Load types
Oversized, Abnormal and Out-of-Gauge Load Transport
Any load that exceeds standard trailer dimensions or weight needs planning rather than just a booking. We assess the item, select the right trailer and arrange notifications, escorts and lifting where they are required.
Best suited to
When this option is the right one
- Plant, machinery and industrial equipment
- Steel fabrications, beams and long lengths
- Modular buildings, tanks and vessels
- Loads needing crane or Hiab offload
- Items over 2.9m wide, 4.3m high or 18.65m long
Pricing
What the price depends on
- Exact dimensions and weight, including centre of gravity
- Trailer type — flatbed, extendable, step frame or low loader
- Route survey and any notification or escort requirements
- Lifting equipment or crane support at either end
- Timing restrictions such as night-time running
What counts as an abnormal load
In Great Britain a load is abnormal once it exceeds 44 tonnes gross weight, 2.9 metres wide or 18.65 metres long. Depending on the category, the police, highway authorities and bridge owners require advance notification, and some movements need an attendant vehicle or must run outside peak hours. We handle those arrangements as part of the job rather than leaving them with you.
Trailer selection
Height is usually the deciding factor. A step-frame or low loader trailer drops the deck height so tall machinery clears bridges, while extendable trailers carry long beams and trusses safely. Flatbeds suit items that must be craned from above, and Hiab-equipped vehicles allow self-loading where there is no plant on site.
Site access and lifting
Before confirming, we ask about gate widths, turning circles, overhead cables, ground conditions and what lifting equipment is available. Where the receiving site has nothing suitable we arrange a crane-mounted vehicle or contract lift, and where necessary a site visit is carried out before the movement is booked.
Related services
Services that cover this load type
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What information do you need to quote an abnormal load?
Length, width, height and weight of the item, its lifting points or centre of gravity, whether it can be craned or must be driven on, and full access details for both sites. Photographs help considerably.
How much notice is needed?
Standard oversized loads on a flatbed can often move within a few days. Movements requiring police or highway authority notification typically need several working days, and the largest categories need longer.
Do you arrange escort vehicles?
Yes, where the load category requires an attendant or private escort vehicle we arrange it through the approved carrier network and include it in the quotation.
Can oversized loads travel to Europe?
They can, though each country has its own permit regime and running restrictions. We confirm the permitted dimensions, route and likely lead time before committing to a date.
Who is responsible for loading and securing?
Securing the load on the vehicle is the driver's responsibility, but safe presentation, lifting points and site plant remain with the consignor. We agree the method before the vehicle arrives.
Can you offload where there is no forklift or crane on site?
Yes. A Hiab crane-mounted vehicle can self-offload within its reach and weight chart, provided there is firm, level ground and no overhead obstruction.
Not sure which option fits?
Send the postcodes, pallet count, dimensions and weight and our Stockport planning team will price the sensible options side by side.