Abnormal Load Transport
Abnormal Load Services
JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd has provided abnormal load transport across the UK for more than 45 years from our depot in Skelmersdale, with easy access to the motorway network.
As a specialist haulage company, we move freight that cannot be divided into smaller loads without undue expense or risk of damage. This ranges from single machines to multi-axle abnormal indivisible loads bound for power stations, ports and construction sites.
Every job is planned, permitted and delivered by the same team, from first enquiry to final delivery, so everything runs smoothly. That’s how we’ve delivered projects such as a 155,000kg generator transformer relocation from an oil-fired power station to a nuclear site, and moving two castings to the Port of Goole for export.
What is an abnormal load?
An abnormal load is a vehicle or load combination that exceeds the standard limits set out in the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order, known as STGO.
In practice, this means a gross vehicle weight over 44,000kg, a width over 2.9 metres, a rigid length over 18.65 metres or a single non-driving axle load over 10,000kg (11,500kg for a single driving axle).
A load meeting any of these criteria has to be notified to the relevant authorities before it moves. Our guide to moving an abnormal load in the UK covers the full process step by step.
Common heavy loads we move include:
- Wind turbine components
- Construction and industrial machinery, like large cranes
- Motor homes
- Bridge beams
- Electrical transformers
Planning the route
Every abnormal load transport project starts with a route survey. Our planning team checks clearance under low bridges, weight limits on bridges and roads and any narrow roads or street layouts that could cause delays. From there, we can work out the best route for the load, the vehicle and other road users.
Where a structure cannot take the weight or height involved, we design a practical solution, from over-bridge systems to low-profile decking that keeps the load within its permitted height.
Permits are applied for through the Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads (ESDAL) system. We’ll notify the police, highway authorities and structure owners along the route as required. Depending on the size and weight of the load, a police or specialist escort vehicle may also be needed.
Weather conditions, seasonal road closures and other potential hazards are all built into the schedule at the planning stage, so delays are the exception rather than the rule.
For more information about the fleet and specialist equipment behind our moves, including our low loaders, semi-low loaders and extendable trailers, see our Heavy Haulage page.
Industries we serve
We plan abnormal load transport for construction, civil engineering, oil and gas, defence and marine projects, in addition to power generation and heavy manufacturing.
Recent projects include moving two large castings from a Sheffield forge to Goole port for shipment to Germany, detailed in our Mill Housing transport case study.
Each sector brings its own access, security and accreditation requirements. A defence or nuclear site calls for different clearances than a commercial port, and our planning team works through these before the load ever leaves the yard.
Why choose JB Rawcliffe for abnormal load transport?
If professional, timely and reliable abnormal transport is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. At JB Rawcliffe, we specialise in abnormal haulage and have a modern fleet – backed up with a team of experts – to move all manner of loads across the country and beyond.
We’ve delivered abnormal load transport for the UK’s energy, defence, marine and construction sectors for more than 45 years, including projects for the nuclear and power generation industries where accreditation is non-negotiable.
We assess each project individually, effectively evaluating its requirements to guarantee a practical solution. As standard practice, all jobs are completed to your satisfaction and never compromise on safety or efficiency, so you can relax knowing goods are transported quickly and will arrive at their destination undamaged.
We hold Ministry of Defence, Class 7 radioactive cargo and UVDB Verified accreditation, detailed in full on our About Us page.
Our 12-acre Skelmersdale site gives us fast access to the motorway network and room to plan, store and prepare loads before they move.
Get in touch
Need a heavy haulage firm you can trust? JB Rawcliffe has been transporting abnormal loads for years.
Send us the load specification and site details, and we’ll come back with a route plan and quote. If you’re weighing up costs before you commit, our guide to the cost of abnormal load transport breaks down what affects the price.
Call 01695 737880 or use the enquiry form below to speak to the same team who will handle your job from planning through to delivery.
When it comes to moving abnormal loads – be it heavy machinery or large, long and/or wide items – abnormal load transport is an excellent choice and will provide you with the following benefits:
- Specialist equipment – Moving abnormal loads requires specialist equipment. We operate a modern fleet of vehicles including lorry-mounted cranes, trailers and low loaders.
- Tailored solution – Abnormal load haulage is arranged around what works best for you and the nature of your load.
- Convenience – Everything from planning and preparation right through to transportation is taken care of by our team of abnormal load haulage experts. They liaise with the Highways Agency for you, taking less of your time planning the move.
- Peace of mind – You can relax with the knowledge that your goods are in safe hands.
Our experienced team understands that planning and preparation are key to a successful transit. We have a superb reputation for getting even the trickiest consignments to where they need to be, on time and with minimal disruption.
As well as supplying the best vehicle for the job, the team will carefully conduct a route survey to ensure it’s safe and feasible for our large vehicles, outlining any restrictions.
We’ll even notify the authorities, including the police, highway authority and bridge and structure owners (i.e. Network Rail), and arrange private escorts where necessary.
Abnormal load haulage is a service that’s often used for European movements – ensuring machinery and heavy equipment gets to the right place, at the right time. We help clients throughout the UK to transport abnormal loads and accommodate the needs of specialist industries, such as:
- Construction
- Civil engineering
- Oil and gas
- Defence
- Marine
If you need to move large or awkward goods, our abnormal load services could be exactly what you need. Feel free to contact us on 01695 737 880 or at enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com to find out more.
JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd
Reviews
Very helpful booking staff who helped me decide what to hire. My Haulage delivered and collected within the chosen time slots and both drivers were cheery and polite.
Heavy haulage..anything big and long you want moving they are the guys..
Delivered a container to be unloaded only there 43 minutes and I was unloaded great guys 5 stars
We used this local company to deliver a piece of equipment to our site. Access was tight, but the driver managed it easily and safely. The communication from the office was great and all at the best possible price.