress:

• Double-check dimensions – Get exact height, width, and weight

• Hire experienced carriers – Don’t risk it with a rookie

• Start planning early – Especially for international shipments

• Make sure you’re insured – Better safe than sorry

• Verify port compatibility – Not all ports are OOG-friendly

• Secure the cargo well – Use certified equipment and experienced hands 

Real Talk: Is OOG Shipping Worth the Hassle? 

Absolutely. While it may be complex, OOG shipping makes the impossible possible. Without it, global infrastructure projects, renewable energy installations, and even large-scale manufacturing couldn’t happen. 

Yes, it takes planning. Yes, it costs more. But with the right team and a solid game plan, it’s absolutely doable—and necessary. 

Final Thoughts 

Out of Gauge shipping might sound like a logistical nightmare at first, but it’s actually a vital part of global trade. From oversized machines to awkwardly shaped parts, OOG freight is how the world moves the things that keep industries alive and thriving. 

As long as you approach it with precision, patience, and the right partners, there’s nothing you can’t ship—even the weird, wild, and wonderfully massive stuff. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is OOG cargo in logistics? 

OOG stands for Out of Gauge. It refers to cargo that doesn’t fit within standard container dimensions due to size or shape. 

2. What types of containers are used for OOG shipping? 

Flat rack and open-top containers are the most common. For very large items, breakbulk and RoRo vessels are used. 

3. Is OOG shipping more expensive than standard shipping? 

Yes, significantly. OOG shipments require special equipment, permits, labor, and sometimes route surveys and escorts. 

4. Do I need special permits to ship OOG cargo? 

In most cases, yes—especially for land transportation. Permits depend on local, national, and international regulations. 

5. Can I insure OOG cargo? 

Absolutely. And you should. Standard cargo insurance might not be enough, so opt for specialized coverage tailored for high-risk, high-value goods. 

Introduction: Why Purchase Orders Matter in Logistics

In the logistics world, clear instructions are everything. You’re moving goods across cities, countries, and even continents, so you better have paperwork that tells exactly what needs to go where, when, and how much of it.

That’s where a purchase order (PO) comes in.

If you’re running a warehouse, managing shipping, or working with suppliers, understanding how a purchase order works can save you from a lot of mistakes and confusion.

What is a Purchase Order? (In Simple Words)

A purchase order, or PO for short, is a document a buyer sends to a seller to order goods.

It’s like placing an official request that says:

“Hey, I want to buy this stuff from you, in this quantity, for this price. Please send it to this location.”

Once the seller agrees to it, this document becomes a legal agreement. That means both sides must follow what’s written.

Why Are Purchase Orders Important in Logistics?

Let’s say you’re a logistics manager. You order 100 boxes of electronics from a supplier in another country. Without a purchase order:

• The wrong products might arrive
• You won’t know when the shipment is coming
• The warehouse might not be ready to receive it
• You might be charged the wrong amount

But with a PO, everything is written down clearly. No guessing. No confusion.

What’s Included in a Purchase Order?

A good PO includes all the important info so nothing goes wrong. Here’s what it usually has:

• PO Number – Like an order ID to track it
• Date – When you placed the order
• Supplier Info – Who you’re buying from
• Buyer Info – Your company’s details
• Item List – What you’re ordering, with quantity and description
• Prices – Cost of each item and the total
• Shipping Info – Where and when to deliver
• Payment Terms – When and how the seller will get paid

How the PO Process Works (Step by Step)

Here’s how it typically goes in logistics:

1. You need something – Like 500 cartons of shoes.
2. You create a PO – It lists the items, quantity, price, and delivery details.
3. Send the PO to the supplier – They confirm it.
4. Supplier sends the goods – Following what the PO says.
5. Warehouse receives it – They check if everything matches the PO.
6. Payment is made – Only after everything checks out.

Types of Purchase Orders in Logistics

There are different kinds of POs depending on how you do business:

• Standard PO – One-time order with exact details.
• Blanket PO – Used when you buy the same thing many times over a period.
• Planned PO – You know what you’re ordering, but not exactly when.
• Contract PO – You agree on prices and terms but decide later on quantity and delivery.

