According to an April 2009 report released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, there were at least 84 natural gas pipeline projects completed in the contiguous United States in 2008. This added nearly 4,000 miles of natural gas pipeline and increased the natural gas pipeline grid capacity by roughly 43.9 billion cubic feet per day. This growth indicates a three fold increase over 2007. As anyone slightly familiar with the process of pipeline construction can tell you, this growth would not be possible were it not for the benefits of hardwood mats. Dixie Mat, commercially selling new and used hardwood mats, has served as a crucial partner in the process of pipeline construction as the industry surged.

While it’s no surprise that pipeline construction requires hardwood mats, the extent of their use is quite amazing. Every step in the construction project reveals a substantial need for these hardwood crane mats. When pipe is brought in by water, hardwood mats are there; hardwood crane mats are used as dunnage when pipe and equipment are shipped via barge. Camp stability is ensured by hardwood crane mats, providing support as a temporary, but reliable foundation for camp modules. Crane mats also serve as swamp mats that support pipeline equipment on weak or low-load bearing soil, preventing accidents and extreme soil degradation. Hardwood mats also can serve as bridges along the pipeline right-of-way over streams, marshes, swampland, and unstable terrain. Pipeline mats are even used as dunnage in the pipe laydown yard to support pipe joints. While this list of uses for hardwood mat is substantial, and certainly not complete, the most critical role of hardwood crane mats remains in their function as pipeline skids and in their role in the support of individual joints and strings of welded pipe before the pipe strings are lowered into the trench.

Pipeline skids are a fundamental component of even the smallest pipeline projects. Without the reliable support of pipeline skids, the whole pipeline project can be in jeopardy. When backfilling is complete and the time comes to test the integrity of the pipe, the value of secure, and therefore, undamaged pipe is seen in full.

Whether using pipeline skids and pipeline mats for racking, cribbing, or as dunnage to elevate the pipe for welding and slinging for placement into the trench, the role of hardwood mats, from start to finish, is fundamental to the completion of pipeline projects. Dixie Mat recognized the need not only for stable platforms for cranes and heavy equipment, but also for the stable support of pipeline in every stage of the pipe laying process. In recognizing this need, Dixie Mat also recognized the need for dealing directly with the customer, removing the hassles of buying from brokers, and enhancing the level of customer service. These things, along with the trusted quality behind the name, have brought continued growth and success to Dixie Mat.

Dixie Mat knows that even small projects and smaller spreads of larger projects can require a substantial number of pipeline mats. Transporting pipe often requires cribbing and hardwood mats for dunnage. Each 40 to 80 foot length of pipe must be secured and stabilized by pipeline skids for the safety of the crew and the pipe. Heavy equipment, like side-booms, can require the stability of crane mats when used in unstable soil conditions. Even the reclamation and restoration process can be eased by the use of hardwood mats throughout the construction process, by providing protection to the landscape in sensitive areas. As project expenses climb, buying Dixie Mat Certified Used Mats can be an excellent, reliable, and cost-effective alternative. Whether new or used hardwood mats are the right fit for the project, Dixie Mat offers quality hardwood crane mats, pipeline mats, and pipeline skids. In every step of the project, Dixie Mat recognizes the challenges and meets each need. The amount of hardwood matting required to bring natural gas and oil pipeline throughout the country is great, but so is Dixie Mat’s commitment to meeting our customers needs.