The transporting of abnormal loads South Africa presents unique challenges due to the cargo’s size, weight, and nature. Ensuring that these loads are moved efficiently and safely requires specialised knowledge, equipment, and adhering to stringent regulations.
What Are Abnormal Loads?
Abnormal loads refer to cargo that exceeds the standard legal size and weight limits for road transport. These can include oversized machinery, construction materials, and large vehicles. Moving such loads requires special permits, planning, and often, police escorts to ensure safe transit.
Challenges of Transporting Abnormal Loads South Africa
Transporting abnormal loads comes with several challenges:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with South African road laws and obtaining necessary permits.
- Route Planning: Selecting the safest and most efficient route to avoid low bridges, narrow roads, and weight-restricted areas.
- Specialised Equipment: Utilising appropriate vehicles, cranes, and other equipment to handle the size and weight of the load.
- Safety Considerations: Implementing safety measures, including escort vehicles and load-securing methods.
Abnormal Loads South Africa: Regulatory Requirements
Transporting abnormal loads in South Africa requires adherence to strict regulations to ensure safety on public roads. When a vehicle or load exceeds the regulated maximum weights and dimensions, a permit may be issued by the relevant Provincial Administration. This permit authorises the transport of abnormal loads for a specified period.
The regulations governing these permits are detailed in the TRH11 document, which outlines the Dimensional and Mass Limitations and Administrative Guidelines.
Permits
Permits are generally only granted for indivisible loads—those that cannot be divided without significant effort, cost, or risk of damage. For example, a permit would not be issued for a ten-tonne load on a two-axle truck if it can legally be transported on a three-axle truck or an articulated vehicle.
Warning Signs
Vehicles carrying abnormal loads must display specific warning signs, including:
- Flags to identify extremities.
- Abnormal warning boards at the front and rear, with red retro-reflective letters on a white background.
- Amber flashing lights on top of the cab, and additional lights for mobile cranes.
- Marker lamps and reflectors to demarcate extremities.
- Speed restriction boards above the warning board if the vehicle is limited to 60 km/h or less.
- Escort vehicles with amber flashing lights and warning signs on the roof may also be required.
Embargo Periods
Embargo periods, including weekends, public holidays, and special events, may also apply to the transport of abnormal loads, with each province determining the appropriate restrictions. These measures ensure that abnormal loads are transported safely and within legal limits, minimising risks to both the cargo and other road users.
Why Choose OneLogix Cargo Solutions for Abnormal Load Transport?
As a market leader in logistics, we specialise in transporting high-visibility “yellow” or abnormal loads, machinery, and equipment across Southern Africa. We understand the complexities involved in transporting abnormal loads and our approach is comprehensive, ensuring that each step of the process is meticulously planned and executed. Abnormal load transport is a key component of our Specialised Project Cargo solutions so whether your cargo is in-gauge or abnormal, we have the experience and resources to manage it effectively.
Our services extend to the movement of a wide variety of cargo, including mining, construction, and agricultural equipment, ranging from 1 to over 100 tons. Much of this cargo is imported or exported through the Durban harbour. With a fleet of 90 vehicles and 140 trailers in various configurations—including lowbeds, stepdecks, flatdecks, retractable, extendable, skeletal, and superdecks—we are equipped to handle any logistical challenge.
Our crane trucks, with capacities between 8 and 10 tons, add further versatility to our operations. We leverage the extensive service and control network of the OneLogix Group throughout Southern Africa and the SADC region to ensure that your cargo is delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
Visit our Contact Us page or get in touch via email or phone to speak with a member of our sales team.
Transporting abnormal loads South Africa, but better!
