Abnormal Load Transport
Oversized and heavy loads moved by road, with permits and route surveys
STGO movements up to 150 tonnes and Special Order moves above that, notified through ESDAL, with escorts where the load needs them.
- STGO Categories 1 to 3
- ESDAL notifications
- VR1 and Special Order permits
What is an Abnormal Load?
An abnormal load is a vehicle and load that exceeds the normal UK limits for weight, width or length. On UK roads, a standard articulated lorry can weigh up to 44 tonnes, be 2.55 m wide and 16.5 m long. Anything beyond those limits needs special rules, notifications and sometimes permits.
Most abnormal loads are indivisible: they cannot be broken down without undue cost or risk of damage. Typical examples include transformers, excavators, cranes, boats, steel beams, bridge sections, modular buildings and wind turbine components.
Abnormal loads move under the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order, known as STGO, using low loaders, step frames, extendable trailers and modular trailers matched to the cargo.
Talk to a Heavy Haulage Specialist
Get expert advice on permits, routing, and heavy haulage solutions
Abnormal loads at a glance
Watch out for: notifications and permits take time. Most abnormal loads need at least two clear working days' notice, and Special Orders can take weeks, so confirm exact dimensions and book as early as you can.
Benefits of Abnormal Load Transport
Indivisible cargo in one piece
Large machinery and structures can travel assembled, saving time and cost at both ends.
The right trailer for the load
Low loaders for tall cargo, extendable trailers for long items and modular trailers for the heaviest pieces.
Permits and notifications handled
We notify the police, highway and bridge authorities and apply for permits where needed.
Routes planned in advance
Bridges, weight restrictions, low structures and roadworks are checked before the move.
Road, sea and air connected
Abnormal road moves to and from UK ports for breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargo shipments.
Abnormal Load Transport Solutions We Provide
- Heavy Haulage Road Transport
Specialist road transport for oversized and indivisible cargo.
- Permit & Authority Coordination
Full management of permits and regulatory approvals.
- Route Surveys & Feasibility Planning
Assessment of infrastructure and access constraints.
- Escort Vehicle Coordination
Arrangement of police or private escort vehicles where required.
- Multi-Modal Project Transport
Integration with sea or rail for long-distance movements.
UK abnormal load rules at a glance
These are the main thresholds that decide how an abnormal load moves on UK roads.
Weight categories (STGO)
Category 1
Up to 50 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
Category 2
Up to 80 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
Category 3
Up to 150 tonnes gross vehicle weight. Heavier loads need a Special Order.
Width thresholds
Over 2.55 m
Wider than a standard lorry. The load moves as an abnormal load under STGO rules.
Over 3 m
The police must be notified in advance, and further requirements apply as the width increases.
Over 5 m
A VR1 permit from National Highways is needed before the move.
Over 6.1 m
A Special Order is needed, which takes longer to approve.
Height
There is no legal height limit in the UK, but bridges and structures set the real limit, so the route must be checked.
Length
Very long loads also need notification and may need an attendant to help manoeuvre.
Why Choose Qube Cargo for Abnormal Load Transport
We are a UK freight forwarder, not a call centre. You deal with the same small team from the first drawing to final delivery.
Planned from your measurements
We work from exact dimensions, weights, lifting points and site details to choose the trailer, route and timing.
Notifications and permits
ESDAL notifications to police, highway and bridge authorities, VR1 permits and Special Order applications where required.
Escorts and attendants
Arranged when the size of the load or the route requires them.
UK and European moves
Abnormal loads across the UK and into Europe, with permits arranged for each country on the route.
Talk to a person
Call us on 07544 381501.
How We Deliver Abnormal Load Transport
1. Measurements and site check
We confirm the exact length, width, height and weight of the load, plus access and lifting at both ends.
2. Trailer and route
We choose the vehicle combination and plan a route that avoids weak bridges, low structures and narrow roads.
3. Notifications and permits
We submit notifications through ESDAL, apply for VR1 permits or Special Orders where needed, and book escorts.
4. Loading and securing
The load is lifted and secured to its weight and centre of gravity, with crane hire arranged if needed.
5. The move
The load travels at the agreed times, often at night or early morning, with updates until it is delivered.
Groupage
Next Day
Hazardous
Drop Shipping
Freight Insurance
Customs Clearance
Rail Freight
Container Haulage
eCommerce
Global Abnormal Load Transport Coverage
We coordinate abnormal load transport across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, ensuring compliance with local regulations in every region.
- Europe – Cross-border heavy haulage and regulated transport routes
- Asia & Middle East – Access to major hubs and remote project locations
- North & South America – Oversized cargo to ports and inland routes.
- Africa – Infrastructure and mining-related heavy haulage
- Australasia & Oceania – Including Australia, New Zealand, and remote Pacific locations
Case Study – Bridge Section Transport Across Continents
A construction firm required the transport of oversized bridge sections from Europe to a remote site in East Africa.
A compliant solution was arranged, including permits, route surveys, escort vehicles, and sea freight coordination.
The cargo was delivered safely, on schedule, and without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Team & Process
Cargo that exceeds legal size/weight limits for standard road transport—usually an indivisible item such as machinery, turbine components, steel sections or boats.
Yes. We arrange the required permits and authority notifications for the whole route; timings depend on the locations and regulators involved.
If dimensions or weight exceed set thresholds, escorts are mandatory. We organise certified police or private escorts where required.
Pickup and delivery locations, description, L×W×H, weight, ready date, handling notes (e.g., crane, access, DG) and whether you want insurance.
By route and permissions, dimensions/weight, trailer type and lifting gear, escort requirements, and any multimodal legs (e.g., sea/air) and customs.
Sometimes. If safe to divide, it may remove the “abnormal” classification. Send the details and we’ll advise the best option.
Low-loader, extendable or modular trailers matched to your load, plus lift plans and cranes where needed.
Yes—optional cover based on shipment value and risk. Standard carrier liability is limited, so insurance is recommended for high-value cargo.
Yes. We plan multimodal routes—road to port/airport, then breakbulk, OOG container or air charter as required—and handle customs.
Often yes, and some authorities prefer off-peak windows. We’ll confirm permitted timings for your route.