Abnormal load haulage covers the transport of loads that exceed standard legal limits for size or weight on UK roads. It requires specific permits, careful route planning, and in many cases police or traffic management escorts.
What is an Abnormal Load?
A load is classified as abnormal if it exceeds any of the following on UK roads:
- Width: over 2.9 metres
- Length: over 18.75 metres (articulated combination)
- Weight: over 44 tonnes gross vehicle weight
Abnormal loads include large cable drums, structural steelwork, industrial tanks and vessels, modular building sections, agricultural machinery, and oversized fabrications.
Permits Required
The level of permit required depends on the size and weight of the load:
- Standard Abnormal Indivisible Load (STGO): For loads between 44 and 150 tonnes — permit required from the relevant road authority
- Special Types General Order (STGO): For wider or heavier loads — may require Highways England approval
- Special Order: For the very largest, heaviest movements — full Highways England authorisation required
Route Survey
Before moving an abnormal load, a route survey is carried out to identify restrictions — low bridges, tight bends, weak bridges, and other hazards. The route is planned to avoid these where possible or to arrange temporary traffic management where necessary.
Police Escorts
Loads exceeding certain dimensions or moving during restricted hours require a police escort. For loads that qualify, we coordinate this in advance. Escort costs are included in your quote.
We handle the permit process on your behalf for wide and abnormal load movements. Full details on our abnormal load haulage service.