Your regular supply chain may not involve the movement of oversized or overweight cargoes regularly but there will likely be a time when the need arises. Shipping over-dimensional goods is contrastingly different from the normal containerized or LCL shipments. If you are not familiar, it’s best to speak to an expert to guide you rather than trying to handle it on your own.
There are many more factors to take into account due to the higher levels of risks and the complexities of the transport. While every shipment is unique to the scope of the project, we would like to share with you the three important basic points to consider in an oversized or overweight transportation plan.
1. The weight, dimensions and value of your cargo
This will determine if your cargo is oversized and/or overweight. Anything that does not fit into a container is consider out-of-gauge and may require special handling.
2. The permits and equipment needed
Once you have your dimensions and weight, you can find out the kind of equipment you need. Your heavy cargo transporter cannot plan if you do not have the weight and dimensions of your cargoes. We have to consider the length, width and length and the weight of your cargo to identify the most suitable trailer to move it on the road.
For example, your cargo is likely to require a mobile crane to load it onto the truck. And you need to seek technical expertise to find out the capacity of the mobile crane to use.
Also, generally speaking cargoes that are over-width may require police escort to transport.
3. Capabilities and access at the Shipping or Delivery Location
It’s also crucial to consider the route to transport your cargoes. Some routes may have height restrictions and impossible to pass through. Bridges may not sustain the weight of the cargo and the trailer. Slopes that are too steep could be highly dangerous to trudge along. If your cargo is too long, there will be problems at sharp turnings.
To find out all these, your heavy transport company will have to conduct a route survey prior to the execution of the job. They will scout for possible routes, measure if it’s feasible to move and to propose alternatives. Sometimes multiple surveys are required due to changes in road conditions.
