What is oversized transport?

What is normative and oversized transportation?

Oversize transport, also known as non-normative transport, is the transportation of cargo that exceeds the permissible dimensional or weight standards set for standard vehicles. It is worth outlining a few more definitions at this point.

Normative transport refers to cargo that falls within the legal dimensional and weight limits, i.e. length up to 16.5 meters, width up to 2.55 meters, height up to 4 meters, and total weight not exceeding 42 tons.

Oversize transport, on the other hand, refers to cargo that exceeds these limits. For example, when the transported goods are wider than 2.55 meters or heavier than 42 tons, they are classified as oversized cargo, and require special permits and often additional logistical support, such as piloting the vehicle.

Oversize loads – examples

Typical oversize loads include:

• agricultural machinery (tractors, combines)
• construction machinery (excavators, cranes)
• elements of industrial structures (steel girders, containers)
• large vehicles or infrastructure elements (wind turbines, boats)

Oversize transport – what dimensions?

In Poland, oversize transport is regulated by the Law on Road Traffic (Journal of Laws 1997 No. 98 item 602, as amended), where specific limits of oversize shipments are indicated. Thus, oversize transport should be understood as exceeding any of the following values: 

• Length: the vehicle or set of vehicles cannot exceed 16.5 meters (for a truck tractor with semitrailer) or 18.75 meters (for a combination of vehicles with trailer).
• Width: the maximum permissible width of a vehicle is 2.55 meters, or 2.6 meters for refrigerated vehicles.
• Height: loaded vehicles can have a maximum height of 4 meters.
• Total weight: the maximum permissible total weight of a loaded vehicle is 42 tons.

Exceeding any of these parameters means that we are dealing with oversized transport, requiring special permits.

Entrepreneur and driver obligations

According to regulations, the transport of non-standard cargo may require:

• Guidance (if the width exceeds 3.2 meters and the length exceeds 23 meters).
• Adjusting the route, which often involves bypassing objects such as overpasses, traffic circles or bridges.
• Appropriate category permits, which are issued on the basis of Ministry of Infrastructure regulations.

Oversize cargoes include steel structures, bridge elements, cranes or industrial machinery that exceed normative values by their size or weight.

Who issues permits for oversize transport?

The authorities responsible for issuing permits are:

• Road administrator –  for transports that travel on local roads (commune, district, and voivodeship)
• District governor – for transports that exceed the dimensions in certain categories, such as for non-normative slow-moving vehicles.
• General Directorate of National Roads and Highways (GDDKiA) – for transports that use national roads and highways, as well as for the most complex transport operations.
• Head of the Customs Office – for international transports that cross Polish borders.

Permits are issued for various periods, from one-time to temporary, lasting up to 24 months, depending on the category of cargo and route. For international transport, it is necessary to obtain permits in each country through which the transit takes place.

How much does oversize transport cost?

The cost of oversize transportation depends on many factors, and each service is priced individually. The key elements that affect the price are:

• Cargo size and weight  –  the larger and heavier the cargo, the greater the logistical challenges and the need for specialized equipment.
• Route length – the price increases depending on the number of kilometres to be travelled and the number of countries through which the transport is to pass if it is international transport.
• Permits – different categories of permits are required, the cost of which depends on how much the dimensional and weight standards were exceeded. Permits are issued by relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways.
• Escort vehicles – transports with large dimensions may require the guidance of escort vehicles, which further increases the cost of the service.
• Obstacles along the route  –  infrastructure elements such as road signs, posts, traffic barriers may require temporary removal or modification, which entails additional fees.
• Type of transportation  –  costs vary depending on the mode of transportation (road, sea, air), as well as the type of equipment used.

As a result, the price of oversized transport can range from a few thousand zlotys for simple domestic routes to as much as tens of thousands of zlotys when the route is complex, international and requires numerous permits and infrastructure interference.

How to organize oversized transport (step by step)

The organization of oversized transportation requires precise planning and compliance with a number of legal and technical requirements. The process involves several key stages:

• Determining type of cargo – the cargo must be accurately measured and weighed to determine whether it exceeds the permissible standards.
• Route planning – planning a route that will allow the cargo to be transported without being exposed to obstacles such as overpasses, roundabouts or bridges with limited carrying capacity.
• Obtaining permits – the type of permit required depends on the category of transport.
• Guiding transport – when the width exceeds 3.2 meters or the length is more than 23 meters, the vehicle has to be guided by special vehicles, and in some cases, escorted by the police.
• Securing cargo – due to their non-standard size, oversized cargo requires special securing techniques during transport.

Summary: Size matters

Oversize transport is an integral part of logistics and transportation. If length, width, height or weight limits are exceeded, the need arises for special permits, careful route planning and securing the transported cargo. This however, should not be a problem, since you managed to get all the way to the end!

FAQ

What is oversize transport?

Oversize transport is the transportation of cargo that exceeds the permissible dimensional or weight standards.

Who issues permits for oversize transport?

Permits are issued by the road administrator, the district governor, the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways or the head of the office.

How much does oversize transport cost?

Prices can range from several to tens of thousands of zlotys.