Wide, tall or long? Oversized cargo needs permits, escorts and a surveyed route before the truck moves a metre.
Oversized cargo — also called out-of-gauge or abnormal load — is any item that exceeds the standard dimensions a road vehicle may carry without special authorisation. In Saudi Arabia, that typically means loads wider than about 2.5 metres, taller than about 4 metres above the road, or longer than a standard trailer allows. Wind turbine blades, storage tanks, pre-fabricated modules, boats, large machinery and steel structures all fall into this category, and moving them safely requires far more preparation than a regular full truck load.
Dimension limits and permits
Loads beyond standard dimensions require a permit from the transport authorities that specifies the route, permitted travel times, escort requirements and any conditions such as police accompaniment for very wide loads. Permit processing usually takes several working days and requires drawings or photographs of the load with exact dimensions and weight.
Escorts and timing
Wide and long loads normally travel with escort vehicles front and rear, fitted with warning signs and lights. Many movements are restricted to night hours or early morning, particularly through cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, to avoid traffic disruption.
Route surveys
Before departure, the carrier surveys the route for bridge and overpass clearance, overhead power and telecom cables, roundabout radii, road width, road works and any structures that require temporary removal of signs or barriers. The survey often determines which route the permit is issued for.
Trailer types
- Extendable flatbeds and lowbeds for long items.
- Lowbeds and semi-lowbeds to reduce overall height for tall cargo.
- Wide-load trailers or modular trailers for very wide items.
- Specialised blade or tank trailers for specific industries.
Lashing and securing
Oversized cargo must be lashed to certified standards with chains, straps and dunnage, and secured against wind loads on long items.
Lead times and cost
Allow a minimum of one to two weeks for planning and permits on a typical oversized move, longer for multi-vehicle convoys. Pricing reflects the trailer, permits, escorts, survey, night working and any temporary works along the route.
TQM International plans and executes oversized cargo transport across Saudi Arabia, handling permits, escorts, route surveys and site delivery as part of its heavy and project logistics services.
