Heavy Haulage Transport Services
Thompson Group 365 offer heavy haulage transport services with over 25 years in the industry.
Get A Free Quote TodayWhat Is Heavy Haulage Transport?
Heavy haulage transport is the movement of loads exceeding standard UK road vehicle limits for weight, width, length, or height. Standard HGV limits in the UK are 44 tonnes gross weight, 2.55 metres width (2.6 metres for refrigerated vehicles), and 16.5 metres length for articulated vehicles. Heavy haulage transport moves cargo beyond these thresholds, including construction plant, industrial machinery, transformers, wind turbine components, and prefabricated structures.
Thompson Group Hire heavy haulage transport services handle loads classified under the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (STGO), which governs movements across 3 categories:
| STGO Category | Maximum Weight | Notice Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Up to 50 tonnes | Minimal notice |
| Category 2 | Up to 80 tonnes | Extended notice periods |
| Category 3 | Up to 150 tonnes | Police attendance may be required |
Why Choose Thompson Group Hire for Heavy Haulage Transport?
Thompson Group Hire heavy haulage transport services deliver 5 operational advantages:
- Fleet Diversity — low loaders, step frames, modular trailers, and extendable flatbeds handle loads from 20 tonnes to 150+ tonne.
- Nationwide Coverage — Thompson Group Hire operates heavy haulage routes across all UK regions, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Regulatory Compliance — full STGO certification, ESDAL notification management, and escort vehicle coordination
- 24/7 Availability — emergency heavy haulage transport for breakdown recovery and urgent project requirements
- Single-Source Solution — Thompson Group Hire combines heavy haulage transport with plant hire, reducing coordination complexity for construction projects
How Does Thompson Group Hire Plan Heavy Haulage Movements?
Thompson Group Hire heavy haulage planning follows a 6-stage process:
- Load Assessment — dimensions, weight, centre of gravity, and lifting points documented
- Trailer Selection — appropriate trailer type matched to load characteristics and route constraints
- Route Survey — physical inspection of proposed route, identifying restrictions and hazards
- Permit Applications — ESDAL notifications submitted, Special Orders applied for where required
- Movement Execution — trained drivers, escort vehicles, and traffic management deployed
- Delivery Confirmation — load condition verified, handover documentation completed
What Equipment Does Thompson Group Hire Use for Heavy Haulage?
Thompson Group Hire operates a fleet of specialist heavy haulage trailers designed for different load configurations and weight capacities:
Low Loaders
Low loaders feature a lowered deck height (typically 400mm) that provides ground-level loading capability for heavy machinery unable to be lifted onto standard flatbed trailers. Low loaders transport excavators, dozers, dump trucks, mobile cranes, crawler cranes, piling rigs, crushers, and screeners.
Step Frame Trailers
Step frame trailers combine a lowered loading area with rear loading ramps, enabling efficient loading and unloading of tracked and wheeled plant equipment. Thompson Group Hire step frame trailers range from 3-axle to 4-axle configurations with self-steering rear axles for improved manoeuvrability.
Modular Trailers
Modular trailers are hydraulically controlled multi-axle systems configured for exceptionally heavy loads exceeding 100 tonnes. Modular trailer systems add or remove axle lines to distribute weight across road surfaces and comply with bridge loading restrictions.
Extendable Flatbed Trailers
Extendable flatbed trailers accommodate long loads such as bridge beams, wind turbine blades, and structural steel. Thompson Group Hire extendable trailers extend up to 5 metres beyond standard length to transport cargo safely.
We Work With Tight Timescales
We offer flexible service options to suit how your team works.
Get In TouchInterested in Heavy Haulage Transport?
Do you have heavy goods that need to be transported? Get in touch for competitive pricing.
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