Road haulage becomes an important consideration, especially when you need transport in the form of a wide load dispensation. Normally, haulage services provide services that handle wide loads of up to 3.5 metres or long load dispensations up to 18.28 metres. Haulers who handle these assignments on a routine basis normally have good relationships with police authorities. They also provide escort to ensure a safe transit experience.
Technical Specifications
Technically, an abnormal load is defined as a vehicle that possesses a weight of over 44,000 kilograms. A load is also considered abnormal if it has an axle load of over 10,000 kilograms for a single non-driving axle or 11,500 kilograms for a single drive-type axle. The width is normally over 2.9 metres and the rigid length span over 18.65 metres.
The law in the UK requires that vehicles and load movements that exceed standard dimensions contract road haulage services in Wiltshire or other communities as well notify the highway and bridge authorities and the police. The length of notice that is required and whether an attendant is needed is based on a vehicle’s weight and dimensions.
Planning a Route
In order to make plans for this type of transport, you need to sketch your route. You can visit the Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads (ESDAL) online in order to obtain assistance in route planning. Particular attention is also needed with respect to high loads. Because these loads pass under bridges or similar structures, you need to make sure that your load’s height is safe.
Each year, several hundred bridges are struck by lorries whose loads are too high. In some instances, this type of practice has resulted in death and injury. What’s more, any impact on a railway bridge can potentially dislodge the rails, which can ultimately lead to a train derailment and a serious accident.
Needless to say, any type of load you are carrying should be navigated with the utmost care and diligence. Stay to the law and plan your route so you can realise a safe transport and delivery.
