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How Can Heavy Haulage Benefit Your Industry?
If you need to transport heavy loads and oversized cargo, we can help.
JB Rawcliffe & Sons is a family-owned business with over 45 years of experience moving abnormal loads throughout the UK and beyond. Based in Skelmersdale – with excellent transport links to ports across the country – we are perfectly placed to meet our customers’ heavy haulage needs.
Heavy haulage can be an attractive option for businesses that would rather transport their goods in one big move, as opposed to hiring several smaller loads to make several journeys.
Whilst most industries can benefit, we thought we’d share some of the sectors we regularly provide our heavy haulage services for and the benefits. This way you can make an informed decision as to whether it’s right for you.
Aviation and aerospace
Need to transport heavy, sensitive, and irreplaceable aerospace components?
No job is too big or too small for the team at JB Rawcliffe, and we guarantee a dependable haulage service for defence, aircraft manufacturers, and aviation and space industries.
We work hard to ensure all parts and equipment are delivered on time and in one piece.
Construction
Heavy haulage is frequently used in the construction industry, and for good reason.
Employing the expertise of an experienced haulier not only provides peace of mind that your goods will be delivered safely and efficiently, it also allows every other aspect of the transportation process to run as smooth as possible.
With an extensive fleet at our disposal, we are delighted to be able to move all types of construction, plant, and oversized equipment used in the civil and infrastructure sector.
Oil and gas
Orchestrating the transportation of hazardous materials and pressure vessels between ports and factories requires specialist equipment and meticulous planning.
Luckily, as one of the UK’s leading heavy haulage companies, we are equipped to handle cargo of all shapes and sizes and carefully plan and execute the logistics.
In fact, we use vehicles that are specifically designed to carry petrochemical cargo, ensuring it reaches its end destination safely.
Power
Often, power generation companies seek help from heavy haulage specialists to move wide and heavy modular generators throughout the UK and Europe.
Here at JB Rawcliffe, you can be confident that our team is always on hand to assist. We offer a variety of jacking and skidding solutions for large and cumbersome generators, transformers and other power machinery, and do everything we can to keep costs and risks to a minimum.
Wind
Over the years, JB Rawcliffe has been working with renewable energy companies – providing heavy haulage for the delivery and logistics of wind turbines, components, and towers.
Our team appreciates that most sites are difficult to reach. However, we can offer a tailored transportation solution and draw on our expert strategies.
Could you benefit from heavy haulage?
At JB Rawcliffe, we understand that every industry is different.
Whilst some need help transporting abnormal loads and navigating difficult routes, others require an efficient solution for moving heavy machines and equipment from A to B.
That’s why we tailor the planning and execution of logistics to suit your specific heavy haulage requirements.
Find out more
If you would like to know more about heavy haulage or discuss your industrial needs further, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Always on hand to help, we would love to hear from you. Simply give us a call on 01695 737 880 or email enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com.
What is the process of our Heavy Haulage service?
Without the correct equipment, moving industrial machines and heavy equipment is an arduous task. But relax, JB Rawcliffe and Sons Ltd have a fantastic reputation for heavy haulage transport and take care of everything from planning and transportation, right through to installation.
Heavy haulage is a process – relied on by many industries to get oversized products to their end destination on time – that involves many safety and logistical factors. As an experienced heavy haulage company in the UK, JB Rawcliffe provides specialist haulage equipment and trained staff – offering a service that’s second to none.
How it works:
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Survey
Our heavy haulage services are great for transporting, installing and handling bulky items that are difficult to move – be it generators, turbines, cooling towers or industrial machines.
When transporting abnormal loads, even the slightest miscalculation can have severe consequences, so we need to make sure that we get every aspect of heavy haulage just right. We’ll work closely with you, conducting a detailed survey and inspection before preparing the transportation plan.
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Planning
Planning is key to a successful move, and here at JB Rawcliffe, we plan and execute logistics in intricate detail. We assess the potential security and environmental challenges that could be faced en-route – including obstructions, such as bridges, flyovers and overhead cables – and apply for permits and arrange vehicle escorts wherever necessary.
We’ll also consider the scale of the job, specific dimensions and weight of the equipment that needs transporting – ensuring our team uses the optimum heavy haulage truck for the job.
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Transportation
As a heavy haulage specialist, safety is crucial for us. Our haulage trucks are only ever operated by a fully qualified driver who has a wealth of experience in the industry.
For particularly challenging routes, we can draw on our 45 years’ experience and provide vehicle escorts to ensure the safe transit of your industrial equipment – making sure it arrives smoothly. We also incorporate the recommended ‘rest periods’ into the transportation plan to ensure maximum safety – especially for cargos being transported across the country.
By opting for JB Rawcliffe for heavy haulage in the UK, you can relax knowing that your machinery is being safely handled by highly trained personnel, using the latest equipment.
