Special and Heavy Transport - Tips and Rates
By heavy and special transport we mean the exceptional transport jobs, which cannot be carried out by normal road transport. This usually requires a permit or exemption. It is therefore also called exceptional or exceptional transport. We speak of Heavy Transport when we are talking about a load of more than 50 tons (50,000 kg).
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How does exceptional transport work?
Special transport involves shipments that weigh tons and cannot be transported with "normal trucks." So often they require trucks with very powerful engines. For example, these could be parts of a very large machine, reactor or a complete wind turbine.
These types of transportation jobs require trailers with multiple axles that can handle a high weight . Often, the trailer also needs to be customized to carry the specific item. These trailers are often modular and can be adjusted in length. In addition to a powerful truck and a good trailer, the company must also have the proper papers (exemptions) to perform this transportation. The laws and regulations for exceptional transport vary from country to country. Some examples of heavy and special transport:
- Large agricultural machinery
- Silos
- Outsized cargo
- Wind turbine parts
- Mobile homes or chalets
Requirements
Much expertise is required to be able to perform special transport. Drivers must be trained to current safety standards. In addition, special permits are often required or guidance on the road is a requirement. In the latter case, an additional wagon(s) will ride along to accompany the transport. Always inquire about the proper permits to ensure the carrier meets all requirements.
There are even special transports where adjustments are made to the route to be driven. Consider, for example, the (temporary) removal of street furniture.
Route Planning
In exceptional transport, route planning is crucial. The entire route is thought out in detail in advance. It is taken into account whether the transport can pass everywhere. Are the roads not too narrow, the bridges too low? Consideration is also given to whether all turns can be taken. The weight and load on roads and bridges are also taken into account.
Length and width transport
In special transportation, the load can be either too wide, or too long. The first case is called width transport. In the Netherlands, the law permits transport with a width of 2.75 meters. Beyond that we speak of width transport. This requires a special exemption. There is also a permit that allows continuous transport up to 3.5 meters. Exemptions can be requested up to a width of 4.5m.
When a transport is just long, we speak of length transport. The lengths for road transport in the Netherlands are listed in the Vehicle Regulations. The RDW has put the most important dimensions in an overview.
Heavy transport vehicles
Special transport tractors
Special transports often require extra-heavy tractors (trucks) that can pull the extreme weight. These special trucks are often very heavy and have huge engine power. An example is the Volvo FH 16.
Extendable trailer: teletrailer
These are semi-trailers or trailers that are adjustable in length. This is ideal for making the trailer to length for the object being transported. Dutch company Nooteboom can supply these trailers, as well as low loaders. The trailer can be equipped with a Hydraulic system to extend. The load on the axles is always taken into account.
Flatbed
A flatbed trailer is a semi-trailer where the object is transported lowered between the axles. This is advantageous for extra-high freight. The loading section of the trailer, is just above the road surface. As a result, the object to be transported does not protrude as far upward. This allows bridges to pass through, among other things, and the object does not stick out too high for traffic regulations. Low loaders are widely used for transporting work machines but also for transporting large yachts and boats, for example. Because a flatbed truck is just above the road surface, it can create dangerous situations at speed bumps, hills or railroad crossings, for example. Because of this, for example, an occasional appointment is made with prorail. For passing a level crossing (railroad crossing), the RDW has prepared some measures.
Transport with loading crane
A truck with a truck-mounted crane can lift a heavy object on location. The crane truck drives as close as possible to the object to be moved and a large crane is used to lift the object. There are then two possibilities. The crane truck lifts the object onto its own trailer, or onto a vehicle with a trailer standing next to it. There are truck-mounted cranes that can lift up to 70 tons.
Permits and exemptions for special transport and heavy haulage
We speak of heavy or special transport when an exemption is needed to carry out the transport. This means that it is not a load that may be transported within the normal legislation of road transport. What may be transported by road is included in the Vehicle Regulations. Here in articles 5.18.11 to 5.18.18 outside of which sizes and weights an exemption must be requested. If outside these dimensions is driven, an exemption must be requested from the RDW. A choice can be made here for a one-time exemption for a specific trip, or for an annual exemption with a validity of 1 year for one license plate.
