United Kingdom (UK) 

Oferta / United Kingdom

Oversize Transport Permits

Standard dimensions (no permit required)

A permit is NOT required for the following standard vehicle combinations:

  • Tractor unit + semi-trailer / Truck + trailer
  • Maximum width: 2.9 m
  • Maximum length (trailer + load): 18.65 m
  • Maximum height: 4.95 m
  • Maximum weight:
  • 5 axles: 40 t
  • 6 axles: 44 t

A permit is mandatory if any parameter is exceeded.

  • One permit per route: A single application covers the entire planned route (all regions).
  • Number of trips: In the permit you can specify any number of trips on the same route.
  • Vehicle limit: Up to 5 different registration numbers can be entered on the permit for vehicles that may use it, provided they are identical.

Breakdown of permit categories by weight:

CATEGORY 1 (Cat. 1)

  • Maximum mass:
    • 5 axles: 46,000 kg
    • 6 axles and more: 50,000 kg
  • Condition: Axle loads must comply with the standards in force for a standard 44‑tonne set.

CATEGORY 2 (Cat. 2)

  • Maximum mass (absolute limit): 80,000 kg
  • Calculating the permissible mass: The mass is calculated using the formula: D (in meters) × 7,500 kg, where “D” is:
    • For a rigid vehicle: the distance between the first and the last axle.
    • For a tractor–semitrailer: the distance between the kingpin and the last axle of the semitrailer.
    • For other combinations: the distance between the first and the last axle of the entire combination.

Detailed Technical Conditions:

  • Minimum number of axles: 6
  • Minimum spacing between adjacent axles: 1.0 meter
  • Maximum load on a single axle:
    • 12,000 kg – if the spacing between axles is < 1.35 m
    • 12,500 kg – if the spacing between axles is ≥ 1.35 m
  • Maximum wheel load: 6,000 kg (for < 1.35 m) or 6,250 kg (for ≥ 1.35 m)
  • Group axle load limit:
    • If the axles are grouped (spacing within the group < 2 m, and between groups > 2 m),
    • Then the sum of the loads of all wheels in any single group must not exceed 50,000 kg.

CATEGORY 3 (Cat. 3)

  • Maximum mass (absolute limit): 150,000 kg
  • Calculating the permissible mass: Formula: D (in meters) × 12,500 kg (“D” as above).

Detailed Technical Conditions:

  • Minimum number of axles: 6
  • Minimum spacing between adjacent axles: 1.0 meter
  • Maximum load on a single axle:
    • 15,000 kg – if the spacing between axles is < 1.35 m
    • 16,500 kg – if the spacing between axles is ≥ 1.35 m
  • Maximum wheel load: 7,500 kg (for < 1.35 m) or 8,250 kg (for ≥ 1.35 m)
  • Group axle load limit:
  • For groups where the spacing within the group is < 1.5 m and between groups is > 1.5 m, the limit is:
    • 90,000 kg – if the spacing within the group is < 1.35 m
    • 100,000 kg – in other cases

  • Standard permits (C&U, Stage 1): about 3 working days.
  • Permits for heavier loads (Stage 2, Stage 3): about 5 working days.
  • Special permits (BE16, VR1) for loads over 30 m / 5 m / 150 t: the process may take up to 6 weeks.

There is no option to extend the validity of an issued permit. In such a case, a new permit must be applied for.

Completed application form — including all technical details of the vehicle, load, and route. No additional, legally certified documents are required.

Standard driving ban (embargo): 7:00–9:00 and 16:00–18:00 on weekdays (Mon–Fri). Rules may vary by region.

Embargo can be:

  • ???? Absolute ban 
  • ⏰Time-specific (fixed hours/days or ad hoc).
  • ????️ Applicable to a specific area (e.g., on a motorway, in a city center).
  • ???? Enforced by authorities — violations can result in very high fines and impoundment of the permit.

In practice: When planning your route and schedule, you must strictly avoid the hours and days of embargo stated on your permit. This is one of the most important conditions to meet.

  • Public holidays: In many regions there is a total ban on abnormal-load transport.

Summary: The UK permit system is very structured but complex, with many technical conditions (such as axle-group limits) that must be met. Always check the local regulations of the relevant county regarding driving hours and escort requirements.

Cancellation costs depend on the stage of order processing and the timing of the cancellation in relation to the planned start of the escort operation.

The same principle applies to permit cancellations — the later the cancellation is made, the higher the potential costs, resulting from preparatory work already completed, submitted applications, and allocated resources.

Organization of Oversize Transport Operations

Oversize transport is a complex logistics operation that requires precision, experience, and excellent coordination.

???? Professional Route Planning
We analyse every kilometre of the route: bridge load capacity, turning radii, roundabouts, overpasses, detours, as well as both temporary and permanent roadworks. Planning begins well before the vehicle’s first movement.  

???? Transport Escort  
Specialised escort vehicles, equipped in accordance with applicable regulations, ensure a smooth and safe passage, responding dynamically to real-time road conditions.  

???? Documentation and Formalities 
Permits, approvals, and agreements with road authorities and other institutions — we take care of every document required for a safe and legal transport operation.

????️ Detailed Logistics Planning 
We select optimal transit times, plan alternative routes, monitor weather conditions, and consider all external factors that may impact execution.

Result? 

???? Oversize transport is carried out safely, legally, and on time, with full control at every stage — from initial planning to final unloading.  

Escort of Oversize Transport Operations

Escort (Pilot) Requirements

  • Width > 3.5 m: A private escort vehicle is always required.
  • Length (trailer + load) > 18.65 m: A private escort is often required, especially for weights over 80–100 t (region‑dependent).

Police and Alternative Services Escort

  • Height > 4.1 m and exit from a motorway: A police escort is required.
  • Height > 4.7 m on a motorway: A police escort is required (significantly increases costs).

Note: Exact escort requirements vary by region (county) and are often tightened.