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Abnormal Load Haulage

Whatever the size, shape or weight of your load, we can help!

We’ll work with you to understand the needs of your project and put a plan in place to get your abnormal load from A to B, safely and in the required timeframe.

Abnormal load haulage refers to the transportation of goods that exceed the standard legal dimensions and weights for road vehicles. Due to the challenges posed by their size, weight, or shape, these loads require special handling and planning to ensure safe and efficient transport.

Abnormal loads typically include large construction machinery, industrial components, oversized vehicles, and structural elements like bridge sections or wind turbine blades. Transporting these items often necessitates the use of specialised trailers such as extendable flatbeds or multi-axle lowloaders that can accommodate the excessive weight and dimensions.

Abnormal load lowloader in transit
A R Banks flatbed lorry transporting a vehicle

What is classed as an abnormal load?

In the UK, an abnormal load is defined by specific criteria regarding its weight and dimensions. A load is considered abnormal if it exceeds one or more of the following standard limits:

  • Width: If the load is wider than 2.9 metres
  • Height: If the load's height and vehicle’s body is more than 4.95 metres
  • Length:
    For rigid vehicles: Any vehicle that exceeds 18.65 metres
    For articulated vehicles (tractor plus trailer): If the combination exceeds 16.5 metres
  • Weight:
    If a vehicle has an overall weight exceeding 44,000 kilograms

When a vehicle and its load surpass these dimensions or weight limits, it requires special handling under the UK’s abnormal load regulations known as a STGO (Special Types General Order). Transporters must notify and sometimes obtain permits from the police, highway authorities, and bridge owners ahead of the journey.

Planning is critical, including selecting suitable routes that can accommodate the size and weight of the load and considering the need for escort vehicles. These precautions are necessary to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other road users and the infrastructure.

Additional Services

The process of hauling abnormal loads is heavily regulated and typically requires coordination with local authorities to manage potential road safety or infrastructure concerns. This can include obtaining necessary permits and planning routes that can handle the load's weight and size.

We can provide a range of additional support services for abnormal loads which starts with us undertaking an assessment of your project to evaluate the requirements and how we can assist. We’re able to organise Route Surveys and Escorting on your behalf, to ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods.

Route Surveys

A Route Survey is a detailed assessment conducted to identify the safest, most efficient route for transporting large loads, minimising risks and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. It involves:

  • Route selection: Choosing a path that can accommodate the size and weight of the load with minimal disruptions or modifications needed.
  • Infrastructure analysis: Checking for adequate infrastructure along the route, such as roads, bridges, overpasses, to ensure they can support the load’s weight and dimensions.
  • Obstacle identification: Identifying potential obstacles along the route, such as narrow passages, low bridges, or tight turns that might require special handling or rerouting.
  • Permit requirements: Determining what permits are required for the chosen route, as oversized loads often need special permissions from various local, state, or federal authorities.
Abnormal Load Escorting

Abnormal Load Escorting involves the use of escort vehicles to accompany an oversized load during transport. It’s crucial for maintaining road safety, protecting the load and infrastructure, and ensuring that the transport operation complies with legal requirements. Escort vehicles perform several functions:

  • Safety communication: Escort vehicles help communicate the presence of an oversized load to other road users. This can involve signalling when the load is making wide turns, changing lanes or encountering obstacles.
  • Traffic management: Escort vehicles can help manage traffic around the oversized load, ensuring safe passage and minimising disruption.
  • Route clearance: They may go ahead of the load to ensure the route is clear of unexpected obstacles or to manage traffic control.
  • Emergency support: In case of any issues during transport, escort vehicles are on hand to provide immediate assistance and help resolve problems.

With Safety in Mind

Every aspect of the service that we provide to support the transportation of your abnormal load will be carefully considered to ensure complete safety every step of the way. We’re FORS Silver and CLOCS accredited, demonstrating our commitment to safety in all we do.

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