Contact us
If you’d like to take advantage of our heavy haulage services, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Always on hand to help, we will be more than willing to discuss your requirements in more detail. Either call us on 01695 737 880 or send an email to enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to transport heavy goods throughout the UK or overseas?
Many industries use heavy haulage to execute their transportation needs – from renewable energy companies to farmers, oil and gas engineers and clients in the civil and infrastructure sectors.
Whatever industry you work in, the JB Rawcliffe team can partner with your business to ensure your consignments reach their final destinations safely and on time.
Our heavy haulage services can effectively save you money by reducing the need to hire or purchase haulage trucks outright while making processes more streamlined.
To find out more about heavy haulage and how JB Rawcliffe can help you, call 01695 737 880.
When it comes to heavy haulage you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £1.50 per mile, but this can vary depending on numerous factors.
For example, if you need goods to be transported on the same day or overnight, you’ll likely be charged more – but you can trust that they’ll arrive promptly.
Similarly, longer journeys, larger vehicles and heavier loads will bump up the price considerably. This is to cover fuel costs and travel time, as well as the provision of a specially trained driver.
If you’d like to know how much heavy haulage will cost you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the JB Rawcliffe team. We’ll take your specific requirements into account and offer a fair yet competitive price.
By law, abnormal loads don’t need to be escorted.
However, the police often encourage the use of an escort vehicle when transporting an unusually large, long or heavy load for safety reasons.
An escort can alert other road users to the presence of an abnormal load, allowing them to give a wider berth when overtaking.
An escort can travel either ahead or behind the vehicle transporting the abnormal load. This way, if there are any potential obstructions (i.e. low bridges, tight bends, narrow roads, etc.) they can check clearance and help them to navigate the route safely.
If you require an escort vehicle for your heavy haulage, this can be arranged by the team at JB Rawcliffe. We’ll make sure your goods are transported as smoothly as possible.
There are several ways in which you can benefit from using a heavy haulage company – one of the main ones being expertise.
A reputable transport company will have vast experience in the industry, like ourselves at JB Rawcliffe. Our specialists are more than capable of providing a tailored solution to suit your transportation needs.
We will transfer your goods in a cost-effective way – saving you the need to hire or purchase haulage vehicles. On top of this, we will handle the entire process – including the planning and logistics – for an agreed rate.
Our professional team has knowledge in abundance. We know exactly how to operate the latest technology, ensuring your goods are handled safely and efficiently.
If you’d like to benefit from our heavy haulage service, please feel free to contact us. We’re always on hand to help and will happily discuss your requirements in further detail.
What is the Process of Abnormal Load Transport with JB Rawcliffe?
Abnormal load transport refers to haulage involving large consignments that cannot be divided between vehicles.
JB Rawcliffe and Sons are specialists in the transport of abnormal loads. In this article, we explain our process when it comes to engagements of this kind.
Step 1: Discuss Requirements
Before we begin to plan the operation, we hold a discussion with the client regarding the specifics of the consignment – including its size, shape, weight, comprising materials, its complexities, its location, its destination and any further necessary information.
It is vital that we collect as much information as possible right at the start of any assignment so we know what to expect and have the capacity to plan for various scenarios.
Step 2: Plan and Prepare for Transportation
Our team of experts will then discuss the best approach to transporting the load in question.
We will consider the timings required, decide on the best vehicle for the job, assess all risks and select the correct safety equipment to protect the consignment, our workers, the public and our vehicles.
Step 3: Conduct Route Survey
After deciding on the best approach for the transportation of abnormal loads, our next step is to check the designated route in detail.
Anything from low tunnels to narrow lanes to weight limits on bridges can cause major problems when attempting to move a consignment weighing over 44,000kg or measuring over 2.9m wide.
Step 4: Notify Relevant Authorities
Depending on the route we decide to take and the vehicle we’ll be using, it may be necessary for us to seek permission from certain authorities or organisations prior to the date in question.
Those authorities may include the police, the highway authority, Network Rail or the owners of any land or structure that we may need to utilise or pass on our journey.
We’ll take care of these communications ourselves to ensure that nothing is missed and to save our clients time and stress.
Step 5: Arrange Private Escorts
This step is not always necessary, but certain loads may require a little more protection or monitoring than others. If we deem this to be the case, we will arrange for the consignment to be escorted by a security team or other experienced specialists.
Throughout the planning and execution of the transportation of abnormal loads, the team at JB Rawcliffe and Sons work hard to ensure that each consignment can be delivered to its destination on time, in perfect condition and in total safety.
We can help to transport goods or equipment of any kind, on behalf of clients from any industry. Our services are most commonly used by professionals within the following fields:
However, we are able to work with consignments from almost any existing sector.
