Oversized and overweight loads moved end-to-end. Route surveys, permits, escorts, low-bed haulage — coordinated as a single project with the lift at either end.
Abnormal load transport is one of those services that's invisible when it goes right and expensive when it doesn't. Permits late, route blocked by a low bridge, escort vehicle in the wrong city, load oversized for the trailer that arrived — any of these means a project delay that costs more than the haulage itself. Our job is to handle the planning so the load arrives on the right day with the right paperwork on the right vehicle.
Anything that exceeds standard road dimensions or weight limits — and that means a wide range of cargo:
Every abnormal load move starts with a route survey. Our field rep reviews the route from origin to destination — overhead obstructions (powerlines, bridges, signage), road width restrictions, weight-restricted bridges, turning circles at site entry and exit, weighbridge requirements. The survey informs the permit application: load weight, width, height, length, and the proposed travel route all go to the relevant provincial authorities for approval.
South African abnormal load permits typically take 48 hours for standard cross-province routes. Cross-border movements (SADC) take longer — usually 5–10 working days depending on the destination country and the specific load. We handle the application paperwork as part of the booking.
Loads above certain width / weight thresholds require police escorts in South Africa — typically one lead vehicle, one tail vehicle, and SAPS escort on the move itself. Costs vary by route, distance and timing. For the heaviest loads (above 5m wide or 4.6m high), additional outriders and traffic management may be required. The quote includes all of these where applicable.
Standard tri-axle and four-axle low-beds handle the majority of CMK's transport work. Used for transformers up to 50t class, gensets, machinery, and smaller pressure vessels.
Modular self-tracking trailers with 8, 12 or 16 axle lines for heavy transformers and large pressure vessels. Self-steering hydraulic axles handle tight turns at substation entries.
For loads beyond modular capacity or for cross-border SADC moves, we sub-coordinate with specialised hauliers. We handle the booking, permits, scheduling and the coordination between lift and haulage — you get one project manager, not three.
Tell us the dimensions, weight, origin and destination. We'll come back with permits, timing and cost.