Some loads don’t fit the standard rulebook — and they shouldn’t be handled by a transport partner who treats them like they do. At Rathmell Transport, abnormal load haulage is a specialism in its own right, built on the same principle as everything else we do: plan properly, communicate clearly, and deliver without compromise.
From prefabricated buildings and industrial machinery to construction plant and out-of-gauge equipment, we manage the full process — not just the driving.
WHAT COUNTS AS AN ABNORMAL LOAD
If your cargo exceeds standard weight, width, length, or height limits, it’s classed as an Abnormal Indivisible Load (AIL) — freight that can’t be broken down into smaller loads without risking damage or significant cost. Wind turbine components, transformers, prefabricated structures, and heavy plant machinery all commonly fall into this category.
Moving loads like these isn’t simply a case of a bigger trailer. It requires the right permits, the right route, and the right team behind it — which is exactly what we provide.
OUR PROCESS
Planning that starts before the wheels turn.
- Route Planning & Survey – Every abnormal load movement starts with a full route assessment, identifying restrictions such as low bridges, narrow roads, and weight-limited structures before the job is ever scheduled.
- Movement Orders & Notifications – We handle the notification process with the relevant highway authorities, bridge owners, and police forces, using the ESDAL system to keep every party informed and compliant.
- Permits & Compliance – Our team manages the paperwork under the Special Types General Order (STGO), ensuring every movement is legally compliant from planning through to delivery.
- Escort Coordination – Where required, we arrange escort vehicles — private or police — to manage traffic safely along the route.
You get one point of contact managing the whole process, not a haulier waiting on someone else to sort the permits.
WHO WE SUPPORT
Abnormal load transport plays a critical role across sectors where equipment simply can’t be broken down for standard transport:
Construction · Engineering · Manufacturing · Energy & Renewables · Prefabricated Buildings · Exhibitions · Specialist Projects
Whatever the load, our approach stays the same: plan it properly, communicate every step, and deliver it safely.