For the Netherlands, there are several permits and exemptions that may be required for special and heavy transport. Here is a table with some of the most common permits and exemptions by type of special and heavy transport:
| Type of transportation | Permits and exemptions |
|---|---|
| Width > 2.55 m |
|
| Height > 4.00 m |
|
| Length > 18.75 m (truck) or 16.50 m (tractor-trailer) |
|
| Weight > 50 tons (vehicle) or 10 tons (axle load) |
|
| Escorted exceptional transport |
|
Note: This is a general representation of the permits and exemptions that may be required for special and heavy transport in the Netherlands. The exact requirements may vary depending on the specific situation and the rules of the relevant provinces and municipalities. Consult local authorities and transport companies for exact requirements and procedures.
Learn more about permits and legislation for carriers in our knowledge base.
Considerations when choosing special transportation company
More than any other type of transportation, experience and skill count. Something only has to go wrong and enormous damage can occur to goods and people. It is therefore important to only work with a company that has its affairs in order. In our business directory you can see per company which valid licenses and papers a company has.
Good arrangements with the carrier are very important. With most exceptional transport, loading and unloading is a lot more work than with standard transport. So make good arrangements about who is responsible for this and who makes preparations. Because you cannot think of everything yourself, there are the General Terms and Conditions for Exceptional Transport (AVET). These describe in more detail who does what. Good verbal and written agreements are also very important. Read more tips for choosing a transport company.
What does special transportation cost?
It very difficult to say anything about the cost of special and heavy transportation. Count at least 130,- per hour for transportation.
The price tag for special transportation is actually customization by definition. For example, sometimes exemptions have to be remitted to the RDW. The prices for these exemptions can be found on the RDW's site. Other costs depend on a variety of factors. How heavy is the object? This is especially relevant to fuel costs. How much equipment (semi-trailers) must be used, and do many custom adjustments need to be made to this? Is transport escort needed? And do adjustments need to be made to the street furniture?
Heavy transport prices
To give you an idea of the total cost, we have listed some examples of previous transports below:
| Heavy transport | Price in euros |
|---|---|
| Mobile crane | 1500 |
| Oversized truck | 2200 |
| Hydraulic platform trailer | 3000 |
| Escorted exceptional transport | 4500 |
| Low loader transport | 3500 |
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Examples of transportation jobs in special and heavy transportation
So when we talk about this type of transport, we are talking about a load that is a lot heavier than what a forklift truck can lift, or has dimensions that fall outside a container. A pallet with 2000 kg of tiles does not fall under this category, but a part of a wind turbine does. Some impressive photos and stories can be found on Big Truck's website.
Transportscanner connects supply and demand in the transport sector. There is a network of transport companies operating in the exceptional transport that will be happy to help you with your transport issue.
Below are some recently posted requests. Check the Transportation Scanner platform for all current transportation requests.
Well-known transport companies in heavy and special transportation
In the Netherlands there are several transport companies specialized in special and heavy transport. Although this is not an exhaustive list, some well-known companies in this sector are:
- Mammoet: This company is known worldwide and specializes in heavy lifting and transportation. They are involved in projects in construction, petrochemical, marine and power generation. Website: https://www.mammoet.com/
- Wagenborg Nedlift: This company offers a wide range of services including heavy transport, lifting, engineering and assembly. They operate in various sectors, such as construction, industry, infrastructure and offshore. Website: https://www.wagenborgnedlift.nl/
- Sarens: Sarens is a global player in the heavy transport and lifting sector. They provide services for a variety of sectors, including energy, civil and industrial engineering, offshore and marine projects. Website: https://www.sarens.com/
- Van der Vlist: This company specializes in special and heavy transport, warehousing and technical services. They operate in sectors such as agriculture, construction, energy and infrastructure. Website: https://www.vandervlist.com/
- Broshuis: Broshuis is a manufacturer of special transport solutions, such as low loaders, semi-low loaders and container chassis. They also offer support in planning and executing heavy and special transport. Website: https://www.broshuis.com/
Affiliated companies specializing in special and heavy transport
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