Abnormal transport is essentially the transportation of objects that exceed the legal limit in both weight and dimensions. Various abnormal load cargo that gets transported has to follow specific regulations, these may include an escort requirement to ensure the safety of other road users. Trucks carrying low bed trailers and other forms of cartage equipment are generally used for these applications.
Hauling abnormal loads may sometimes require an appropriate permit that exempts the cartage company from the usual road laws, such as weight and dimension. These permits are however only granted if there is no alternative method to move the goods to their desired destination. Once a permit is granted, the abnormal load may proceed, as long as there is no additional risk to the other road users.
In order for the transportation of heavy goods to be successful, driver’s and driver assistants are required. It is also a requirement that some large cargo hauls require the services of escort drivers, this is to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads. The most common industries that require abnormal loads are the mining and construction sectors, as well as some other sectors that require the use of plant and crane hire.
An abnormal load is a load which due to its weight, or dimensions cannot be carried on a conventional goods vehicle and requires a special vehicle and arrangements for its transport.
Abnormal load refers to the transportation of goods that cannot be dismantled into units that are legally permitted to be on the road. The goods may have dimensions or a mass that exceeds the limit of the road laws.
An “abnormal indivisible load” is defined as a load that cannot, without undue expense or risk of damage, be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of being carried on the road and that owing to its dimensions and/or weight cannot be carried on a vehicle complying with the Road Vehicles
Where such a vehicle or load cannot be dismantled, without disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, into units that can travel or be transported legally, it is classified as an abnormal load and is allowed to travel on public roads under an exemption permit issued in terms of Section 81 of the National Road ....