The Process Of Abnormal Load Transportation
Transportation can be complex, particularly when the objects being transported exceed standard dimensions and weight limits. This is what is known as abnormal load transportation.
Unlike conventional transportation, abnormal load transport requires additional planning and execution, including adherence to regulations, route planning, and notification to the authorities.
In this article, we will take a look at what is involved in abnormal load transportation and why it is important to use a good, reliable transport company with experience in transporting abnormal loads.
Let’s start with what defines an abnormal load.
According to nationalhighways.co.uk, an abnormal load has any of the following:
- A weight of more than 44,000kg
- An axle load of more than 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle and 11,500kg for a single driving axle
- A width of more than 2.9 metres
- A rigid length of more than 18.65 metres.
Key Operational Duties
There are several key operational duties when organising the transportation of an abnormal load. These help to ensure the safety, legal compliance, and operational efficiency when handling and moving abnormal loads. These include:
Technical Assessments:
The technical information, such as height, width, length, and weight, is crucial when planning the transportation of an abnormal load. We will conduct technical assessments to gather all necessary information.
Route Planning:
With the technical data, we can then plan our journey. We will need to consider potential obstacles, such as weight-restricted bridges, narrow roads, tunnels, and more. We will even consider road conditions such as steep hills and uneven surfaces. From all of this information, we can determine the best route for the journey as well as alternative routes should any issues arise during the transportation, such as road closures or delays.
Notifying The Authorities:
In the UK, we are required to notify the police and highway and bridge authorities of the planned routes when transporting abnormal loads. The period of notification needed will vary depending on the load’s weight.
The main purpose of notifying the authorities is to ensure route safety, traffic management, plan for road closures, and, if necessary, arrange for a police escort.
When it comes to the day of transport, all the planning and preparations come into action. Throughout the day, communication is a must and being prepared for any situations that may arise.
Executing the Move: The Day of Transport
Once the paperwork is filed and the route is set, the physical transportation process begins. A reliable heavy haulage partner handles every detail to ensure absolute safety and compliance on the road.
- Safe Loading and Securing: Before the vehicle leaves the yard, the abnormal load must be expertly loaded and secured. Weight distribution is carefully calculated to comply with axle load limits, and heavy-duty chaining and strapping are applied to ensure zero movement during transit.
- Escort Vehicles and Traffic Management: For wider or heavier loads, a private escort vehicle (or sometimes a police escort) is required. Escort drivers communicate constantly with the HGV driver via two-way radio, warning them of upcoming hazards, managing oncoming traffic at pinch points, and ensuring the safety of other road users.
- Controlled Offloading and Handover: The transportation process doesn’t end until the cargo is safely on the ground at its destination. We assess the site access beforehand to ensure our extendable trailers and lifting equipment, such as lorry-mounted cranes and HIABs, have the necessary space to safely offload the equipment and hand it over to the site manager.
Common Examples of Abnormal Loads We Transport
Abnormal loads come in all shapes and sizes. Because standard HGVs cannot safely or legally accommodate them, specialist extendable trailers and heavy-duty vehicles are required. Common examples of abnormal loads include:
- Heavy Construction Plant & Machinery: Such as large excavators, bulldozers, dumpers, and piling rigs.
- Agricultural Equipment: Oversized combine harvesters and wide tractors.
- Modular Buildings & Welfare Units: Portable cabins, site accommodation, and large static units.
- Structural Materials: Long steel fabrications, concrete bridge beams, and large pre-cast structures.
- Industrial Infrastructure: Transformers, generators, and wind turbine components.
Why Choose RS French
Our Abnormal load services include full route planning and permit acquisition, escort vehicle coordination for road safety if required and compliance with all UK highways and transport regulations.
RS French offers more than just transport; we deliver complete, expert-led solutions:
- Specialist Equipment: Extendable trailers, escort vehicles, and cranes for oversized or complex loads.
- Planning & Permits: Full route surveys, access planning, and permit handling included.
- Experienced Operators: Skilled, qualified operators with years of specialist lifting experience.
- Safety & Insurance: Fully insured with rigorous safety procedures and detailed risk assessments.
We handle the hard parts, so your project runs smoothly, safely, and on time.
Conclusion
Whether you’re transporting abnormal loads locally or nationwide, RS French provides a complete solution ensuring your goods arrives safely, on time, and fully compliant.
Through our meticulous planning and coordination, combined with our years of experience and expertise in abnormal load transportation, we are here to support you from start to finish.
For all questions and enquiries, get in touch with your experienced team.
Abnormal Load Transport
From oversized machinery to large construction materials, handling abnormal loads requires careful planning, specialist expertise, and the right heavy-duty equipment. Our experienced team specialises in transporting oversized and heavy cargo, ensuring it reaches its destination safely, efficiently, and on time.
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