Transport & Shipping Of Weapons And Ammunition

Behind every product sold and every service given, logistics would have had a part to play at some stage. That includes transporting weapons and ammunition. Handling such dangerous cargo takes the utmost reliability and professionalism, it’s a job that not everyone may be up to – but a crucial one all the same.

Did you know that amongst other services, The Barnes Group also offer the transportation of weapons, ammunition and explosives across the UK and beyond into Europe? To make this happen, our drivers need to be SC level security cleared, and our bespoke assets include EXIII tractors and Ekeri & EXII trailers. Ensuring the safe passage of sensitive cargo is vital and is only possible with dependable workers such as our own.

Military logistics is not often considered, but in truth – no conflict could ever be won without logistics. We’re going to explain a little more as to what transporting weapons and ammunition involves, and also what kind of individuals are required to complete the job.

What’s Involved in Military Logistics?

Often when we think of our armed forces, we mostly think about those on the front line and individuals who’re planning and strategising. An element that’s not so commonly spoken about, but ever crucial in the victory of any war, is logistics.

Be it a truck, a ship, a plane or a train, the safe passage of ammunition from one base to another is not only imperative in supporting any ongoing conflict, but also in maintaining the protection of the general population by shielding them from being in close encounter with the ammunitions cargo.

Historian Jon Peterson estimated that around 100 billion small rounds of ammunition were manufactured and transported during the second world war alone. That’s not to mention other artillery ammunition rifles and carbines, artillery pieces and military vehicles. Now, imagine the resources that are needed to actually move the ammunition and weapons from one place to another…

Military logistics involves, but is not limited to:

The secure storage and distribution of ammunition and weapons.
Supporting increased demand for medical support during periods of conflict by transporting emergency equipment and other supplies.
The provision of food, water, hygiene and sanitation products.
Disposal operations which include the safe and prompt removal of waste and faulty military items.

The latter 3 operations are not so in-demand during times of less conflict, but the storage and transport of guns and ammunitions is still indispensable. There is always a need for protection and security and so military goods are required to some degree. There is still a requirement of delivery of weaponry to the UK armed forces, AFOs in the police force and for overseas operations.

What Kind of Skills Are Required for Transporting Weapons and Ammunition?

There are a number of attitudinal qualities that a logistics worker involved in this type of transport should have, as well as being SC level security cleared.

Reliability is highly important. In a situation where a matter of urgency is vital, those overseeing the passage of cargo need a trustworthy individual to carry out a swift yet careful operation. Even during times where there is no direct discourse, military loads still need to be moved quickly as they are high-risk goods.

Further to this, sensitive haulage needs to be handled appropriately and with discretion. Trust in your workers is essential.

Finally, attention to detail is imperative. When transporting such delicate goods, it’s important for employees to do everything by the book. Not only does trust play heavily into this, but rigour too.

Military logistics requires a breadth, depth and complexity that perhaps isn’t always considered. The utmost security and thoroughness is required throughout all stages, by all workers. This type of transportation includes the planning as well actual transporting; it is crucial that every single step is performed to the letter.