Interview of the week – Barnhart – USA

Born in Hattiesburg, MS and raised in Memphis, TN, Ragan Watson has worked on the Barnhart team for 12 years. Starting as an apprentice in the hydraulic shop, Ragan learned hands-on what it takes to service and operate heavy lift and transportation tools in the field. A few years later, Ragan transferred to the project team as a Project Manager at the Memphis, TN HQ of Barnhart.

During this time Ragan managed all matter of projects serving nuclear and fossil fuel power industries and petrochemical and heavy civil industries as well. The primary service Ragan began to specialize in as a project manager was super-heavy transport of project cargo. As the requirement for super heavy transport increased by customer demand, Ragan answered the call to help start a heavy transportation department at Barnhart and the new tittle of Heavy Transportation Manager for Barnhart Memphis. For the next 6 years, Ragan worked hard to develop a team of project logistics professionals as well as support the entire Barnhart network nationwide. Through the years of developing relationships with clients on a project by project case, Ragan transitioned to a sales position focusing on international and north American project cargo logics. Ragan holds an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Mississippi and a Masters of Business Administration from Christian Brothers University.

Ragan also holds a Graduate Certificate in Project Management and is currently perusing a PMP certification.

Ragan lives in Memphis, TN with is wife Michelle and daughter Margot (19 months) and is expecting twins this September!

Tell us about Barnhart. Who owns the company?

Barnhart was founded in 1969 in Memphis, Tennessee, as a small family-owned business. While we are still a family-run company Barnhart has grown to be one of the largest Heavy Lift and Heavy Transport organization in the United States with more than 40 locations across the country and a nationwide reputation for solving problems. 

Barnhart provides world-class service through a local presence. Operated crane rental, rigging services, outage planning, specialized solutions for component replacement, industrial storage and national project cargo logistics all combine to ensure Barnhart’s customers receive the lowest total project cost. Barnhart also boasts one of the largest engineering teams in the industry — including a full R&D department — driving innovation across all services.

Where are your offices located?

Our HQ is based in Memphis, TN. We have over 40 locations across the United States, coast to coast. Visit www.barnhartcrane.com for a full list of our local offices.

Which are Barnhart’s specialty and service range?

On the heavy lift side, Barnhart has one of the largest fleets of heavy lift cranes in the United states up to 1,800 tons but our services don’t stop there. We specialize in unique, Barnhart-designed and manufactured below-the-hook lifting tools that reduce crane size, reduce downtime, increase efficiency and reduce risk. These unique lifting tools can be applied in all manor of services and applications. 

Barnhart also employs the largest fleet of Dual Lane transporters in the United States thereby offering a robust super-heavy transport solution for project cargo over the road. Coubpled with our floating cranes in the Great Lakes and Gulf Coast as well as a fleet of deck barges for project cargo and roro services, Barnhart offers a complete asset based turn-key service in the USA. We can deliver your cargo and install it under the same project; no need for subcontracts!

Tell us about projects that you have handled recently.

We are currently performing the logistics for a major synthetic gas processing company. We are receiving three barge-loads of coldboxes direct from the ship in the Gulf Coast, then barging all these units from New Olreans, LA to Minneapolis, MN region. From there, all of the cargo will be rolled off the barge and transported over the road, 20 miles to the project site.

Upon delivery at the project site, Barnhart will set these units, maximum weight of 175t, with a heavy lift crane. Barnhart is supplying all of these services as well as the Project Management, Engineering, HSE, Rigging Plans and Logistics planning as a turn-key service.

How cumbersome is the process for permits on Super loads in USA?

As with anywhere, the key is to understand the process. In the US, the problem is there are 50 states and 50 different processes! This is where Barnhart’s strategy aligns with THLG, Nation-wide strength, with local knowledge. In some states, it may take 6-10 weeks to secure a permit such as the loads we described above. An inexperienced supplier will struggle with the requirements and the effects that an incomplete submittal can have on the project schedule.

Do you do a lot of transports in states that have Frost Law regulations, and how are those managed?

This is a very good question. Currently 16 states in the US enforce spring weight restrictions. This is when maximum allowable weight per axle (and cargo width) are reduced due to the spring thaw. As the climate is changing year by year, these annual spring restrictions are put in place as local conditions change, weekly. Therefore, it is difficult to pinpoint when road bans will be enforced and for how long.

Three years ago, in early February (before Valentines Day) we were nearly forced off the road with a 500t gross weight load in MN we were delivering from Canada to Minnesota because the weather was unseasonably warm in Minnesota for weeks. The ground was thwawing and becoming mushy. We were able to leverage our relationships and reach a solution with the state and local authorities to ensure our transport was delivered to the customer’s site without delay. Otherwise, we would have been delayed for 2 or 3 months until the ground thawed out.

How often and at what weights do you need to do Bridge Analysis as mandated by DOT?

Barnhart specializes in super-load transports. Therefore, each permit we apply for in this weight category will require a permit. Each state has varying degrees of capability for bridge analysis. Some states require Barnhart to hire our own bridge consultant. Other states wish to perform the analysis in house, but, due to insufficient resources at the state bridge office, this process can take a lot of time on larger transports.

Is your coverage on Heavy Lifts for all of the lower 48 states or specific regions?  What about Alaska and Hawaii?

Yes, we perform heavy transport services in all 48 contiguous states. We have performed heavy lift projects and SPMT work in Alaska and we have performed wind farm erection projects in Hawaii. I’m certain when the opportunity arises for super-load transport in these places, we will manage those too! 

Do you accept turnkey projects involving barging and trucking on specific shipments or projects? 

Absolutely. Barnhart owns 5 Barges, two heavy lift barge cranes and the largest/heaviest heavy lift port crane on the Mississippi River. Barging, and marine heavylift coupled with roro and transport service is an integral part of Barnhart’s complete portfolio.

What made you join the industry? 

I started my career in banking very soon before the 2008 financial crisis. I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to join Barnhart and I was excited. I get to travel, meet fantastic people, work with some of the top companies in the industry and solve logistic problems for clients that, at times, seem impossible. The challenge is invigorating and keeps me fresh. 

What do you like the most about your business?

Not only do I work for a fantastic, faith-based company, I enjoy the fact that each project is unique with its own challenges. Every day I get to learn a new tool or concept. I get to apply some of the knowledge I’ve gleaned while being taught by my peers, colleagues and clients. Our industry is dynamic and our client’s service needs are always changing. Our business demands growth and fresh approach. At Barnhart, I’ve been given the freedom exploit these requirements for the mutual benefit of Barnhart and our clients.

Who should be approached in Barnhart for inquiries?

Ragan Watson: Project Sales – USA
[email protected]

 
Simon Sumner: Director of European Project Development
[email protected]