As a leading road haulage company in Northampton, we understand the challenges associated with transporting oversized cargo on UK roads. Oversized cargo requires specialised equipment and careful planning to ensure that it is transported safely and efficiently.
Our solutions for abnormal load haulage jobs
To ensure that our oversized haulage jobs are completed safely and efficiently we ensure that our service incorporates:
- Specialised equipment: We have a fleet of specialised vehicles and trailers designed for oversized haulage.
- Experienced drivers: Our drivers have the necessary expertise to transport oversized cargo safely and efficiently.
- Route planning: We carefully plan routes that are suitable for oversized cargo and comply with traffic regulations.
- Permit acquisition: We obtain the necessary permits and comply with traffic regulations to transport oversized cargo.
- Safety procedures: We implement safety procedures to ensure that oversized cargo is transported safely.
- Cost-effective solutions: We provide cost estimates and quotes for oversized haulage jobs to help clients plan and budget for their transportation needs.
Permits required for oversized haulage
For oversized road haulage jobs in the UK, there are several types of permits that may be required, depending on the size and weight of the cargo, the route being taken, and other factors. Some of the most common types of permits include:
Special Types General Order (STGO) Permit: This permit is required for vehicles that exceed the weight and size limits set out in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. STGO permits are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and are valid for a specific route and time period.
Abnormal Load (AL) Permit: This permit is required for vehicles that exceed the maximum dimensions and weight limits set out in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. AL permits are issued by the local authorities and are valid for a specific route and time period.
Police Notification: In some cases, the police may need to be notified of an oversized road haulage job. This is usually required when the cargo is particularly large or heavy and may pose a risk to other road users.
It’s important to note that the specific permits required for an oversized road haulage job will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size and weight of the cargo, the route being taken, and other factors.
We will help you navigate the permit requirements and ensure that your cargo is transported safely and legally.
Safety procedures for abnormal loads
We operate in line with specialised safety procedures to ensure that oveersized cargo is transported safely and efficiently. Here are some of the key safety procedures that we follow for oversized road haulage jobs:
- Route Planning and Risk Assessment: Before any oversized road haulage job can take place, a detailed route plan and risk assessment must be conducted. This involves identifying potential hazards and risks associated with the cargo, the route, and any other factors that could affect the safety of the transport. This information is used to develop a safe and efficient transportation plan.
- Securement and Lashing: Oversized cargo must be securely fastened and lashed to the vehicle to prevent it from shifting or falling during transport. This requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure that the cargo is properly secured.
- Escort Vehicles: In some cases, escort vehicles may be required to accompany oversized cargo during transport. These vehicles provide additional safety measures and help to ensure that other road users are aware of the oversized cargo.
- Specialised Training: Operators of oversized road haulage vehicles must undergo specialized training to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to transport cargo safely and efficiently. This includes training in load securement, route planning, and risk assessment, as well as training in driving techniques specific to oversized vehicles.
- Compliance with Regulations: Oversized road haulage jobs must comply with a range of regulations and guidelines to ensure that they are conducted safely and legally. This includes complying with weight and size limits, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, and adhering to traffic regulations.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Oversized vehicles must be well-maintained and in good condition to ensure that they are safe to operate. Regular inspections and maintenance checks are necessary to ensure that the vehicles are operating properly and that any issues are addressed promptly.
In summary, safety procedures for oversized road haulage jobs require careful planning, specialized equipment, and expertise to ensure that cargo is transported safely and efficiently. It’s important to work with an experienced road haulage company, like Northampton Road Haulage, that has the necessary knowledge and skills to transport oversized cargo safely and legally.
Oversized cargo types that we have transported
The following are some examples of items we’ve safely transported that are considered oversized for haulage in the UK:
- Large industrial equipment such as cranes, excavators, and bulldozers.
- Oversized machinery used in manufacturing and production processes.
- Wind turbine blades and other components for renewable energy projects.
- Large vehicles such as buses and coaches.
- Modular and portable buildings.
- Steel beams and other construction materials.
- Oversized and overweight cargo containers for shipping.
- Abnormal loads such as large boats or aircraft.
- Pipeline sections and other large infrastructure components.
- Heavy mining equipment and machinery.
The exact definition of oversized cargo varies depending on the specific regulations and guidelines governing road haulage in the UK. It’s important to consult with us to determine whether your cargo qualifies as oversized and what permits, safety procedures, and regulations may apply.