Heavy haulage glossary: technical terms explained

A heavy haulage transport is a road transport that exceeds the statutory standard dimensions or weights – in Germany more than 2.55 m in width, 4.00 m in height, 16.50–18.75 m in length depending on the combination, or 40 t gross weight (44 t in combined transport). It requires a permit under the German road traffic regulations (StVO §29).

Umbrella term for transports that cannot run in standard traffic because of oversize dimensions, excess weight or special cargo requirements. This includes heavy haulage, over-width or over-length loads as well as transports with escort vehicles or night-driving conditions.

A BF3 is a private escort vehicle with a variable message sign (VMS) that protects a heavy haulage transport: it warns other traffic and secures bottlenecks and overtaking manoeuvres. The BF3 requirement is set out in the permit under StVO §29.

A BF4 is an escort vehicle with a VMS whose trained crew additionally holds traffic-directing powers within the scope of the official order – it may, for example, briefly stop traffic. Police escort is ordered separately.

An electronically switchable display board mounted on the escort vehicle that shows other road users signs such as “no overtaking” or warning notices. Mandatory equipment for BF3 and BF4 escort vehicles.

The authorisation for excessive use of the road in Germany. It is applied for at the road traffic authority (today via VEMAGS), sets out the route, time windows and conditions such as escort vehicles, and usually takes one to four weeks depending on the route and the extent of the excess.

The nationwide German procedure management system for oversize and heavy transports: the online platform through which applications under StVO §29 are submitted, reviewed by the authorities involved and decided.

Semi-trailer with a lowered loading deck for tall and heavy cargo. Semi low-loaders have a medium loading height and suit construction machinery; low-bed trailers offer the lowest loading height for particularly tall packages.

Self-propelled modular transporter: self-propelled, couplable axle modules for extreme loads of several hundred tonnes. Modules can be combined lengthways and crossways, every axle can be steered and lifted individually – standard for plant and shipyard loading operations.

The technical check ahead of a heavy haulage transport: the dimensions, weight and centre of gravity of the load are assessed against the real route – bridge loads, clearance heights, roundabouts, gradients and ferry capacity. The result is the drivable route together with the vehicle concept.

The transport route from Europe to Central Asia bypassing Russia: via Türkiye or the Caucasus (Georgia, Azerbaijan), by ferry across the Caspian Sea (e.g. Alat–Aktau/Kuryk) and on to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Since the EU sanctions it has been the most important sanctions-free route.

The ferry connections across the Caspian Sea, above all Alat (Azerbaijan) to Aktau or Kuryk (Kazakhstan) as well as Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan). The bottleneck of the Middle Corridor – capacity and weather determine the transit time, and oversize dimensions must be registered in advance.

The external common transit procedure for non-Union goods or transports through third countries: the goods travel under customs seal to the customs office of destination without being cleared along the way.

An international customs document that allows transit journeys through several countries without customs clearance at each border. On the routes via Türkiye, the Caucasus and Central Asia it is the standard procedure for sealable loading units.

The customs document for temporary export, e.g. of exhibition machinery or reusable equipment: goods can be imported and re-exported free of duty for up to twelve months. Issued by the chamber of commerce.

The Eurasian Economic Union (including Kazakhstan and Armenia) with a common customs code: import clearance in one member state applies to the entire economic area. Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are not members.

The preference document of the EU–Türkiye customs union: industrial goods with an A.TR are exempt from duty on import into Türkiye. Agricultural products are not covered by the customs union and require proof of origin such as EUR.1.

The set of rules for securing cargo on road vehicles: positive and friction-based securing, lashing points, friction coefficients and the calculation of securing forces – for heavy packages including load-spreading supports and certified lifting points.

Carriage of cargo that exceeds the permissible dimensions (width, height or length) without necessarily breaching the weight limit. The decisive thresholds are 2.55 m in width and 4.00 m in height under the German vehicle licensing regulations (StVZO); above these, the transport requires a permit under StVO §29.

The share of the gross weight that acts on the road surface through one vehicle axle. In Germany 10 t is normally permitted (single axle, 11.5 t if driven); heavy haulage therefore spreads the load across many axle lines so as not to overload roads and bridges.

Calculation and proof of how a package must be positioned on the vehicle so that no axle is overloaded and the imposed load is observed. It ensures that the centre of gravity and the permissible axle loads match, and it is part of the feasibility study.

The route-specific obligation, set by the permitting authority, to protect the transport with BF3 or BF4 vehicles (plus police in the case of extreme dimensions). Scope and equipment depend on dimensions, weight and route risk and form part of the StVO §29 permit.

A condition that allows a transport only at certain times – often at night, outside rush hour, holiday traffic and public holiday traffic. For oversize loads the time window serves road safety; breaches or bad weather lead to standing times and expensive delays.

The load-bearing capacity of a structure, classified under DIN 1072 or the Eurocode, which states what loads it may carry. Heavy packages require a check of the bridge statics along the route; if the class is insufficient, detours or special structural assessments are needed.

A prepared, load-bearing and levelled set-up area for the mobile or crawler crane at the loading or unloading site. Ground pressure, outrigger forces and clearance must match the crane configuration; badly planned crane positioning is a frequent cause of delay on construction and wind farm sites.

Economic Operators Registration and Identification – the EU-wide registration number by which companies are uniquely identified in customs procedures. It is a prerequisite for export and import declarations and therefore mandatory for every heavy haulage transport crossing an EU external border.

The EU licence for commercial cross-border road haulage, issued nationally on the basis of the road haulage permit. It authorises traffic between and through the member states and is a basic requirement for international heavy haulage and abnormal load transports.

Transport document under the CMR Convention for cross-border road haulage. It evidences the carriage contract, documents the taking over and condition of the goods and governs the carrier’s liability – of central importance for heavy cargo of high value.

Two designs for oversize cargo: the semi low-loader has a continuously lowered deck for tall, bulky goods, while the low-bed (well deck) has a particularly deep recess between the gooseneck and the axles for maximum usable height for compact heavy items such as transformers or presses.

The approved route specifies exactly which way a transport may take; deviations are not permitted. Route restrictions exclude individual bridges, tunnels or town centres. If the dimensions or the route change, a new approval with a fresh permit lead time is required.