For further information about our methods or to talk to us about an abnormal load that you’re hoping to move, simply contact our haulage team today.
Process Of Abnormal Load Transport FAQs
An abnormal load is a load that – due to its weight or dimensions – cannot be carried on a traditional goods vehicle (i.e. a lorry, pick-up truck or van). Typical examples include wind turbines, power station transformers, motorhomes and fertiliser tanks.
Such loads have to be transported using a special vehicle, which can be hired from a reputable transport company, like us at JB Rawcliffe.
A vehicle that has any of the following is classed as an abnormal load in the UK: • a weight of more than 44,000kg • an axle load of more than 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle (or 11,500kg for a single driving axle) • a width of more than 2.9 metres • a rigid length of 18.65 metres or more
The price of abnormal load transport can vary depending on your chosen transport company, the length of the journey and the cost of fuel.
Abnormal loads tend to be more expensive than other heavy haulage costs – mostly because of the restrictions involved and the need to inform the local authorities. However, with more than 45 years of industry experience, you can trust that your goods will be transported in the safest way possible when you choose JB Rawcliffe & Sons.
We use only the most reliable vehicles in our fleet to transport your abnormal load from A to B – ensuring it reaches its end destination in one piece. We also pride ourselves on offering competitive rates, allowing you to benefit from a professional service that’s tailored to your needs, without breaking the bank!
To discuss your requirements in further detail and receive an accurate estimate for abnormal load transport, give us a call on 01695 737 880.
Depending on the load you need to transport and the route it will take, you may need to give a warning to the police, highway authorities and bridge structure owners. This is to ensure the appropriate safety precautions are in place on the day of the move.
Though you should be able to notify the relevant parties about your abnormal load transport via Highways England’s electronic service delivery for abnormal loads (ESDAL), you will need to have completed a Special Order application at least 10 weeks before your proposed plans.
If you have any questions about notifying the authorities when you’re transporting an abnormal load, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly team at JB Rawcliffe. We’ll be more than happy to help!
Although not strictly necessary, movements that exceed certain dimensions and weights will benefit from an escort vehicle service. In some cases, the police force may recommend using one too.
Escorts serve as a safety check. Often brightly coloured and equipped with flashing beacons, they make other road users aware of the presence of an unusually long or wide load and ensure the vehicle can navigate the route safely.
If you’re considering a vehicle escort service for an abnormal load – either because you’ve been advised to or you want to demonstrate to the police and local authorities that you’re mitigating the risk – let the team at JB Rawcliffe help.
Our knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer guidance and support and can assist you with every aspect of abnormal load transport. So, why not give us a call on 01695 737 880?
Why use JB Rawcliffe for heavy haulage?
More than ever before, businesses are opting for heavy haulage in the UK – and it’s no surprise when there are countless benefits to be had.
Here at JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, we are heavy haulage specialists and guarantee to provide a solution to match your business needs. Working with our team will ensure a successful haul and provide you with the peace of mind that loads are handled in the safest way possible.
6 reasons to use JB Rawcliffe for heavy haulage:
- Wealth of experience
Rather than attempting to transport goods yourself, why not leave it to our team of experts? Our fleet is driven by qualified drivers who are fully experienced with the complexities of heavy haulage. We are one of the most well-established heavy haulage companies in the UK, with more than 45 years in the industry, and a fantastic reputation for heavy haulage.
- Varied heavy haulage fleet
We have a wide range of heavy haulage trucks at our disposal and can guide and advise you in making the right choice for your project. All our heavy haulage trucks are carefully configured to carry single loads, or even the most complex freights.
Using the latest technology and state of the art equipment we ensure an efficient heavy haulage service.
- Adaptable for various industries
Heavy haulage transport can be tailored to match the requirements of many different industries and sectors – whether you need to transport plant machinery, aircraft parts or cumbersome loads.
To find out more about our heavy haulage transport, get in touch with us via our online enquiry form and we’ll respond to you as soon as possible.
- Logistics execution
Working with heavy haulage companies, like us at JB Rawcliffe, will allow you to relax in the knowledge that every aspect of the haul is taken care of. We guarantee safety every step of the way and will execute logistics to make sure that your goods are delivered on time and within budget.
- Widespread locations
Based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, JB Rawcliffe specialise in heavy haulage in the UK. From machinery relocation in Scotland to handling power stations in North Wales, no project is too big for our team of heavy haulage specialists and we have worked with various companies across the country. See for yourself in our case studies.
- Availability
Here at JB Rawcliffe, we can be reached 24/7, so if you have any questions or queries about heavy haulage transport, don’t hesitate to contact us – day or night.
We understand that no two projects are ever the same and will be more than happy to discuss your requirements in further detail. Call 01695 737 880 or email enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com and we’ll happily assist.