FAQ's

What makes Shadow Group stand out in the transportation industry?

With a fleet of over 500 equipment and specialized divisions, we merge 50 years of trucking experience with modern technology. Our team is dedicated to finding innovative solutions for diverse transportation needs, ensuring efficient and tailored services for our customers.

What industries do you serve?

Shadow Group serves various industries, including retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and more. We have the expertise to cater to the unique logistics requirements of different sectors.

How many terminals do you have in Western Canada?

Four

• Langley, BC
• Calgary, AB
• Edmonton, AB
• Regina, SK

Do you handle international shipments?

Yes, Shadow Group handles both domestic and international shipments. They have the expertise and capabilities to facilitate cross-border logistics, customs clearance, and international trade compliance.

Are Shadow Group's services customizable to my specific business requirements?

Yes, Shadow Group understands that different businesses have unique logistics needs. We offer customizable solutions to align with your specific requirements, whether it’s tailoring services, integrating with existing systems, or addressing specialized cargo handling.

How can I track my shipments?

Shadow Group provides tracking systems or online portals that allow you to monitor the progress of your shipments in real time. These tools offer visibility and transparency throughout the transportation process.

What types of transport equipment does your company utilize to ensure my products are delivered safely and efficiently?

We employ a diverse range of equipment tailored to various industry needs, including:

• Container chassis
• Step decks
• Low beds
• Flat Decks
• Pneumatic tanks

What is drayage service, how much does it cost, and why is it essential in the logistics process?

Drayage refers to a specialty logistics service that transports freight over short distances, playing a pivotal role in the container transportation industry.

Cost Factors:

• Pickup and delivery locations
• Size of the haul
• Distance travelled
• Regional specifics such as country, state, or province

Despite seeming like just a small part of the broader logistics chain, drayage is essential to international commerce. It prevents congestion at ports, ensuring shipments move efficiently. Without effective drayage, the industry could face vessel delays, port bottlenecks, and freight gridlocks, hindering the smooth delivery of goods.

What are drayage services?

Drayage service providers focus on transporting cargo and shipping containers within specified geographic boundaries. The associated costs typically cover the coordination of container pick-up and delivery, along with managing customs and the necessary documentation.

What do drayage services include?

Drayage providers primarily deal with the transport of cargo containers within designated geographical areas. Their fees usually cover the orchestration of both the collection and delivery of these containers, in addition to navigating customs and fulfilling documentation needs.

What types of containers can be transported through drayage?

Drayage services can transport various types of containers, including dry containers, refrigerated containers (reefers), open-top containers, flat rack containers, and more.

How long does container drayage take?

The duration of container drayage can vary depending on factors such as distance, traffic conditions, and port or rail yard operations. Typically, drayage providers aim to deliver containers within a specific timeframe agreed upon with the customer.

What is a transload warehouse?

It’s a storage facility for goods and products. In order to transfer products from one delivery method to another, transloading requires storage facilities – rail yards, warehouses, storerooms, etc. The storage facility houses palletized goods that are sorted and organized in preparation for the next carrier.

What is a rail transloading facility?

Rail transload facilities are crucial for many companies’ delivery grids. These facilities are giant rail yards created to allow for easement in the transloading process between delivery methods. Made up of an intricate network of tracks designed for depositing organizing, as well as loading or unloading locomotives, rail transloading facilities are a crucial part of the delivery process.

What is the difference between cross-docking and transloading?

Cross-docking is considered to be the movement of a pallet (or group of pallets) from one truck (or delivery vehicle) to another. And transloading is the organizing and re-palletizing of the products, goods, and items. Both transloading and cross-docking services are distinct organizational activities that can produce many advantages for companies, particularly ones that use a third-party storage facility.

What is transloading in terms of equipment and transportation?

Transloading Equipment: This refers to the machinery and tools used to move and manage goods upon their arrival. Examples include cranes, forklifts, pallet jacks, and even delivery trucks. These pieces of equipment are essential for ensuring a seamless delivery process.

Transloading Transportation: This is the process where goods are shifted from one transport mode to another, often from rail or sea vessels to trucks, to ensure they reach their final destinations efficiently.

What types of goods are commonly transloaded?

Goods that are commonly transloaded include bulk commodities such as grain, coal, and petroleum products, as well as manufactured goods such as machinery and electronics.

What types of cargo can be handled through transloading?

Transloading transportation services can handle various types of cargo, including bulk commodities, perishable goods, hazardous materials, oversized or overweight items, and general merchandise.

What is line-haul transportation, and how are its costs determined?

Line-haul Transportation: This refers to the movement of large quantities of materials over extensive distances using various modes like air, rail, waterways, or roads. The efficiency and fluidity of the transportation sector significantly benefit from a well-implemented Line Haul system.

