Oversized Cargo Dimensions

In the following article, DiFFreight experts will share technical information, such as what oversized cargo is, what its parameters are, and how it is transported. This is one of the most challenging areas in logistics because different countries have different requirements and restrictions for oversized freight.

Let’s start with definitions:

Dimensions — refer to length, width, height, and weight.

Oversized cargo — refers to goods that exceed the permissible parameters for standard cargo.

While "standard" goods are transported in cardboard boxes, crates, or on pallets, oversized cargo poses significant challenges for companies providing international logistics services. Proper transport must be selected, cargo must be securely fastened, and routes must be planned to include only sections where the size, weight, and width are permitted.

Oversized Cargo Dimensions in Ukraine

Let’s discuss the dimensions for road transport. Cargo is considered oversized if it exceeds:

• width: 2.6 m;
• height (from the road surface): 4 m;
• length: 22 m;
• actual weight: 38 tons;
• protrusion beyond the vehicle: more than 2 m.

Even if just one parameter is exceeded, the cargo is still considered oversized. Volume is not a determining factor for this type of freight.

Oversized cargo has no maximum size limits. Agricultural machinery, wind turbine components, pipes, and construction machinery all fall into this category.

Important: The EU, USA, and other countries have different dimensional regulations for oversized cargo. This must be considered when transporting within their territories.

Types of Oversized Cargo in Road Transport by cargo

Construction Equipment

• Examples: excavators, cranes, bulldozers, loaders.
• Partial disassembly (booms, buckets) is often required to simplify transportation. Packaging and securing are carried out for individual parts.

Industrial equipment

• This category includes machines, generators, turbines, boilers, and presses.
• Logistics specifics: high levels of vibration and shock protection, sometimes temperature control.

Agricultural machinery

• All oversized machinery types: tractors, seeders, harvesters.
• Transported on low-bed trailers, sometimes with attachments removed.

Metal structures

• Examples: beams, bridge spans, building frames, and pipes.
• Securing and balancing the cargo is complex, as it extends beyond the vehicle’s dimensions.

Military equipment

• Tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery systems, and more.
• Heightened security and confidentiality requirements, as well as high axle loads.

Energy-related cargo

• Transformers, wind turbine components, industrial solar panels, and blocks for solar farms.
• High transportation costs and complex securing are the main challenges during delivery.

Vehicles

• Trains, buses, yachts, cars.
• Open platforms and specialized trailers are used.

By regulations type

• Long-length cargo

Exceeds length parameters: 20–70 m. Transported on extended trailers or modular platforms.

• Wide-load cargo

Width exceeds 2.55 m (sometimes 6 m or more).

• High-load cargo

Height exceeds 4 m, up to 8 m. Accordingly, these loads also weigh more — up to 100 tons. In addition to selecting vehicles with high load capacity, special routes must be planned to pass under bridges and power lines.

• Heavyweight cargo

Weight exceeds 44 tons, with other parameters varying. Reinforced trailers and additional axles are used to distribute the load.

• Super-heavy cargo

Weight starts from 100 tons, with varying dimensions. Modular transport with steerable axles is often used, requiring meticulous route planning.

Transporting oversized cargo with dimensions beyond the norm involves several challenges:

• High freight costs — Transportation costs increase in proportion to the exceeded dimensions and weight.
• Permits and agreements — These are required for transport through other countries, and proper documentation for the cargo must be prepared.
• Complex loading and unloading — Requires specialized equipment.
• Expensive storage — Warehouse storage services are significantly more costly.
• Limited vehicle mobility — Routes are inflexible, making transportation planning more challenging.

Consult with DiFFreight

If you plan to transport oversized cargo, contact DiFFreight. We will calculate transportation costs considering the parameters and regulations. Our team will strive to find the best price for your business. Oversized cargo transportation is the most expensive sector in logistics, making it essential to secure the best conditions.