Dimensions of oversized cargo - how not to get stuck at customs

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.

Oversized Cargo for Transport: Sizes and Features

Let’s start with definitions:

• Dimensions — these are parameters: length, width, height, and weight.
• Based on this criterion, cargo is divided into oversized and non-oversized.

The size limits for road transport are as follows:

• width up to 2.55 m;
• height no more than 4 m from the surface of the road;
• length — depends on the vehicle, up to 12 m for a single vehicle, up to 18.75 m for a road train;
• weight up to 38 tons.

Oversized cargo falls under the category of cargo that does not exceed the above parameters. It has several advantages:

• Lower cost due to standard rates. No need to obtain special permits, and there are many companies that can provide the service.
• Availability and flexibility of transport — more vehicles fit the size limits. The cargo is transported on standard roads, bridges, and through tunnels without restrictions.
• Fast loading and unloading operations. It is possible to consolidate with other cargo.
• Standard sizes allow efficient use of the internal volume of containers or the body of the vehicle.

Organizing logistics for oversized cargo is not simple because many factors need to be considered.

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.

Brokerage services

Get a consultation

How to Determine If the Cargo is Oversized

The first step is to measure the parameters of the oversized cargo itself and its packaging. If it exceeds the established limits for at least one indicator — it is considered oversized.

Note that the definition of oversized differs for different types of transport. For example, in road transport, it exceeds the dimensions mentioned above. In maritime transport, an oversized cargo is one that does not fit inside a standard dry container (20, 40 feet, or 40 HC) in terms of length, width, height, or if its weight exceeds the maximum useful load capacity.

If your business is related to delivering oversized shipments, contact DiFFreight. We will study the dimensions and find the optimal transport solution.

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.