Your Trusted GMC Special Container Expert — May | Forging GMC’s Unique Path, One Step at a Time | GMC Case Study Interview EP01

May: The Trusted OOG (Out of Gauge) Specialist at GMC

When a shipment exceeds the size and weight limits of a standard container, a highly challenging logistics operation begins. In these moments, "OOG (Out of Gauge) containers" become a shipper's only choice. This kind of "extraordinary" transportation happens to be the specialty of GMC.

OOG cargo—which includes Open Top (OT) containers, Flat Racks (FR), and Break Bulk (BB Cargo)—features oversized, overweight, or uniquely shaped items. Because of this, the transportation process relies heavily on professional planning, execution, and communication to ensure a smooth and safe transit.

This time, we invited May, Ocean Freight Manager and the core figure behind GMC’s OOG operations, to share her journey of becoming an industry leader from scratch. She also reveals the secret behind how GMC stands out in this highly complex logistics sector.

From Airplane Wings to Oil Drums: A Portfolio of Extraordinary OOG Experience

"It was 2008 when I handled the very first OOG shipment of my career—a batch of airplane rear fuselages that needed to be shipped to Los Angeles and Europe," May recalls vividly.

At the time, she was still figuring things out, treating every step and decision with the utmost caution. Fortunately, the shipment went smoothly and turned out to be quite profitable, which sparked her dedication to diving deeper into this specialized field.

From aircraft components and heavy machinery to massive storage tanks and oil drum cylinders, the applications of OOG containers are far broader than most people imagine.

"We’ve encountered all kinds of unique cargo. Once, a sales representative secured an import shipment of circular oil drums. Due to their unusual dimensions, we had to arrange a different type of flat rack than we usually use. It was then that I realized flat racks have their own sub-categories. Although we weren’t controlling the import side, the sales rep and I still went to the Kaohsiung port to monitor the unloading process first-hand once the cargo arrived in Taiwan, ensuring the safety of the client's goods," May shares.

"That day, we noticed some water accumulating on top of the tarpaulin. We immediately verified the cargo's condition with the port staff and reminded the driver to be careful during unloading. In the end, the client conducted an on-site test on the cylinders, everything was perfectly normal, and the shipment was successfully delivered! This is exactly why we are exceptionally cautious when handling OOG containers—because every shipment is crucial to our clients, and our responsibility is to ensure it arrives safe and sound."

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It’s Not Just "Book and Go": The Interlinked Challenges of OOG Cargo

Many people assume that handling OOG cargo is simply a matter of switching to a different container type, but it is far more complex than that.

"Every single OOG shipment is a challenge from the moment the inquiry comes in," May explains. "We have to evaluate the cargo's dimensions and weight, confirm the stuffing method, and verify the readiness date. Then, we must secure space from the shipping lines, confirm the availability of empty equipment, and even provide photos of the stuffed and lashed container to the carrier for approval. Shipping can only proceed once everything is cleared. We cannot afford to slack off at any stage; every detail must be handled rigorously to ensure a flawless process!"

Because OOG cargo occupies significantly more slot space on a vessel than standard containers—sometimes one OOG unit can take up the space of 6 to 12 standard containers—and because not every shipping line accepts OOG cargo, "vessel space" often becomes the ultimate hurdle.

"Sometimes clients think that once the price is agreed upon, the cargo is ready to go. In reality, a lack of space, unavailable containers, or a loading method that fails to meet regulations—any minor oversight can bring the entire transport process to a grinding halt!"

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Speed and Flexibility: GMC’s Greatest Competitive Edge

GMC’s solid footing in the OOG market stems from years of accumulated experience and the ability to pivot quickly and flexibly.

"Our biggest advantage is our response time," May says firmly. Years of close collaboration and mutual trust with major shipping lines enable her to provide customized solutions and quotes almost instantly.

A Break Bulk (BB) shipment at the end of 2024 stands out vividly in her memory. The shipping line's account manager for that specific route was new to the job and lacked experience in quoting and handling OOG cargo, resulting in many overlooked details in the initial quote. Fortunately, May caught it immediately. Through her prompt response and persistent follow-ups, the quotation was corrected in time. In BB cargo shipping, any pricing oversight can easily result in discrepancies of thousands of dollars, leaving absolutely no room for carelessness. On top of that, May coordinated directly with the terminal and went on-site personally just to ensure the cargo was loaded onto the vessel exactly as planned.

"Getting that shipment out smoothly was the result of pure persistence and a refusal to cut corners," she says.

"You Are Never Fighting Alone": Succession Begins with Teamwork

"I used to be intimidated by it too," May says with a smile. "So I understand exactly what kind of support colleagues who are new to OOG cargo need."

"We always provide pricing strategies and reminder checklists to our new sales reps beforehand, and we even guide them through the entire process." At GMC, handling OOG cargo is not an exclusive skill monopolized by one person; it is an institutional knowledge passed down through the team.

Every six months to a year, the company hosts internal training sessions on OOG operations, with May personally serving as the instructor. "I incorporate the latest real-world case studies into the training materials, sharing strategies on how to successfully break through and win business, even on non-major shipping routes!"

From a Single Collaboration to Long-Term Trust: The Key is "Dedication"

Why are clients willing to entrust such high-risk, highly complex shipments to GMC? May believes the answer lies in "trust and preparation."

She shares that many of their OOG clients started working with them over a decade ago and remain long-term partners today. They know that by turning to GMC, they can hand over their cargo with total peace of mind. They trust that GMC has the capability, the solutions, and the wealth of experience required to be a truly reliable partner.

GMC is also generous with its expertise. For clients dealing with OOG cargo for the first time, May always offers a warm piece of advice: "Make sure to book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. This is the only way to guarantee vessel space and keep the entire arrangement from becoming a frantic rush!"

Step by Step: Forging GMC’s Unique Path in OOG Logistics

Since entering the OOG cargo sector in 2007, May’s greatest sense of achievement has come from seeing the entire GMC team grow stronger together.

"When a sales representative secures an OOG client and successfully ships the cargo with my assistance, that feeling of accomplishment is truly immense."

She adds with conviction: "You don't have to be great to start, but you must believe you can do it—that is where confidence begins. My role is to stand by you as you courageously take that first step, and to help you overcome every challenge along the way."

As we keep moving forward, the road ahead may bring unknown challenges, but GMC remains fearless. Armed with professional expertise, meticulous service, and a "mission accomplished" mindset, we are always prepared to solve any OOG logistical puzzle for our clients.

When the market thinks of OOG containers, the very first name that comes to mind is GMC.