Journey of an Oversize Load: From Planning to Delivery

Do you need to transport oversize goods or equipment? If so, you’re probably wondering what’s involved in the process. Whether it’s a boat, farm machinery, construction equipment or even a small house, the journey needs to be carefully planned and the cargo safely delivered to its final destination.

This article will focus on the planning, logistics and delivery of oversize loads, including special considerations and safety tips.

Do you need oversize transport?

To determine whether you need oversize transport, you need to know exactly what’s considered oversize according to local regulations. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved in transporting an extra large load, including other road users and pedestrians.

To clarify, loads are considered oversize in Australia if the width of the load is greater than 2.5 metres and the height exceeds 4.3 metres. Excessive weight also comes into the picture. Any load that exceeds the standard dimensions of average vehicle metrics will be considered oversize.

Choose the right transport company

Before you plan anything else, you’ll need to find the right transport company to manage the planning and safe delivery of your oversize cargo. Not all transport companies have experience in oversize loads or even offer it as a service. So, be sure to check that they specialise in oversize transport. Next, determine how many years of experience the company has and look for positive feedback from satisfied customers.

The planning phase

This is the most critical phase of the entire process, as the success of transporting extra wide loads hinges on having the right route and plan in place. One aim of a thorough plan is to reduce the chances of encountering any surprises along the journey. Generally, the customer and transport provider will collaborate when formulating a plan.

The customer will inform the operator of what they want to transport, to where and what they want to achieve. The operator will then create a plan by determining the best route and figuring out all the logistics and possible risks that may be encountered. It’s also wise to have one or more contingency plans in place in case problems are encountered along the way.

Risk management plan

Part of the overall plan should include a plan for managing risk. Potential risks of the project need to be identified first. Ways to overcome, or avoid them, are then implemented to vastly reduce or eliminate risk while the oversize load is being hauled. Things like weather conditions and potential hazards en route also need to be factored in.

Logistical challenges

When mapping out a route, the width of roads needs to be taken into account, whether there are sharp turns along the route and if there are any bridges to be crossed. While the path of least resistance has to be considered, so too does the speed of the delivery.

Other logistical considerations include whether specialised equipment will be required at the commencement and end of the journey. For example, will a crane, a forklift or other equipment be needed to successfully complete the mission?

The right heavy duty truck will also be required to be able to handle the size and weight of the load. The cargo needs to be strapped down securely and the vehicle checked before embarking on the journey to avoid mechanical issues on the road.

Will a police escort be necessary?

At times, it might be necessary to have a police escort as part of the entourage. This usually depends on what you’re hauling or the difficulty of the route. For example, when driving through areas of high traffic, a police escort can clear a path for the truck hauling the oversize load.

Sometimes, escort vehicles and personnel may need to take up positions on either side of the wide load for added safety.

The right time of the day is critical

You may or may not have a choice in what time of the day your load can be transported, as wide load hauling times might be dictated by local or national laws. Your transport company will be able to advise you on this matter and determine the best time to make the journey. It’s often advantageous to transport an oversize load late at night when there is far less traffic on the roads. This is particularly true if the load is so wide it will cover multiple traffic lanes.

Compliance requirements

There are rules and regulations that govern the hauling of extra wide and oversize loads. These laws can differ from state to state and specific localities. It’s vital that the transport company fully understands and complies with these rules and regulations to avoid any legal issues or conflicts. Permits to haul an oversize load might be required, or a police escort. There will also be rules regarding the use of certain roads, tunnels and bridges for oversize loads.

Compliance requirements can vary extensively, depending on what’s being transported, the proposed route and so on. Non-compliance could result in fines, transport delays or even the impounding of the cargo itself.

Transportation costs

Your chosen transportation company will formulate a quote for you regarding the overall cost of hauling your oversize load from point A to point B. The most expensive quote won’t necessarily mean you’ll receive the best and most experienced service. You’ll also want to avoid a company that sounds way too cheap, as you generally get what you pay for. Consider the experience and reputation of the company when considering the price.

Also be mindful of the possibility that other unexpected costs may arise, particularly if unexpected issues are encountered along the journey.

Insurance and liability considerations

Insurance and liability are very important factors when it comes to hauling oversize cargo anywhere in Australia. Because an oversize load is bulky and heavy, there is an increased risk of damage to the cargo being hauled as well as to the truck and other equipment being used to accomplish the task. Accidents and injuries can also occur.

Cargo insurance is a necessity to cover the value of the freight being transported. Liability insurance is necessary to compensate for any accidents or injuries occurring as a result of the transport. Establish with the transport company what insurance is required and who is responsible for it.

Trust Reef Group Services for your oversize transportation

Reef Group Services has the equipment and the experience to plan the logistics and deliver your oversize load in the desired time frame and with complete safety. Our years of expertise have seen our company elevated to industry leaders in all forms of transportation, so get in contact today.