Inbound Logistics | March 2026

KNOWLEDGE Base CONTENT PARTNERS

For manufacturers and operators, evaluating transportation providers begins with addressing key considerations to ascertain experience and innovative solutions. Asking the Right Questions When Selecting A Data Center Transportation Partner A s data center projects across North America continue to increase in number, the

standards when transporting freight. That experience helps reduce downtime risk and supports continuity throughout multi-phase builds. Experience also contributes to consistency. Familiarity with data center construction sites allows transportation teams to adapt quickly as project scope evolves, minimizing disruptions when timelines shift or volumes increase. Landstar has successfully supported data center builds for leading hyperscalers

frequency of transporting high-value and often over-dimensional equipment from manufacturers to bustling job sites has never been greater. With every new facility demanding meticulous coordination, proven experience and innovative solutions are required to keep these shipments on track. Components such as generators, cooling systems, battery storage systems, and server racks are often oversized, high value, and sensitive to handling conditions. Transportation decisions play a role in whether projects stay on schedule, within budget, and compliant with safety and regulatory requirements. For manufacturers and operators, evaluating transportation providers begins with asking a few pointed, practical questions. Why is experience with oversized and high-value data center equipment so important? Data center-related freight may exceed typical size or weight limits or may contain sensitive components which affect handling. Providers lacking direct experience with legal atbed and step-deck freight as well as oversized/ overweight loads may underestimate the needs related to trailing equipment, routing, site access, or securement, increasing the likelihood of delays or damage. Providers, like Landstar, with experience in these sectors are equipped with both the capacity and experience to help anticipate obstacles, coordinate delivery windows with construction schedules, and comply with all industry

Security measures—including controlled access, chain of custody documentation, and secure equipment— help deter theft and improve recovery outcomes if incidents occur. With a network of over 8,600 Landstar exclusive, hazmat-endorsed owner- operators, plus more than 70,000 carriers, Landstar can accommodate a wide range of transportation needs. We consistently achieve industry-leading safety and service rates, ensuring your critical infrastructure arrives intact and on schedule. We design our physical and digital infrastructure to ensure your cargo remains secure in transit. We use freight security devices, including high quality trailer locks, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and asset tracking technology to monitor your shipment in real time. The bottom line: By evaluating transportation providers, manufacturers can better safeguard equipment, maintain compliance, and support reliable deployment of critical infrastructure.

and major data center equipment suppliers. Our independent agents

provide turnkey project management for multimodal transport and on-site logistics. What role does specialized equipment and planning play in safe delivery? Oversized and over-dimensional freight requires more than dry van trailers. Trailing equipment often includes step deck, double drop, removable gooseneck, and perimeter trailers to manage weight distribution and clearance constraints. Access to the correct trailer conguration helps ensure both freight integrity and roadway safety. Landstar offers one of the largest heavy haul eets in North America with access to 2,700+ specialized trailers. How can manufacturers reduce risk when moving high-value data center components? Risk mitigation efforts for data center infrastructure and components may extend beyond cargo insurance. Effective risk mitigation strategies typically include carrier and owner-operator qualication, shipment visibility, and proactive contingency planning.

–By Rob Simon Vice President, Heavy Haul Landstar www.landstar.com

16 Inbound Logistics • March 2026