Cost Determination: Line-haul costs are not standard and vary based on numerous factors, including the chosen transportation mode, the specific destination, load size, and the distance covered. Therefore, the exact cost is contingent on the unique specifications of each shipment

What's the difference between line haul and long haul?

Line haul drivers typically return home once their shift is over. But a long haul operator will spend countless hours driving and often be away from their home for weeks at a time. The differentiator between the two is the working hours. Line haul has a set schedule, whereas long haul works around the clock.

What types of cargo can be transported through line haul services?

Line haul transportation services can handle a wide range of cargo, including general merchandise, perishable goods, bulk commodities, hazardous materials (based on regulatory compliance), and more.

What kinds of equipment do you use for line haul transportation?

We run a large fleet that includes tridem and quad axle 53 ft flat decks, step decks and low beds, single and double drop trailers for over-dimensional freight. Our high ratio of equipment to tractors allows us the flexibility to handle large projects. Our interconnected network can take your freight from depots, ports, and railways across North America. We offer line-hauling operations for you.

How do your vast machinery and specialized terminals enhance the transportation process?

With over 500 pieces of machinery and several tailored terminals, we can efficiently navigate industry challenges from start to finish.

What Are Logistic Solutions, and how are their costs determined?

Logistics Solutions refers to the comprehensive management of the entire delivery supply chain. This process starts with the production of raw materials and continues through transportation, culminating in the final product reaching the consumer.

The pricing for Logistics Solutions is influenced by numerous factors, such as the type of products being transported, the quantity and size of the delivery, travel distance, among other variables. Given the variability, there’s no standard cost. To get a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, it’s best to contact us directly.

How do you ensure tailored transportation solutions for customers across North America?

We prioritize discovering innovative solutions for each customer’s unique transportation needs. Our commitment is reflected daily in our dedicated fleet of seasoned operators and our extensive partner carrier network throughout North America. This extensive infrastructure allows us to identify the right equipment or transportation service for virtually any scenario.

Are logistic solutions tailored to specific industries or sectors?

Yes, logistic solutions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of specific industries or sectors. Providers often have expertise in various industries, such as retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.

Can logistic solutions handle specialized or sensitive cargo?

Yes, logistic solutions can handle specialized or sensitive cargo based on the provider’s capabilities. They may have expertise in handling temperature-controlled goods, hazardous materials, oversized shipments, and other specialized cargo requirements.

What are pneumatic bulk tankers and trailers, and what are their typical dimensions?

A pneumatic bulk tanker is a large, cylindrical metal tank, usually towed by a traditional freight truck, designed primarily for transporting vast quantities of liquids. On the other hand, a pneumatic bulk trailer is a cylinder-shaped chamber with tapered hoppers equipped with openings at the top for loading dry bulk. Typically, these pneumatic trailers are about 42 feet long, 8 to 9 feet wide, and 12 to 13 feet in height.

What can be hauled in a pneumatic trailer?

Pneumatic trailers are specially designed for the safe distribution of bulk cement products. Typically, lime and coal powder, in addition to other dry powder commodies with a particle dimension of under 0.1mm. It is usually utilized in cement production facilities or construction sites. Additionally, the trailer guarantees the quality of the cement while it is being transported.

What types of materials can be transported through bulk pneumatic services?

Bulk pneumatic transportation services can handle a wide range of dry bulk materials, including cement, sand, fly ash, plastic pellets, grains, flour, chemicals, and other similar materials.

What equipment is used in bulk pneumatic transportation?

Bulk pneumatic transportation relies on specialized pneumatic trailers or tankers equipped with compressed air or vacuum systems, hoses, and fittings designed for efficient loading, transport, and unloading of dry bulk materials.

Can you describe the specialization and capabilities of your bulk division?

Our bulk division is dedicated to transporting dry bulk commodities primarily within Western Canada. Our fleet is diverse, comprising Super B’s, tridem and tandem tanks, with a mix of both Aluminum and Steel sets.

How does your bulk division ensure safe and specialized transportation of dry products?

Hauling dry products demands meticulous care and the right tools. Our bulk division is proficient in transporting various dry products such as lime, fly ash, cement, and magnesium oxide within Western Canada, employing specialized equipment and expertise to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

How are your pneumatic trailers designed to ensure efficient product delivery?

Our pneumatic trailers come fully equipped with the necessary hoses, vacuums, and blowers. This setup guarantees the efficient and safe delivery of products.

Can bulk pneumatic services handle large quantities of bulk materials?

Yes, bulk pneumatic services are designed to handle large quantities of bulk materials. They can accommodate high-capacity trailers or tankers that allow for efficient transportation of significant volumes of dry bulk materials.

Are bulk pneumatic services available for both short and long-distance transportation?

Yes, bulk pneumatic services can be utilized for both short and long-distance transportation. Constructed for a streamlined delivery over vast distances, you can breathe easy knowing your product will be safely transported to its predetermined destination safely and in a timely manner.