Oversized cargo
Oversized (out-of-gauge) cargo exceeds the standard dimensions or weight limits of the vehicle.
What is oversized cargo?
Oversized cargo exceeds standard dimensions or weight — machine tools, heavy plant, steel structures. It needs special vehicles (flatbeds, low-loaders), sometimes permits and escorts, and an individually planned route and securing.
It travels separately from groupage consignments, with every stage worked out in advance. As the supplier, the most useful thing you can provide early is accurate drawings with dimensions, weights and lifting points.
How it works in practice
Cargo is oversized if it exceeds the standard dimensions of a road train: wider than 2.55 m, higher than 4 m, longer than 20 m, or heavier than the permitted axle load. For machine tools, heavy plant and steel structures we select a low-loader or flatbed, obtain special route permits for each country and arrange escorts if necessary.
From Europe it pays to check first whether the equipment can be partly dismantled to fit within the gauge: savings on permits and escorts often exceed the cost of reassembly on site.
Oversized cargo: frequently asked questions
What cargo is oversized in road transport?
Anything that does not fit a standard semi-trailer: wider than 2.55 m (2.6 m for refrigerated trailers), higher than 4 m including the vehicle, or longer than 20 m, plus heavy loads exceeding axle limits. Exact limits vary by country.
How long does it take to obtain permits?
From a few days to 3–4 weeks, depending on the countries on the route and how far the dimensions are exceeded. The route is agreed with road and bridge owners in advance, so it is best to submit an oversized-cargo request a month before shipment.
Can oversized cargo go by sea?
Yes — on flat racks and open-top containers, or as project cargo on deck. For very large units this is the only option from Asia; at the port of arrival the cargo is transferred to a low-loader.
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