Heavy-Load Transport
Heavy-load transports are freight transports in road traffic that do not comply with the regulations of the German road traffic regulations (StVO) and the German road traffic registration ordinance (StVZO) in terms of their weight or dimensions. Thus, the term heavy transport not only refers in name to goods that are too heavy, but also to goods that are too large. A heavy-load transport is a transport that exceeds permissible loading dimensions and/or the permissible weight.
In Germany and other countries, it is common that heavy-load transport companies have a permanent permit based on licence plates, which they apply for–for a limited period of time–at the responsible public order office. Additionally, a permit for the actual transport needs to be applied for for every heavy-transport trip. Permission for transport is granted on the basis of the German road traffic regulations (StVO) and is usually approved by the public order office in the administration of the responsible municipality/city. The execution of heavy transports is determined by the authority for defined times, usually outside of weekends/public holidays.
Types of heavy-load transports:
- Large-volume transport: Exceedance of the permissible dimensions (width and/or height)
- Heavy transport: Exceedance of the permissible total weight
- Long transport: Exceedance of the permissible total length
- Large-volume and heavy transport: Transport that does not comply with the regulations both in terms of the weight and the dimensions.
Examples for the transport of heavy goods are wind-turbine rotors, rotors, marine diesel, etc. Those kinds of transports require a police permit and one or more accompanying vehicles. All countries within Europe work with the same/similar specifications regarding the permissible dimensions and the total weight. You can find the specific information in the manual on international road-freight transport from the Association of German Transport Companies (VKS).