Heavy transport

Heavy transport

If a freight transport exceeds the legally prescribed dimensions, the total weight or both, it falls into the category of heavy transport. For this type of transport, the legislator provides for the granting of a permit, which is laid down in § 29 paragraph 3 of the Road Traffic Act. In addition, an exceptional permit is also required, anchored in § 70 of the StVZO. Permanent permits, which are valid for one year, can be applied for heavy goods transports which do not exceed a maximum length of 23.6 metres, a maximum width of three metres, a height of four metres and a weight of 41.8 tonnes. These number plate related approvals can be granted for tractors and trailers on the basis of an expert opinion prepared by the Technical Inspection Agency.

The driving times during which heavy transports are on the roads are also strictly regulated by law. If a freight transport does not exceed the width of 3.20 metres, the transport is generally permitted during a low-traffic period. In this case the transport may not be carried out in the morning between 6 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. and in the second half of the day between 3.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. In general, however, heavy goods transport must be carried out between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Shipments may only be carried out at night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. if, for example, a container exceeds the width of 3.20 metres. For this purpose, a permit must be obtained from the responsible public order office. The container dimensions and weight also determine whether the freight must be escorted by heavy transport escort vehicles, the police or both. There are also times when no heavy goods transport is allowed at all, for example during the holiday season on certain federal motorways. These periods are specified in the 'RGST' catalogue.

The choice of the right logistics provider is of decisive importance for the execution of a heavy transport. Professional knowledge of the transport of OOG (Out of Gauge Cargo) as well as experience in break-bulk and prelashed can guarantee a successful shipment. Not to be neglected is the choice of the correct transport equipment. The exact container dimensions required and the condition of the containers required for the freight process can certainly have an impact on the total costs of heavy transport.