Mastering Abnormal Load Haulage in South Africa

Abnormal load haulage truck transporting oversized mining equipment in South Africa.

Abnormal load haulage isn’t just about trucks and trailers. It’s a highly specialised transport service that requires planning, permits, and precision. As OneLogix Mega, we’ve built a reputation for getting the seemingly impossible delivered safely and on time.

Whether you’re transporting mining equipment, wind turbine blades, or infrastructure components, understanding what makes a load “abnormal” is crucial to staying compliant and efficient on the road.

What is Abnormal Load Haulage?

In simple terms, abnormal load haulage is the transportation of cargo that exceeds standard legal dimensions or mass limits on South African roads. These include loads that:

  • Are wider than 2.6 metres
  • Weigh more than 56 tonnes
  • Are longer than 22 metres
  • Require a special permit or police escort

Think cranes, silos, massive tanks, or construction vehicles that can’t be disassembled. These are not your everyday loads—they demand expert handling, specialised trailers, and rigorous route planning.

Why Is Abnormal Load Haulage Important?

The demand for abnormal load haulage continues to grow in Southern Africa as infrastructure development and industrial activity rise. However, with that comes tighter regulations and logistical challenges, especially around embargo periods, when certain roads are off-limits.

KZN Transport Embargo 2025 Dates

If you’re planning an abnormal load haulage within KZN, keep the KZN Department of Transport’s Embargo Day List for 2025 in mind. Full-day travel bans apply on public holidays like Human Rights Day (21 March) and Family Day (21 April). Other embargoes, such as school holidays (27 June, 3 October) and major events like the Comrades Marathon (8 June), also affect movement.

Add to this the special approval required for police-escorted loads between 5 December 2025 and 10 January 2026, and you’ll understand why proper scheduling is imperative.

The Abnormal Load Haulage Permit Process

Every abnormal load haulage mission requires an Abnormal Load Exemption Permit issued by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) or provincial authorities. This includes detailed specifications of the cargo, the chosen route, and any escort or pilot car requirements.

Working with a seasoned partner like OneLogix Mega simplifies the red tape. We handle all the paperwork, planning, and liaising with officials so that you don’t have to.

With decades of experience and a fleet designed for versatility and safety, OneLogix Mega is your go-to for reliable abnormal load transport across Southern Africa, offering:

  • Specialised equipment and trailers
  • Permit and regulatory support
  • Detailed route surveys
  • Expert load securing and safety protocols

Plus, we know the local regulations like the back of our hand, including all those embargo days you didn’t know could throw a spanner in your delivery plans.

Whether it’s across provinces or borders, no load is too large or complex for us to handle. Get in touch with us today and let’s take the weight off your shoulders and get your cargo moving. But better!