Our expert guide to fully understanding Abnormal Load Transport

As impressive as they are essential for moving outsize loads, abnormal load transport and heavy haulage quite often requires logistics and equipment that is highly specialised. From technical specifications to wide load regulations that can vary from country to country, driving outside the norm is not something to be taken lightly. It demands flexibility, innovation and know-how ౼ just a few of Michelin’s strong points.

The exciting routes for abnormal loads

Essential for transporting heavy equipment, wide loads play a vital role in economic development. Airbus, for instance, recently opted for more economically and environmentally efficient road transport over ocean solutions. The EU, on the other hand, announced a massive increase in installed wind turbine capacity, expected to rise from 204 GW in 2022 to over 500 GW by 20301. What could possibly handle such a load? Driven by industrial growth, increasingly large infrastructure projects, and current environmental and economic considerations, abnormal load transportation has a crucial role to play. Faced with these opportunities, the Dutch company Van Wieren chose the MICHELIN X® MULTI range for its heavy haulage fleet, recognizing the pivotal role these tyres play in the efficient transport of abnormal loads.
 

Report from the Dutch company Van Wieren

What makes an abnormal load abnormal?

Sections of a wind turbine, parts of an aeroplane, unusual-sized vehicles, prefabricated house structures ౼ the list goes on! Whilst meeting an abnormal load being transported by road is not all that common, such movements are meticulously regulated according to the territories - starting with Europe.

In France for example, the Ministry of the Interior defines an abnormal load transport as "a heavy goods vehicle with a load of goods, machinery (agricultural, forestry, public works, etc.) or vehicles exceeding the dimensions and weight authorised by the highway code". This means a truck width of over 2.55m, a length of over 16.5m, weighing over 44 metric tons. Not to mention a classification into three categories, the last of which has a maximum weight of 72 tonnes and a length of more than 25 metres².

In the UK, the base weight is also 44 tonnes, but abnormal load regulations include an additional specificity: a load in excess of 10 metric tons per non-driven axle and 11.5 tonnes per driven axle. The dimensions are also different from France, with a width of over 2.9 metres and a length of 18.65 metres³. These are dizzying figures, which also mean that drivers and fleets alike need to prepare well in advance when it comes to plotting the route when transporting large loads.

Exceptional regulation for exceptional convoys

Handling such road transport missions demands meticulous notification to the authorities, often necessitating a police escort along the route to ensure safe transport. Providing comprehensive notices and adhering strictly to wide load regulations becomes imperative to navigate these routes securely. 

Harm Van Wieren, Director of Operations for the company which bears his name, and specialising in the transport of abnormal loads, is well aware of the authorisation requirements that govern his activity: "In Germany, for example, you can only use a bridge at certain times, you need a police escort, or roadblocks". Speed, too, is regulated according to the type of road (motorway, urban road etc).