“Super load” resumes exodus from Caddo-Bossier Port
The largest shipment ever received at the Port of Caddo-Bossier began its trek to the Texas at 9 a.m. Friday morning.
The piece of cargo, called a “cold box,” began its journey in Asia and will be delivered to its final destination at Eastman Chemical plant in Longview, Texas, said port community relations director Kathy French.
The cold box made landfall in New Orleans 10 days prior to its departure for the port. It then traveled to Red River by way of the Mississippi River.
Daniel Strickland, a port public relations representative, said if the cold box hadn’t been able to navigate to the Port by barge, the expedition would have taken much longer.
“If navigability hadn’t been possible they would have to drive it up from the Gulf Coast to Longview,” Strickland said. “It would’ve been a very long trip considering how long it’s taking to simply move it from the Port.”
That trip is going to take seven days, lumbering along at an average one mile per hour.
According to French, the convoy consists of one truck pulling and one truck pushing the 611,000-pound load. Fully assembled, the convoy spans more than 275 feet and is moving an average 1 mile an hour for its 3-day trip from the Port of Caddo-Bossier to the Texas State line.
It’ll take three days to reach the state line. The convoy will reach Texas at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday and will take another four days to arrive at its destination at Eastman.
Eastman spokesperson Kristen Parker said the cold box, a vessel which stores gas and liquids at extremely low temperatures, is being used as a facility upgrade for plant maintenance.
The plant produces specialty chemicals used in many every-day items such as car coatings, home interior paints and plastics used in toys.
Parker wouldn’t comment on the cost of the equipment or its transport.
Department of Transportation and Port leaders are calling the cargo a “super load” because of its size. A heavy load permit was required to move the equipment.
Strickland said the dimensions of the super load required cooperation from SWEPCO, Comcast and other companies to ensure overhanging power lines were raised to allow clearance.
A team of utility crews and police officers will work with the convoy to ensure there are no transportation issues. Texas crews will take over the logistics once the super load crosses the border.
Another equally large piece of equipment is set to make the same voyage in the coming weeks.
The trek is expected to halt traffic along its route. Review the schedule provided with this article to plan your route this weekend.
Super load by the numbers
•611,000: The total weight of the cold box, which will be used to store liquids and gases at low temperatures
•275: The total length of the rig hauling the load from the Port of Caddo-Bossier to the Eastman Chemical plant in Longview, Texas
•7: The number of days it’ll take to get the cargo from the Port of Caddo-Bossier to its destination
•1: The average number of miles per hour the cargo is being moved
The Route
July 17
•9 a.m. — Turn right from the Ron Bean Road onto Highway 1 North
•10 a.m. —Turn left on 523 / East Flournoy Lucas Road
•11:30 a.m. —Transporter passes 3132
•1 p.m. — Transporter passes Ellerbe Road
•2 p.m. —Transporter crosses Interstate 49
•2:30 p.m. —Transporter turns right on Stevens Road
•3:30 p.m. —Transporter parks for the night at Stevens Road and West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
July 18
•5:50 a.m. — Transporter will turn left on West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
•7 a.m. — Transporter will pass Linwood Avenue
•7:30 a.m. — Transporter will pass Kingston Road
•9 a.m. — Transporter will pass Willis – Knighton South Hospital
•9:40 a.m. — Transporter will pass Mansfield Road
•11 a.m. — Transporter will pass Dean Road
•12:30 p.m. — Transporter will turn left on GM Boulevard
•2 p.m. — Transporter will turn left on West 70th Street
•4 p.m. — Transporter will stop 0.25 miles from Highway 79 for the evening
July 19
•6 a.m. — Transport will start rolling again
•6:30 a.m. — Transporter will turn left on Highway 79/80
•7:30 a.m. — Transporter will turn left on Highway 79
•2 p.m. — Transporter will cross into Texas