On the Road with Abnormal Loads: The Role of Precision Weighing in Transport
Moving abnormal vehicle loads
Moving abnormal loads requires a movement order which outlines careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. This is primarily to ensure safety of the public and the integrity of road infrastructure. This process involves determining the load’s weight, including axle weights and total gross weights, using certified weighing equipment like weighbridges or portable weigh pads. In this blog post, we will look at how this is achieved so you can safely move from one place to another.
What is an abnormal load?
Abnormal loads could be anything from heavy machinery (including excavators, cranes and bulldozers) to industrial equipment, such as oversized generators or turbines. Moreover, large containers filled with unconventional cargo must be weighed to comply with transportation regulations and prevent overloading.
In the UK, an ‘abnormal load‘ is defined as a large or heavy load that exceeds certain dimensions and weights. Specifically, it includes loads with any of the following characteristics:
- Width: more than 2.9 meters (9′ 6″)
- Rigid length: more than 18.65 meters (61′)
- Weight: more than 44,000 kilograms (44 Tonnes)
Accurately weighing an abnormal load is important for several reasons:
- Compliance: weight limits exist to protect roads, bridges, and other infrastructure from damage. By obtaining precise weight measurements, authorities can ensure that vehicles carrying abnormal loads do not exceed these limits
- Route planning: the weight information obtained from weighing equipment is used for planning the right transportation route. Routes can be designed to avoid weak bridges or areas with weight restrictions, minimising potential risks to the load and the public.
- Road safety: overloaded vehicles can cause accidents due to decreased vehicle control and increased braking distances. Proper weighing helps prevent this and improve road safety.
- Resource allocation: accurate weight measurements help you to choose the right type of vehicle and trailer required for transportation.
Legislation and reporting requirements
Recent legislation in the UK mandates accurate reporting of axle weights on movement orders. This means that relevant authorities are notified of the load’s weight in advance and can enforce compliance with weight limits. It is no longer acceptable to overestimate the load to avoid the need for axle weighing.
Abnormal loads weighing equipment
Weighing abnormal loads is a crucial step in the safe transportation of oversized and heavy cargoes. Compliance with weight limits and reporting accurate axle weights on movement orders help to protect road infrastructure and ensure public safety. By using certified weighing equipment and adhering to regulations, transport operators can contribute to smoother traffic flow, reduce any potential hazards, and improve efficiency.
If you’re moving abnormal loads, investing in reliable weighing equipment is a small price to pay for the safety and compliance benefits it brings. Working together with Highways Agency and Regional Police forces, MWS has created an Abnormal Load Weighing Kit that provides you with everything you need to accurately weigh your axles.
