Understanding Abnormal Loads in UK Road Freight
The UK's roads are a complex network, designed to handle a vast array of vehicles and cargo. But what happens when the cargo itself is so large or heavy that it simply doesn't fit the standard mould?
Where a cargo is an unusual size, weight or shape, this is where the concept of an "abnormal load" comes into play, a specialised area of road freight that demands meticulous planning, strict adherence to regulations, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved.
What Defines an Abnormal Load in the UK?
In the UK, a load is classified as "abnormal" where it exceeds specific dimensions and/or weight limits as set out in the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998.
Generally, a vehicle and its load are considered abnormal if they meet any of the following criteria:
Weight: More than 44,000kg (44 tonnes) gross vehicle weight.
Axle Load: An axle load exceeding 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle or 11,500kg for a single driving axle.
Width: More than 2.9 metres wide.
Rigid Length: A rigid length exceeding 18.65 metres.
Crucially, many abnormal loads fall under the umbrella of "Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AIL)". The “AIL” classification on the UK’s roads refers to cargo that cannot, without undue expense or risk of damage, be divided into two or more smaller loads for transport.
These could include massive wind turbine blades, colossal industrial machinery, or prefabricated bridge sections, none of which can be broken down into smaller loads.
The Rules and Regulations of Abnormal Loads
Moving an abnormal load isn't simply a case of hooking it up and setting off. Road hauliers operating in this sector must navigate a stringent regulatory framework, primarily governed by The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (STGO).
Key obligations of these regulations include:
Notification to Authorities: This is paramount. Hauliers must notify the police, highway authorities, and owners of bridges or structures in every area through which the abnormal load will travel. The notice periods vary depending on the load's dimensions and weight:
For loads exceeding 80,000 kg gross weight, 6.1 metres width, or 30 metres length, five clear working days' notice is generally required for relevant authorities, with two working days' notice for the police.
For less extreme, but still abnormal, dimensions (e.g., over 2.9 metres in width, or 18.65 metres in rigid length), two clear working days' notice to the police is typically required.
For very heavy loads (over 150,000 kilograms), a "Special Order" from National Highways may be required, with a ten-week consultation period for bridge owners.
Route Planning: This is a highly detailed process. Hauliers must meticulously plan routes using tools like the Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads (ESDAL) system. ESDAL helps to identify potential hazards such as:
Low bridges and overhead cables (there's no legal height limit in the UK, but exceeding 4.95m requires careful consideration).
Weight-restricted bridges.
Narrow roads and tight corners.
Areas with high traffic congestion.
Escorting Requirements: Depending on the size and weight of the load, escort vehicles (either private or police) may be necessary to warn other road users and manage traffic flow. While not always legally mandated, police forces often encourage or require escorts for safety reasons, particularly for extremely wide or long loads.
Vehicle Markings and Equipment: Abnormal load vehicles must be clearly marked with signs (e.g., "WIDE LOAD" or "OVERSIZE LOAD"), flashing beacons, and appropriate lighting, especially during hours of darkness or poor visibility. Specialist vehicles, such as low loaders and extendable trailers, are essential for safely transporting unique cargo.
Load Securement: All cargo must be securely fastened to prevent any movement during transit. Load securement requires skilled personnel and specialised techniques, considering the load's weight, shape, height, and centre of gravity to prevent dangerous shifts or imbalances.
Speed Restrictions: Abnormal loads often have reduced speed limits compared to regular freight, typically 40 mph on motorways, 35 mph on dual carriageways, and 30 mph on other roads for heavier categories.
Challenges to Safe Delivery
Even with stringent regulations and careful planning, moving abnormal loads presents a multitude of challenges:
Infrastructure Limitations: The UK's diverse road network, often featuring historical infrastructure, presents significant challenges. Low bridges, narrow country lanes, tight urban corners, and weight-restricted structures necessitate complex route planning and can lead to lengthy detours.
Bureaucracy and Coordination: Obtaining all the necessary permits and coordinating with multiple authorities (police forces across different regions, local councils, and bridge owners) can be a time-consuming and complex process. Delays in approvals can significantly impact project timelines and costs.
Cost Implications: The specialised nature of abnormal load transport means higher costs. These include:
Permit fees.
Investment in and maintenance of specialised vehicles and equipment.
The cost of escort vehicles (private or police).
Increased fuel consumption due to weight and slower speeds.
Potential for unexpected delays and associated charges.
Public Safety and Disruption: Ensuring the safety of other road users is paramount. Abnormal loads can cause temporary disruption to traffic flow, and managing this requires expert planning and execution. Unexpected incidents, though rare, can have significant consequences.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or snow, can significantly impact the stability and safety of abnormal loads, often leading to delays or cancellations of movements.
Driver Expertise: Operating vehicles with abnormal loads demands a high level of skill, experience, and specialised training from drivers, who must be adept at navigating complex routes and handling exceptionally large or heavy vehicles.
In conclusion, the movement of abnormal loads in the UK is a vital yet complex aspect of road freight. It requires a profound understanding of legal frameworks, meticulous planning, robust risk assessment, and unwavering commitment to safety.
For hauliers in this specialised field, every journey is a testament to their expertise and dedication in safely and efficiently delivering the nation's most significant and heaviest cargo.
About us
Conveniently located between the busy ports of Southampton and Portsmouth on the UK’s south coast, CCW Services offers comprehensive Third-Party Logistics services including haulage, warehousing, devanning, rework and pallet supply. If your business expects the very best in seamless, tailored logistics solutions, get in touch to find out more about partnering with us.
