Abnormal Load Transport
Abnormal Load Services
When it comes to unusually heavy or otherwise abnormal loads, you want a specialist haulage company with a strong reputation for getting even the trickiest consignment where it needs to be – on time and in perfect condition. Here at JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, we have a track record of doing just that, with our abnormal load services.
What is an Abnormal Load?
An abnormal load is a consignment that can’t be broken down into smaller parts for transport without undue expense or the risk of damage. It’s typically anything that weighs more than 44,000kg or is more than 2.9m wide.
When transporting abnormal loads, it’s a legal requirement to adhere to the government rules and regulations and to work with the local authorities to plan the journey. Depending on the load you’re moving, you may need to notify the police and highways authority. You may also need to speak with bridge/structure owners, like National Rail.
With abnormal load transport, we make sure that our vehicles cause minimal inconvenience to other road users. A private escort is not designed to control traffic but to warn the driver, and other road users, of potential hazards on the road – ensuring maximum safety at all times.
At JB Rawcliffe, we understand that planning the best route for abnormal haulage is vital for a successful transit, and so we take into account factors such as clearance and structure loading. For that reason, we provide feasibility studies for a wide range of abnormal load transport projects, as well as projects involving installation into facilities, such as substations and underground facilities.
These feasibility studies assess the impact of transporting abnormal loads and identify any issues and restrictions. Where issues are found with certain structures on route that can’t be bypassed, we can provide a range of over-bridge and flyover systems to navigate and resolve the problem quickly. We can also offer wafer-thin decks running millimetres from the roads surface, which allow high load sufficient clearance below bridges and structures.
Why JB Rawcliffe?
We have earnt an excellent reputation for abnormal load movements – handling consignments of all shapes and sizes.
With more than 45 years’ experience in abnormal load transport, and head offices centrally located in Skelmersdale – close to the motorway network – our team can respond quickly and professionally to any requests. Whatever your requirements, we are confident we can provide a suitable solution for the movement of your freight and abnormal loads.
The JB Rawcliffe team can advise you on the most practical abnormal load haulage solution for your industry, taking into account the load in question and your timescale. Using our expertise, we make sure all abnormal load movements are completed safely and efficiently – reducing cost, time and risk.
Could our services be of benefit to you? Find out today by calling 01695 737 880 Alternatively, if you’d like to know more about abnormal transport, feel free to send an email to enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
When it comes to moving abnormal loads – be it heavy machinery, 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. Here at JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, 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 – with everything from planning and preparation, right through to transportation taken care of by our team of abnormal load haulage experts. They do the liaising with the Highways Agency for you, taking less of your time planning the move.
- Peace of mind – you can relax in the knowledge that your goods are in safe hands.
An ‘abnormal load’ is one that cannot be divided into 2 or more loads without unnecessary expense or damage. Abnormal loads can’t be transported on normal vehicles as a result of their length, width, height or weight.
According to the Department of Transport, an abnormal load is a vehicle that has:
- A width more than 2.9 metres
- Weight more than 44,000kg (in the UK)
- A length of more than 18.65 metres
- An axle load of more than 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle, or 11,500kg for a single driving axle
There is no hard and fast rule for height, however, given that an unmarked bridge is 5 metres, it’s a good rule of thumb not to exceed 4.5 metres.
JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd are the experts in abnormal load transport and understand that planning and preparation is 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, 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 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 enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com to find out more.
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 assess each project individually, effectively evaluating its requirements to guarantee a practical solution. As standard practice, we make sure all jobs are completed to your satisfaction and never compromise on safety or efficiency, so you can relax that goods are not only transported quickly but will arrive at their destination undamaged.
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.