How POs Help in Logistics

Using POs in logistics can help you:

• 🧾 Keep track of what’s being ordered
• 📦 Make sure the right items are shipped
• 🚚 Coordinate with your freight company or transport team
• 💰 Avoid overpaying
• 📊 Stay organized during audits or inventory checks

POs are like a control system—without them, things can get messy fast.

Big Mistakes to Avoid with POs

Even though POs help a lot, you’ve got to use them right. Avoid these mistakes:

• Leaving out shipping info
• Ordering the wrong item code
• Not confirming the PO with your supplier
• Not matching the PO to what’s delivered
• Using different formats every time (use templates or software)

PO vs Other Logistics Documents

It’s easy to confuse a PO with other paperwork. Let’s clear it up:

Document	What It Does	Who Creates It
Purchase Order	Starts the order	Buyer
Invoice	Asks for payment	Seller
Bill of Lading (BOL)	Confirms shipment and delivery	Shipping company
Packing List	Lists what’s inside the box	Seller or warehouse

All are important, but the PO comes first. It kicks off the whole supply chain.

How to Make a Purchase Order (Easy Way)

You don’t need to be a big company to make a PO. Here’s a simple way:

1. Use a template in Excel or Google Sheets
2. Fill in the supplier info, items, quantities, prices
3. Add delivery address and terms
4. Give it a unique number
5. Email it to the supplier
6. Save a copy for your records

Or you can use purchase order software if you want to make it even easier and faster.

Going Digital: Electronic POs (e-POs)

Today, many companies use digital or electronic purchase orders instead of paper.

Why?

• Faster to send and receive
• Less chance of losing documents
• Easier to track in real time
• Can be connected to your shipping and inventory systems

Some popular tools include QuickBooks, Zoho, SAP, and NetSuite.

Who Uses POs in Logistics?

Just about everyone:

• Warehouses – To prepare for incoming shipments
• Freight Forwarding Companies – To arrange the right transport
• Import/Export Agents – To handle customs and compliance
• Suppliers – To prepare and ship goods as requested
• Finance Teams – To pay vendors on time and accurately

Real-Life Example

Let’s say your logistics company is arranging delivery of 1,000 cartons of clothing from a factory in Beijing to a warehouse in New York.

You send a PO with:

• Product list
• Quantity
• Packing requirements
• Shipping method (like ocean freight)
• Port of delivery
• Expected delivery date

Once the factory accepts, they start packing and booking transport — and your operations are all set.

Best Practices for Using POs in Logistics

Here are some simple rules to follow:

• Use one format for all POs
• Always give each PO a unique number
• Double-check item names and delivery addresses
• Save all POs in one folder or system
• Match your POs with invoices and shipping docs before payment

The Future of POs in Logistics

Things are getting smarter. Here’s what’s coming:

• AI that checks for errors
• Blockchain for security and trust
• Mobile apps to approve POs on the go
• Cloud systems that link POs to inventory and shipping data

Conclusion: Why Purchase Orders Make Logistics Easier

If you’re involved in moving goods — across towns or across oceans — purchase orders make your job easier.

They help everyone know what’s being ordered, where it’s going, and when it should get there. POs save time, reduce mistakes, and keep your logistics business running smoothly.

Whether you’re a small freight business or a large warehouse operator, using purchase orders the right way will bring more control, more trust, and fewer problems.

FAQs:

1. Does TEU offers Purchase Order Management Services?

Yes, TEU Global offers Purchase Order Management Services from supplier coordination to order tracking.

2. Can a PO delay my shipment?

Yes — if it’s not sent or confirmed in time. Always get the PO approved early.

3. Is a PO legally binding?

Yes, once accepted by the supplier, it becomes a legal agreement.

4. What if the shipment doesn’t match the PO?

You can raise a dispute, hold payment, or ask the supplier to correct it.

5. Can I make a PO without software?

Yes! You can use a free template in Excel or Google Sheets.

When you check your package status you may see the status of your Package is “In Transit”. Now the question arises what the meaning of In Transit is? In short, if we answer this question it means between origin and destination. This blog will help you understand the most used word “Transit” in logistics.

What does “in transit” mean?

If your package is in transit it means your order has been packed and it is sent for delivery but hasn’t reached its destination.
Are you unsure about shipping processes? Learn about our Freight Forwarding Services.

