Considerations When Transporting Oversized Loads in Australia

It can be challenging to transport oversized loads without assistance, that's why most companies will seek out a business who specialises in oversized delivery. In Australia, many oversized transport services can offer their years of experience, resulting in a safe and timely delivery where is all taken care of. With that being said, there are still things to consider, especially when selecting a transportation service. Without proper research, specific rules and regulations can be overlooked, resulting in severe consequences and extra costs. That's why we've compiled a handy guide below to help get you started.

Things to consider when transporting oversized loads

There are some critical areas to consider when looking to transport oversized loads in Australia. By being aware of these, you'll save in unnecessary stress and legal and safety issues. To begin, you'll need to first -

1. Select the appropriate transport

Before you hire a service to transport your heavy or large shipment, you will need to confirm that your shipping container is oversized.

According to the Road Safety (Vehicle) Regulation, 1999 containers are not included as an oversize shipment. That being said, you still can't just choose any random vehicle for the job. By doing your research, you'll be able to find a logistics company with the correct transport for the size of your container.

A basic breakdown of the three different classes of heavy vehicles in Australia law can easily be found with a quick google search. While this particular chart shows some of the heavy vehicles in Australia, it doesn't represent all the available options. If you are uncertain or have any questions at all, logistic companies can also assist in confirming the best fit for your needs.

2. Limit of the truck

While researching the legal limits for oversized loads, you also need to consider the maximum weight the vehicles itself can carry. Throughout Australia, the legal size limits may differ from state to state. If you're looking to make delivery over serval states, enquire how your chosen company complies with these limits. By having this prior knowledge, you can avoid any unnecessary surprises in both cost and regulations when having an initial meeting. This chart provides a visual of the limits associated with each vehicle.

3. Weight limitation

As mentioned above, there are specific requirements around weight that must be followed for everyone safety.

Specific weight loads require a distinct number of axels and distribution. Australia also has limitations around the length and dimensions of each container, which prevents the addition of extra axels.

For example, the maximum loaded weight of container for road transport in Melbourne/Victoria is around 27T. If this weight is not properly disrupted, then additional charges for packing and repacking will apply.

4. Safe load and unload

While looking for what company to hire, it's crucial to both discuss and review their policies around a safe loading and unloading. Ensuring that an oversized freight is secured a correctly packed is the most critical consideration for road safety. Make sure you do your research into the company you've selected, checking both their qualifications and insurance policies. You may also want to consider any trade organisations they're apart of, and customer reviews to make a more informed decision.

5. Having pilot vehicles

In some cases, transporting oversized loads in Australia may require pilot vehicles or a police escort.

While there are a few determinants for it - being the size of the oversized load transport, the time of day and the contains of the shipment. It's best to consult with the experts and make sure you are abiding by all the rules for everyone safety.

6. Needed safety signs

While moving an oversized load, there are necessarily safety signs that accompany the vehicle and container. Different states in Australia will have various regulations, so it's best to contact the experts, such as the transport department to clarify what safety standards have to be met. From here, you can question potential companies to ensure they are complying with the necessary rules.

7. Avoiding travel on night

According to Australian law, there are restricts for certain oversized vehicles to travel on the road at night. It's crucial to check that the dimension limit of the vehicle can make an overnight trip. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying extra for stopovers or repacking.

Recapped Considerations

With our top tips out of the way, let's recap some general information about oversized vehicles:

• Ensure all weight restrictions and limits are met.
• Remember that these vehicles will have restrictions or need to be escorted when travelling at night and factor this in.
• Check over the route that has been mapped out and make sure that out of state travel and its requirements are accounted for.
• Ensure all warning signs that can be easily visible on the front, back and sides of the vehicle.

Final Words

By familiarising yourself with the rules and regulations of oversize transport, you can feel secure in your logistics company selection. When it comes to these speciality shipments, ensuring everyone's safety is your number one consideration. Do your research, know your restrictions then let your chosen company handle the rest.

At Expert Logistics, our highly durable vehicles are all operated by experienced drivers to guarantee your cargo reaches it’s destination safe and secure. Contact us for hassle-free and reliable transport and logistics service in Melbourne.