Abnormal Loads
A load that cannot, without undue expense or risk of damage, be divided in to two or more loads. Contact UsABNORMAL LOADS
An “abnormal load” (also known as an “indivisible load”, an “oversized load” or a “wide load”) is a vehicle that exceeds the dimensions or weight limits for transporting goods set by law.
A vehicle is classified as an abnormal load if it:
- Has a weight of more than 44 tonnes
- Is more than 3 metres in width
- Has a rigid length of more than 18.65 metres
Transporting an abnormal load requires special permits, additional planning, and often police escorts.
RULES & REGULATIONS
- Loads over 3m wide require 2 full working day’s notice and permits.
- Loads from 3.5m to 4.1m wide require 2 full working day’s notice, permits and an attendant or pilot cars.
- Loads 4.1m to 5.0m require 2 full working day’s notice, permits and an attendant or pilot cars.
In simpler terms, Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AIL) exceed a gross weight of 40 Tonnes (on five axles), 44 Tonnes (on six axles) or with an axle load greater than 11.5 Tonnes. The dimensions are also taken into account, and any out of gauge or oversized cargo exceeding 3m in width or 18.65m in length will be classed as an abnormal indivisible load (AIL).
Special Order BE16
Special Order BE16 Permits are required from the Highways Agency for the haulage of any abnormal indivisible loads which exceed 6.1m in width or 30m in length along with 5 clear days’ notice.
To ensure every multimodal project we undertake is completed to the highest standards, our Permits Team liaise directly with police escorts and local authorities to ensure all necessary notifications & permits and Highways Agency “Water Preferred” documentation is in place for the movement of your cargo.
Abnormal load transport
Collett & Sons are experts in abnormal loads. Our team will undertake all planning and provide specialist knowledge and equipment to provide efficient transport.
When undertaking your transport, our team will provide any necessary permits, consult with the necessary authorities and carry out any positioning tasks required to load, offload, and position the load.
With a large variety of heavy tractor units, specialist trailers, crane vehicles, and SPMTs we have the resources to meet your global logistics requirements.
Road Vehicles Order 2003
An Abnormal Indivisible Load is defined in The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 as:
A load that cannot, without undue expense or risk of damage, be divided in to two or more loads for the purpose of being carried on a road that –
- On account of its length, width or height, cannot be carried on a motor vehicle of category N3 or a trailer of category O4 (or by a combination of such vehicles) that complies in all respects with Part 2 of the Construction and Use Regulations; or
- on account of its weight, cannot be carried on a motor vehicle of category N3 or a trailer of category O4 (or by a combination of such vehicles) that complies in all respects with—
(i) the Authorised Weight Regulations (or, if those Regulations do not apply, the equivalent provisions in Part 4 of the Construction and Use Regulations); and
(ii) Part 2 of the Construction and Use Regulations.”