Important Stages of In Transit:

1. Picked Up (The package is collected from Origin).
2. Sorted and Routed (The package is processed at the distribution center).
3. Long-Haul Transport (The items are travelled by ship, rail, air or truck).
4. Final Delivery (The package arrives at the last mile facility before getting delivered).

How the Shipment Travels:

When you send or receive a package, it travels through the postal system. Starting with the sender, it travels to sorting facilities and may pass through several transit hubs before arriving at the recipient’s local post office. Each stage in this process helps to ensure that delivery is on schedule. Understanding these steps allows you to better appreciate the difficulties involved and why occasional delays occur.

The Journey of a Shipment: Key Stages

To better understand what “in transit” covers, it’s helpful to break down the typical journey of a shipment:

Order Received / Processing

This is when the order has been placed and is being prepared for shipment. It may involve picking, packing, and labeling.

Dispatched / Shipped

The package is handed over to a carrier (postal service, courier, or freight company).

In Transit

This stage begins once the carrier has accepted the shipment and is physically moving it through the network toward the destination. It can include:

• Local or regional sorting centers.
• Transfers between warehouses or hubs.
• International border crossings or customs inspections.
• Loading and unloading onto trucks, planes, or ships.

Out for Delivery

The package is on a vehicle and is expected to be delivered that day.

Delivered

The final stage—when the shipment has arrived at the recipient’s location.

How Long Does a Package Stay “In Transit”?

The amount of time a package stays in transit depends on the following factors.

• Depends on the type of delivery express or economy.
• Distance and Route.
• Carrier Operation (Air, Road or Sea)
• Custom Clearance in case of International Shipments.

Why Does it take longer than usual for items that are In Transit?

Common Reasons Include:

• Anomaly in weather.
• High Volume of Shipments.
• Weekend or Public Holidays.
• Custom Inspections.

What to do if Shipment is stuck?

• Wait at least 48 hours.
• Check your mail or SMS you might have received update from the carrier service provider.
• Contact the shipping Provider.
• Contact the sender for assistance.

Can I Receive a Package While It’s In Transit?

No, not yet. The item must finish transit before delivery. You can’t pick it up unless the carrier offers rerouting or pickup options. Some services allow this via customer request.

Common Shipping Statuses Explained

Understanding shipping lingo can help ease anxiety and help you make smarter decisions. Here are a few terms and what they mean:

Status	Meaning
In Transit	Item is on the way, between origin and destination
Out for Delivery	Last-mile delivery is underway
Delivered	Package has been dropped off
Exception	Something disrupted the process (weather, customs, etc.)
Pending	Waiting to be shipped or picked up

What is the difference between In Transit and Out for Delivery?

In Transit:

In Transit means that the package is being delivered within the carriers network or maybe at carriers sorting center.

Out for Delivery:

The package is at a nearby destination and is on vehicle to be delivered to the final recipient’s address.

Tips to Avoid Future Transit Confusion

• Always choose reliable logistics providers with end-to-end tracking.
• For valuable goods, use services with insurance and signature confirmation.
• Ask for a detailed shipping timeline before dispatching important cargo.

“In Transit” in Different Shipping Methods

Courier and Postal Services

• When shipping, “in transit” typically refers to the time when the item is moving between processing centers. Depending on the distance, this may take hours or days.

Trucking and Road Freight

• For road transport, the “in transit” status may mean the cargo is on a long-haul truck moving from one city or state to another. It might stay “in transit” for several days if the route is long.

Air Freight

• For air cargo, “in transit” often includes the movement to the airport, time in the air, and transfers at international hubs.

Ocean Freight

• In international sea freight, “in transit” can mean the container is on a cargo ship and might stay in this status for weeks, depending on the route.

FAQ’s

• Do shipping companies also play an important role in reducing transit time?

Yes, the better the shipping company is, it is less likely to cause delays.

• What is the role of tracking number in shipping?

Tracking number provides transparency to the customer, and it also helps to keep the customer updated about the shipment.

• Does destination also play an important role in transit time?

Yes, the destination plays a crucial role, for instance if the destination is international custom clearance and route can cause delay in transit time.

• How to ensure that package arrives on schedule?

Make sure to choose the right shipping option according to your need such as express delivery.

• How to prevent your package from being damaged during transit?

Use services like cargo insurance to save your goods against damage, theft or loss during transit.